MN PERMIT TO CARRY

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office issues Permits to Carry for the residents of Houston County and out-of-state residents.  City police departments are not authorized to issue Permits to Carry. Applications for a permit to carry must be made at the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Permit to Carry applications are available at our office or online at the MN DPS/BCA website here.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Apply in Person
  • Be 18 years of age and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Provide a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state photo ID, or passport with photo)
  • Provide proof of firearms training from a certified instructor per MN Statute 624.714 sub 2(a)
    • The State of MN Department of Public Safety maintains a list of certified firearm trainers 
    • Certificates are valid for one year from the date of completion
  • Submit a completed Permit to Carry application and payment (cash or check only; no cards accepted)

Applications are accepted at:

Houston County Sheriff’s Office
306 S Marshall, Suite 1100
Caledonia, MN, 55921
Phone:  507-725-3379 (ext. 4124 or 4126)

Hours:  Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Fees:

Application Type Houston County Resident Out-of-State Resident
New  $65.00 $100.00
Renewal (Prior to expiration date. Can renew within 90 days of expiration date and not sooner) $45.00 $75.00
Late Renewal (After expiration date but within 30 days of expiration date) $55.00 $85.00
Military/Law Enforcement - New (Military must provide copy of DD2 or DL that specifies you are a veteran) $35.00 $35.00
Military/Law Enforcement - Renewal $30.00 $30.00
Personal Data Change/Replacement $10.00 $10.00


Background Check:

All applicants undergo a background check to ensure their eligibility to carry a firearm under state law. Approved Permits to Carry:

  • Are valid for five years
  • Allow permit holders to carry statewide
  • Can be used to purchase firearms (no separate permit to purchase required with valid Permit to Carry)
For additional information and frequently asked questions, please refer to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety/Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website.

Name/Address Change or Replacement Cards:

Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 507-725-3379 (ext. 4124 or 4126) for instructions on how to update your name or address on your Permit to Carry. Updated/replacement cards may be issued upon request for $10.00. 

MN PERMIT TO PURCHASE

Where you apply for a Permit to Purchase depends on where you live:
  • City residents of Caledonia or La Crescent must apply with their local police department
  • All other Houston County residents must apply at the Houston County Sheriff's Office
Permit to Purchase applications are available at our office or online at the MN DPS/BCA website here.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Apply in person or by mail
    • Mailed applications must include a legible copy of valid photo ID
    • Incomplete applications will be returned
  • Be 18 years of age and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Provide a valid photo ID (driver’s license, state photo ID, or passport with photo)
  • Submit a completed Permit to Purchase application
Once the application is received, we have 30 days to process the application. We will conduct a series of background-related checks to assure you meet the eligibility requirements established by state law.  Once those checks are successfully completed a permit will be issued for one year and may be used to purchase firearms statewide.  The permit card will be mailed to you.  

For additional information and restrictions, refer to the MN DPS/BCA website listed above.

Fees

There is no fee for a Permit to Purchase