Open Carry in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Minnesota prohibits open carry of handguns; long guns may be openly carried in certain contexts like hunting.
How Minnesota treats Open Carry
Minnesota law generally prohibits the open carry of handguns in public without a permit, though permit holders may carry concealed. Long guns may be openly carried during hunting seasons and in rural areas, but open carry in urban or populated areas is heavily restricted. Local ordinances may impose additional limitations on firearm carry. The state does not recognize open carry as a general public right for handguns.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.