Handgun Permits

All Traverse County residents who want to obtain a Permit to Carry must apply in person at the Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.  NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED; customer service window open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Refer to links on the left side of this page for more specific information about Firearm Permits.

Please contact our office with any questions regarding firearm permits 320-422-7800.

Permit to Carry

Permit to Carry

Applications for Permit to Carry are accepted in person at the Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, 203 7th St. N., Wheaton MN 56296

Hours

Office Hours Monday– Friday, 8 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (closed holidays)

Applications can be dropped of any time of day or night at the Jail/Communcations window.

Residence requirements

The Traverse County Sheriff’s Office processes Permit to Carry applications for all Traverse County residents.

Please provide ONE of the following:

  • A valid Minnesota driver’s license or state identification card with your current address.  CANNOT BE EXPIRED.
  • A valid temporary paper license from Driver and Vehicle Services, along with the voided driver’s license
  • A passport along with one of the following residency documents with your name and current address dated from the last 30 days:
    •  Water bill
    • Gas bill
    • Garbage/trash bill
    • Electric bill
    • Cable bill (streaming services not applicable)
    • Utility hookup statement

Cost

Payment in form of cash, check, credit card, or money order:

  • New application (valid for 5 years): $100
  • Renewal application: $75 (renewals can be applied for up to 90 days prior to the permit’s expiration date)
  • Late renewal application: $85 (If you are within 30 days from when your permit expired)
  • Replacement card or change of address: $10

Steps to complete a new or renewal application

  1. Complete the Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application – Permit to Carry a Pistol, signed and dated by the applicant. You may complete the application prior to your arrival. Forms are also available at the Sheriff’s Office for completion.
  2. All applications must be submitted in person.
  3. Provide evidence of training in the safe use of a pistol that meets the requirements of Minnesota Statute 624.714 from a certified instructor. This training must have been completed within 12 months prior to the date of application. For a list of approved certified firearms instructors, visit the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
  4. Provide a current driver’s license, state identification card or passport. See residence requirements for details.
  5. Pay the required fee as outlined above.
  6. Successfully pass the required background check. An applicant who is otherwise ineligible for a permit due to a criminal conviction, but who has obtained a federal pardon or state restoration of civil rights, must submit a copy of the relevant order.

A Permit to Carry is valid for five years throughout Minnesota and acts as a Permit to Purchase. A Permit to Carry becomes void when the holder becomes prohibited by law.

Certain states offer reciprocity for Minnesota Permit to Carry holders. For an updated list of states with Permit to Carry reciprocity, go to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website.

Helpful Links

For additional information pertaining to handgun legislation, refer to the following state laws or call the office of the Minnesota Attorney General at 651-296-7575.

Please contact our office with any questions regarding firearm permits 320-422-7800.

Emergency Permit to Carry

Emergency Permit to Carry

Permit may be issued if the Sheriff determines that the applicant is in an emergency situation that may constitute an immediate risk to the safety of the applicant or to someone residing in the applicant’s household. An emergency permit is only valid for 30 days. There is no fee required for an emergency permit. An emergency permit maybe revoked without a hearing.

  • Submit an affidavit describing the emergency situation.
  • Submit in person a Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application – Permit to Carry a Pistol
  • Provide one of the following for residency requirement:
    • A valid, current Minnesota driver’s license with current address
    • A valid temporary paper license from Driver and Vehicle Services
    • A passport along with one of the following residency documents with your name and current address dated from the last 30 days:
      • Water Bill
      • Gas Bill
      • Garbage/Trash Bill
      • Electric Bill
      • Cable Bill (streaming services not applicable)
      • Property Tax Statement
      • Utility Hookup Statement
      • Employee Pay Stub
      • Unemployment Pay Stub
  • An applicant who is otherwise ineligible for a permit due to criminal conviction, but who has obtained a pardon or expungement setting aside the conviction, sealing the conviction, or otherwise restoring applicable rights, must submit a copy of the relevant order.

Permit to Purchase/Transfer

Permit to Purchase / Purchase

Traverse County residents may pick up an application at the Sheriff’s Office  or DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION.

Permits to Purchase a Firearm must be renewed every 12 months.

The Sheriff’s Office will conduct a series of background related checks to assure you meet the eligibility requirements established in state law. Once those checks are complete, a permit will be issued that is valid for one year and may be used to purchase a handgun statewide.

Helpful Links

Please contact our office at 320-422-7800 with any questions regarding Permits to Purchase.

FAQs

     What do I need to do if I change my name and/or address?

            Within 30 days of a name or address change, you must provide the Sheriff’s Office with your new information.

    • Changes MUST be made with the county in which your permit was originally issued (noted on your Permit to Carry card) unless you are also renewing your permit – allowable 90 days before the expiration date – and have moved to a different county.
    • Changes can be made in person at our customer service window or by mail (with payment and necessary copies – see below).
    • You will need to update your driver’s license before coming in to the Sheriff’s Office.
    • Your voided driver’s license, along with the temporary license paperwork, will be accepted (you do not need to wait for your new driver’s license to come in the mail).
    • You will be asked to complete the first page of the State Application Form (available online or at our customer service window).
    • We will make a color copy of your driver’s license/paperwork and current Permit to Carry card.
    • There is a $10 fee (cash, check or charge accepted).

What is the reciprocity of my permit?

             Permits issued in Minnesota are valid throughout Minnesota. Minnesota law requires that states must have substantially                     similar standards in order to be granted permit to carry reciprocity.  If you plan to visit another state and wish to carry a                         firearm while traveling, you should contact that state prior to traveling. For a listing of states with reciprocity, please visit the                  Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension: Permit to Carry Reciprocity.

     In light of Worth v. Harrington, can 18-20 year olds attain a

     Permit to Carry?

           No, 18-20 year olds cannot at this time attain a Permit to Carry. For information on the status of court proceedings, you can

           see up-to-date filings at the link provided here. https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59966751/93/worth-v-harrington/