Sheriff's Office Deputy with Pen and Paper
Firearm Permits

Firearm Permits

Gun Permit - Apply for Purchase/Transfer Permit (no fee)

If you want to make a one-time purchase of a handgun from a dealer, and you do not have a permit to purchase, you might be able to apply directly at the gun shop where you will purchase the handgun. The gun shop will require you to complete a consent form that allows them to conduct a name and date-of-birth background check. The gun shops are entitled to charge a fee for this service.

If you already possess a valid permit to carry a handgun, that permit constitutes a permit to purchase. You don't need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.

A Minnesota Permit to Purchase is valid for one (1) year. You must be an Olmsted County resident.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 624.7131 for the laws governing your Permit to Purchase/Transfer.

Note: There is no fee for a permit to purchase.

Mail

  1. Complete the Purchase/Transfer form
    Fill out the Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application/Receipt Permit to Purchase/Transfer.
  2. Mail the form with a copy of your ID to the Adult Detention Center at:
    Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
    Adult Detention Center
    101 4th Street SE
    Rochester, MN 55904

The Sheriff's Office will run a series of background checks. After you pass those checks, a one-year permit to purchase a handgun in Minnesota will be issued.

In-Person

  1. Complete the Purchase/Transfer form
    Fill out the Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application/Receipt Permit to Purchase/Transfer.
  2. Bring with you the completed form along with a copy of your valid identification (driver's license or state-issued ID)
    Deliver the form with a copy of your ID to the drop box that is located in front of the ADC entrance. This is the Government Center's door marked with a large B1.
    Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
    Adult Detention Center
    101 4th Street SE
    Rochester, MN 55904

The Sheriff's Office will run a series of background checks. After you pass those checks, a one-year permit to purchase a handgun in Minnesota will be issued.

Gun Permit To Carry

If you live in Minnesota, you must apply at the Sheriff's Office in the county in which you live. Out-of-state applicants may apply at any of the 87 counties in the state.

You must be at least 18 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
The initial permit is valid for five years.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 624.714 for the laws governing your Permit to Carry.

If renewing:

  • A Minnesota issued Permit to Carry is valid for five (5) years after the date of issue.
  • You may renew your permit no sooner than 90 days prior to the expiration date.
  • You can still renew your Permit to Carry up to 30 days after the expiration date (late fees apply). If it is longer than 30 days after the expiration date, you are required to apply for a new Permit to Carry.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 624.714 for the laws governing your Permit to Carry.

Permits issued in Minnesota are valid throughout Minnesota. They may be acceptable in other states, but it is up to you to verify which states recognize and accept Minnesota Permits to Carry and which states do not.

In-Person

  1. Successfully pass a pistol safety training course
    You must pass a safety training course given by a firearm instructor that is approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Training must have been completed no more than one year prior to your application date. If renewing, you still must pass the training course.
    Find an Instructor
    book
  2. Read the BCA's Permit to Carry FAQ
    Make sure you understand this information.
  3. Complete the application
    You can obtain a paper copy of the application just inside the door labeled B1, at the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center, or you can download and print the application. You must have the application ready at the time of your appointment or you will have to reschedule. For more information see the BCA's Permit To Carry web page.
  4. Make an appointment to submit the application in person
    Submit the application in person by appointment only. Please follow the link below to schedule your appointment. Please read the guidelines given before scheduling and the email verification after making your appointment for location information and details on the required documents.
    Note: If you are ineligible for a permit due to a criminal conviction, but have obtained a pardon or expungement setting aside the conviction, sealing the conviction, or otherwise restoring applicable rights, you must submit a copy of the relevant order.
    Schedule an Appointment
    schedule
    If you or someone you know is unable to schedule their appointment online please call 507-328-6832 

Olmsted County Permit to Carry Fees

We accept cash or checks only.

New Application:

  • $100.00
  • Required of all new applications or renewals not made within 30 days past the expiration date on the permit.

Renewal Application:

  • $75.00 fee
  • May be made no earlier than 90 days prior to the expiration date on the permit.

Late Fee Renewal:

  • $10.00 fee
  • Permit holder submits a renewal application after the expiration date on the permit but within 30 days of the expiration date.

Personal Data Change (address/name):

  • $10.00 fee
  • Must be submitted to the issuing Sheriff within 30 days.
  • Applicant must fill out new application form.
  • Applicants need only complete required personal data and sign where indicated.

Re-issue Due to Loss/Destruction:

  • $10.00 fee
  • Must be submitted to the issuing Sheriff within 30 days.
  • Applicant must fill out new application form.
  • Applicants need only complete required personal data and sign where indicated.
  • Must include a notarized statement that the permit card has been lost or destroyed.

Emergency Permit Issue:

  • No fee
  • Affidavit describing the emergency situation must be submitted with application.
  • Permit may be issued if the Sheriff determines that the applicant is in an emergency situation that may constitute an immediate risk to the safety of the applicant or someone residing in the applicant's household.
  • Application form must be submitted.
  • Affidavit describing the emergency situation must be submitted with application.
  • Permit is valid for 30 days and may not be renewed.
  • Permit may be revoked without a hearing.