Minnesota Permit to Carry Age 18 to 20
Not legal advice: I am a firearms instructor, not your attorney. This page provides general information about Minnesota Permit to Carry eligibility and Davey Defense training policy. For questions about your specific legal eligibility, contact your county sheriff or a qualified attorney.
This page explains current Minnesota Permit to Carry eligibility for adults ages 18 to 20, and what responsible carry actually means in the real world.
What changed in Minnesota
Minnesota can no longer enforce its previous age-based restriction that blocked otherwise qualified adults ages 18 to 20 from obtaining a Permit to Carry. As a result, adults who are 18, 19, or 20 may now apply for a Minnesota Permit to Carry, and county sheriffs accept those applications.
Important: the legal requirement to be eligible still exists. Age is only one factor.
Minnesota Statute 624.713 defines categories of people who are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Anyone prohibited from possession cannot lawfully receive a Permit to Carry, regardless of age.
Buying vs. carrying, what actually works right now
Do not assume you can walk into a gun store and buy a handgun. Federal law still restricts retail handgun sales to people age 21 and older. Court challenges are ongoing, but you must verify current federal law before relying on any change.
If you are 18 to 20 and want to legally carry in Minnesota today, lawful options may include:
- Borrowing a pistol from a parent or close family member when lawful to do so.
- Purchasing from a private individual where private party transfers are lawful.
These are legal pathways, not loopholes. They are simply different from buying new from a retail dealer.
Training and legal responsibility
You must complete a certified Minnesota Permit to Carry training course and submit your application to the sheriff in your county of residence. Approval depends on meeting all legal eligibility requirements under Minnesota and federal law.
Training is more than marksmanship. Responsible carry requires judgment, safety, de-escalation, legal awareness, and accountability after an incident.
This is a lifestyle choice, not a trend
Choosing to carry a firearm for self-defense is not a fad. It is a long-term responsibility that affects you and everyone around you. Once you carry in public, the stakes change.
Key things young adults must understand
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Your brain is still developing.
Decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment continue maturing into the mid-20s. Honest self-assessment matters.
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Training is not optional.
Carrying safely means you train regularly and you stay accountable. Skills decay. Judgment must be practiced.
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Campus and property rules still apply.
Many colleges and private properties restrict carry. Know the rules and plan lawful alternatives for personal safety.
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Social media can create risk.
Posting firearms, gear, or daily routines online can attract theft and unwanted attention. Use discretion.
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It is not just the hardware.
The presence of a firearm changes how situations escalate, even if it is never drawn. Maturity and restraint are essential.
Students turning 18 soon
Davey Defense may train students who are within 30 days of their 18th birthday so they are fully prepared to submit their permit application immediately upon becoming legally eligible.
This timing approach has been recommended by several sheriffs in our region. The goal is simple, training first, then the permit application can be on the sheriff’s desk as soon as the student is legally eligible, so the permit can be processed and mailed back to arrive within days of the 18th birthday.
Important limits: training before age 18 does not allow early application. All state and federal eligibility requirements still apply.
Davey Defense does not bend, stretch, or work around the law. We prepare students to act responsibly once they are legally eligible.
Final thoughts
Young adults in Minnesota can now lawfully pursue a Permit to Carry, but legality is only the starting point. Responsible ownership, mature judgment, and consistent training are what truly matter.
If you are 18 to 20, legally eligible, and ready to take responsibility seriously, you are welcome in class.
Register for a Permit to Carry class or contact Davey Defense with questions about scheduling and timing.
Discipline with a side of attitude.