Permit to Carry
The Sheriff’s Office will process all Permits to Carry a Handgun for the residents of Pope County. As long as the applicant lives within the county (which does include the city limits of a city that has a full-time or part-time police department) they can stop by the Sheriff’s Office to apply.
Below is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) pertaining to Permits to Carry a Handgun:
How do I apply for a permit to carry a handgun?
Stop into the Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours to fill out an application or fill out an online application available here. The completed application along with the necessary documents must be turned in to the Sheriff’s Office in person.
How do I apply for a permit to purchase/transfer?
Stop into the Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours to fill out an application or fill out an online application available here. The completed application along with the necessary documents must be turned in to the Sheriff’s Office in person.
What do I need to provide along with the application?
Applicant needs to provide a current driver’s license showing correct address. The applicant also needs to provide the original training certificate showing he/she has completed the course by a BCA certified instructor. A copy of the certificate will be made and kept with the application and the original is given back to the applicant for his/her records.
What is the fee for the permit?
Permit to carry applications:
New Permits: $75.00 for a new permit.
Renewal permits are:
- $50.00 within 90 days prior to expiration
- $60.00 within 30 days after expiration
- $75.00 after 30 days of expiration.
Change of information (changes must be requested through the county that issued the permit): $10.00 change of information
CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY
How long is the permit valid for?
The permit is valid for 5 years.
How do I renew my permit?
The same process needs to be followed as if you were getting a new permit. Each time you apply (every 5 years) a current driver’s license is required as well as firearms training.
What do I do if I move?
If the applicant moves within the county they receive the permit, they need to contact the Sheriff’s Office where they received the permit. If the applicant moves outside the county where the permit was issued and the permit is still valid, they still contact the issuing Sheriff’s Office until the permit is no longer valid. However, if the applicant moves outside the county where the permit was issued and the permit expires, they need to contact that county and apply for a new permit. The Sheriff’s Office needs to be notified within 30 days of moving per MN State Law.
How old do you have to be to apply?
The applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
How long does the application process take?
By state law the Sheriff’s Office has within 30 days of receipt to either accept/deny the application.
How will I know if I've been approved for the permit?
If approved, your permit will be sent to you in the mail. If denied, you will receive a letter stating the reason.