You've probably heard the chatter. Whether it’s at the local diner in Bemidji or a backyard BBQ in Edina, everyone seems to have an opinion on what just happened to Minnesota’s gun regulations. Honestly, the landscape shifted more in the last year than it has in the previous decade. If you’re feeling a bit whiplashed, you aren't alone.
Basically, the state flipped the script on how private sales work and how the government handles people in crisis.
It’s not just "business as usual" for gun owners anymore. We’re looking at a reality where a simple hand-off between friends could land someone in hot water if they don't follow the new paperwork trail. 2024 is the year these theories became enforceable reality.
The Big Shift: Minnesota Gun Laws 2024 and Beyond
If we’re being real, the most significant change—the one that actually affects the average person every day—is the "Universal Background Check" rule. Technically, this started rolling out late in 2023, but 2024 is when the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) really hammered down the enforcement and the new forms.
Here is the deal. You used to be able to sell a pistol to your neighbor with a handshake and a "see ya later." Not anymore. If you’re transferring a pistol or a "semiautomatic military-style assault weapon" (SAMSAW) in a private sale, you have to play by the new rules.
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How private transfers work now
You basically have two choices. You can both walk into a federally licensed dealer (FFL) and let them run the background check for you. Or, you can do the paperwork yourself, but there's a catch: the buyer must have a valid transferee permit or a permit to carry.
And don't lose that paper! You’re required to keep a record of that transfer for ten years. If that gun ends up at a crime scene eight years from now and you can't produce that record? That’s a massive legal headache you don't want.
- Who is exempt? Family. You can still give a gun to your spouse, your kids, or your grandkids without the state breathing down your neck.
- What about loans? Short-term loans for hunting or at a range are generally okay, but the "loaning" rules have narrowed significantly.
Red Flags are Officially Flying
Starting January 1, 2024, Minnesota joined the ranks of states with Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). People call these "Red Flag" laws. It’s a polarizing topic, to say the least.
The idea is pretty straightforward: if someone is a "significant danger" to themselves or others, certain people can ask a judge to temporarily take their guns away.
Who can ask?
- Family or household members (including people you've dated or lived with).
- Chief law enforcement officers.
- City or county attorneys.
- Guardians.
There are two versions of this. There is the "Emergency" order that can happen without the gun owner even being there—it's designed to stop an immediate tragedy and lasts 14 days. Then there's the long-term order, which involves a hearing and can last up to a year.
According to data from the Center for Gun Violence Solutions, there were over 130 of these petitions filed in the first half of 2024 alone. Most were initiated by police, but a decent chunk came from family members worried about a loved one in a mental health crisis.
The "Binary" Ban and Straw Purchase Felonies
If you’ve been following the news lately, you know things got heavy after the Burnsville tragedy in early 2024. The legislature didn't wait long to react.
Governor Tim Walz signed a bill that officially bans binary triggers. These are the devices that let a gun fire once when you pull the trigger and once when you release it. They’re basically being treated like "machine gun" adjacent tech now. While the law was signed in mid-2024, the actual ban on possession kicks in on January 1, 2025. If you own one, you’ve got a ticking clock to figure out what to do with it.
Straw Purchases: No more slaps on the wrist
Buying a gun for someone who isn't allowed to have one used to be a gross misdemeanor. Sorta like a bad traffic ticket with a bit more bite.
Not anymore.
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As of August 1, 2024, a straw purchase is a felony. Period. The state is trying to choke off the supply of illegal guns to the streets by making the "middle man" pay a much higher price. If you buy a Glock for a buddy who has a domestic violence conviction, you’re looking at prison time, not just a fine.
The Age Limit Rollercoaster
This is where it gets confusing. For a while, Minnesota said you had to be 21 to get a Permit to Carry. Then a court said no, that’s unconstitutional, and 18-year-olds should be allowed.
In July 2024, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals weighed in again. As of right now, the age limit for a Permit to Carry is effectively back to 18 because the court struck down the 21-plus restriction. However, this is still being fought in the courts. If you're 19 and looking for a permit, you’ve actually got the green light for the moment, but you’d better keep a close eye on the news because a single court ruling could flip that back tomorrow.
The Reality of Gun Free Zones
Saint Paul is trying to be a leader here, but they’re hitting a wall called "preemption." Basically, Minnesota law says cities can't make their own gun laws that are stricter than the state's.
Even so, Saint Paul passed an ordinance in late 2025 (looking toward 2026) trying to ban guns in parks and libraries. It's mostly symbolic for now because state law still says "no," but it shows where the political wind is blowing.
For you? It means you still need to look for those "Guns Prohibited" signs. Private businesses can still ban them, and state buildings are still off-limits.
Why This Matters Right Now
Minnesota isn't the same "Wild West" of private sales it was two years ago. The state is moving toward a more regulated, tracked, and "documented" system.
Whether you love these changes or hate them, the "I didn't know" excuse doesn't work with the BCA or the local sheriff.
Actionable Steps for Minnesota Gun Owners:
- Audit Your Safe: If you have a binary trigger, you have until January 1, 2025, to legally dispose of it or move it out of state.
- Permit Check: If you’re buying or selling privately, ensure the buyer has a Permit to Purchase or a Permit to Carry. No permit, no sale.
- Documentation: Start a file. If you sold a gun in 2024, make sure you have the "Record of Transfer" form signed and stashed away. You need it until 2034.
- Check Local Signs: Even with preemption, more public spaces are being "posted" as gun-free. Always double-check the doors of government-funded buildings.
The rules changed. Knowing them is the only way to stay on the right side of the law while exercising your rights.