Permit to Purchase
A Ramsey County resident must go to the police agency in their city to apply for a permit to purchase a pistol. Residents who live in the Contract Cities of Shoreview, Arden Hills, Vadnais Heights, Little Canada, White Bear Township, North Oaks and Gem Lake have to go to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Patrol Station (1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive) in Arden Hills between the hours of 8:00 and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
An applicant must bring current valid ID and fill out an application at the desk. A permit or denial will be sent out in 7 - 10 days. There is no fee.
Questions, please call 651-266-7300.
Permit to Carry
Office Location
Applications for a handgun "Permit to Carry" are accepted at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center located at 425 Grove Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. The application must be submitted in person at the Gun Permit Office (1st floor).
Office Hours
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Questions
651-266-9670 - Gun Permit Office
Age & Residency Requirement
An applicant must be 21 years of age and a resident of Ramsey County, Minnesota.
Applicant Must Bring:
- The original and a photo copy of their current valid state ID, Driver's License, or passport. Important: the address on the ID must be within Ramsey County.
- The original and a photo copy of training certificates and/or training paperwork.
- An application fee of $100.00, payable by cash or check - No credit cards are accepted.
Applications
Applications are available on-line at the State of MN Department of Safety or can be obtained and completed at the Gun Permit Office. The application may be filled out before you submit it but should not be signed or dated until you present it in person. The Gun Permit Office will mail your permit or explanation of denial within 30 days.
Firearms Training Courses
See the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) website
Change of Address/Loss/Destruction of Your Permit to Carry
Updates or changes to a permit must be submitted in person at the Gun Permit Office, 425 Grove Street, St. Paul, MN, 55101.
The permit holder is required to notify the issuing Sheriff's Office of any change of address, loss or destruction of a permit. This must be done within 30 days of the event. Failure to provide notification as required is a petty misdemeanor. A "Personal Data Change Form" must be completed at the Gun Permit Office for any change of information. A notarized statement is required on any lost or stolen permits in order to get a replacement card.
$10 (cash or check only) is required for any replacement permit cards. A current MN Driver's License and your current permit will be required for any change of name or address.
Renewal of a Permit to Carry
Permits to carry expire after five years. You may apply for renewal by submitting an application to the Sheriff's Gun Permit Office. Applications are available on-line at the State of MN Department of Safety or can be obtained and completed at the Gun Permit Office. The application may be filled out before you submit it but should not be signed or dated until you present it in person. The Sheriff's Office will mail your new permit or explanation of denial within 30 days.
Will I Need Additional Training to Renew My Gun Permit?
Yes. You must take an authorized firearms training class within one year of your renewal application.
BCA Listing of Authorized Firearms Instructors & Contact Info
What if I Have Moved to Another County?
If you have moved to a different county, you must then submit the renewal application to the county sheriff of the county where you presently reside, not the issuing county.
Cost for Permit Renewal
$75 payble by cash or check only. $10 late fee if you submit your renewal application packet up to 30 days after the expiration. When 30 days have passed after your permit expires, you will be required to reapply for a new gun permit at the cost of $100. Please plan on submitting your application packet at least 31 days before your permit expires. Processing of your renewal application takes up to 30 days. Note: You cannot apply for renewal more than 90 days before your permit expires.
Appointments for Permit to Carry Renewal Applications
Call the Gun Permit Office (651-266-9670) to schedule an appointment to submit your application for renewal. Hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. , Monday - Friday). While an appointment is not required, scheduled appointments will be served before walk-in visitors.
