Handgun Permits

Types of Permits

There are two types of handgun permits: Permit to Carry a Handgun and Permit to Purchase a Handgun. Both types of applications must be submitted in person by the applicant. The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office cannot accept applications through the mail. Gun permit applications will be accepted during normal business hours. 

Permit to Carry

How do I get a Permit to Carry?

To obtain a Permit to Carry a Handgun, all residents of Crow Wing County must apply in person at the Sheriff's Office. Application approval may take up to 30 days and is dependent on a detailed background check. If the application is approved, the permit will be mailed to the address provided on the application. If the permit is denied, a letter will be mailed to the applicant explaining the reason for denial. A Minnesota Permit to Carry is valid for 5 years and also serves as a Permit to Purchase.

Applicants must:

  1. Complete the Permit to Carry application (PDF) and bring it to the Sheriff's Office. Applications are also available at the Sheriff's Office front counter. 
  2. Be at least 21 years old.
  3. Present a current MN driver's license, state-issued ID or Passport.
  4. Present a current certificate of completion of a MN Permit to Carry class taught by a BCA certified instructor. These certificates are valid for one year from the date it was issued.
  5. Pay the Permit to Carry fee of $75 by cash, check or credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover).

How do I renew my Permit to Carry?

To renew a Permit to Carry, applicants must submit the Permit to Carry application (PDF) up to 90 days prior to or 30 days after expiration of their current Permit to Carry. Applicants must also complete steps 1-4 listed above and pay the permit renewal fee of $60.

How do I report a change of name or address?

  • Permit holders are required to notify the Sheriff's Office in the county in which the permit was issued within 30 days of a name or address change. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor. 
  • Complete the Change of Information form (PDF) or obtain a form from the Sheriff's Office.
  • Provide a current MN driver's license, state-issued ID or Passport. 
  • A name change requires additional proof of the name change such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
  • A change of information may be done in person at the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office or via mail. 

How do I replace a Lost or Stolen card?

  • Permit holders are required to notify the Sheriff's Office in the county in which the permit was issued within 30 days of a lost or stolen permit card. Failure to do so is a petty misdemeanor.
  • This must be done in person at the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office.
  • Complete the Replace Lost/Stolen Card form (PDF) or obtain a form from the Sheriff's Office.

Permit to Purchase

How do I get a Permit to Purchase?

Applications will be processed within 7 days and are dependent on a detailed background check. If the application is approved, the permit will be mailed to the address provided on the application. If the permit is denied, a letter will be mailed to the applicant explaining the reason for denial. A Minnesota Permit to Purchase is valid for 1 year. The process for renewing is the same as the initial application process. A Permit to Purchase is not necessary for Permit to Carry holders.

To obtain a Permit to Purchase, residents living in Crow Wing County, outside of any city limits, must apply in person at the Sheriff's Office. Residents living within city limits must apply at the local police department. These cities include:

  • Baxter
  • Brainerd
  • Breezy Point
  • Crosby
  • Crosslake
  • Deerwood
  • Nisswa
  • Pequot Lakes

Residents in the cities of Cuyuna and Emily must apply at the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office. Residents in the city of Ironton must apply at the Deerwood Police Department. Residents in the city of Jenkins must apply at Pequot Lakes Police Department.

Applicants must:

  1. Complete the Permit to Purchase application (PDF) and bring it to the Sheriff's Office. Applications are also available at the Sheriff's Office front counter.
  2. Be at least 18 years old.
  3. Present a current MN driver's license, state-issued ID or Passport.
  4. There is no charge to apply for a Permit to Purchase.

Additional Resources