Firearm law reference
Minnesota firearm laws
A plain-English overview of the firearm rules most relevant to buying and selling in Minnesota — private-sale background checks, permits to purchase, restricted-firearm and magazine rules, handgun roster, waiting periods and ammunition. Federal law applies everywhere on top of these state rules.
At a glance
Reviewed 2026-06-26
What to watch for
- Important: Minnesota requires a background check on private transfers of pistols and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons: the buyer must hold a permit to purchase or a carry permit, or the sale goes through a dealer.
- Caution: Interstate transfers must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer's state for the background check; a private buyer can't take a handgun across state lines.
- Note: Minnesota has a waiting period (about 5 business days, for pistols and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons bought from a dealer; waived with a valid permit) before a firearm can be received.
- Note: Never transfer to a prohibited person or complete a straw purchase (buying for someone else) — both are federal crimes.
General information, not legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and city or county ordinances may add requirements this summary doesn't capture. Verify the current law with the Minnesota Attorney General or state police and consult a licensed attorney before any transfer. Last reviewed 2026-06-26.
Frequently asked
Does Minnesota require a background check for private firearm sales?
For some firearms. Minnesota requires a background check on private transfers of pistols and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons: the buyer must hold a permit to purchase or a carry permit, or the sale goes through a dealer. Federal law still prohibits transfers to prohibited persons and straw purchases, and any interstate transfer must go through a licensed dealer.
Do you need a permit or license to buy a firearm in Minnesota?
This summary doesn't list a state permit or license requirement to buy a firearm in Minnesota. A dealer sale still requires the federal background check, and local rules can add requirements — verify current law.
Does Minnesota restrict "assault weapons"?
Minnesota does not have a state "assault weapons" ban, though federal rules still apply.
Are magazine-capacity limits in effect in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not impose a state large-capacity magazine limit.
Is there a waiting period to receive a firearm in Minnesota?
Yes — about 5 business days, for pistols and semi-automatic military-style assault weapons bought from a dealer; waived with a valid permit. Other firearms have no state waiting period. The federal background check must also clear before transfer.
Are there rules for buying ammunition in Minnesota?
This summary doesn't list state ammunition-purchase rules for Minnesota. Federal law still bars prohibited persons from possessing ammunition, and dealers can't sell handgun ammunition to anyone under 21 or other ammunition to anyone under 18.
Buying or selling in Minnesota?
Rangium shows these state-specific notes right on every listing, and Vanta can answer compliance questions against your own inventory. Rangium is a neutral listings venue — it never processes payment or ships firearms.