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1. How do I get a Permit to Purchase?

• We are currently accepting applications in person only if you are a resident of Winona County. If you live in a municipality with a police department you should apply with the police department where you reside.
• Applicants must present a current, color copy of their MN driver's license, state-issued ID, or Passport (or a legible photocopy).
• Applicants must be a resident of the state of MN (Your driver's license must be from MN, and MN must be considered your permanent residence.).
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old to purchase handguns, or 18 years old to purchase semi-automatic rifles.
• Permit to Purchase Applications (PDF) can be dropped off at the Winona County Sheriff's Office:
  201 W 3rd Street
  Winona, MN 55987
• There is no charge for a Permit to Purchase application.
• Application approval may take up to 7 days and is dependent on a detailed background check. If your application is approved your card will be mailed directly to your home address. If you are denied, you will receive a letter stating why.
• An MN Permit to Purchase is valid for 1 year. The process for renewing is the same as the initial application.

2. How do I get a Permit to Carry?

• We are currently accepting applications in person only at the Winona County Sheriff's Office:
  201 W 3rd Street
  Winona, MN 55987
• You must present a current, color copy of your driver's license, state-issued ID, or Passport (or a legible photocopy). You must present a current certificate of completion of an MN Permit to Carry class taught by a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) certified instructor (these certificates are valid for one year from the date it was issued).
• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must bring cash or a credit card for the deposit of your application fee in the lobby kiosk at the Winona County Sheriff's Office. The application fee is $100 for a new permit to carry. The application fee for a renewal is $75 unless the current permit is expired longer than 30 days. After 30 days it will be considered a new application. You can apply for a new permit up to 90 days prior to your current expiration date.
• Permit to Carry Applications (PDF) must be filled out completely, incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in getting denied.
• Application approval may take up to 30 days and is dependent on a detailed background check. If your application is approved your card will be mailed directly to your home address. If you are denied, you will receive a letter stating why.
• An MN Permit to Carry is valid for 5 years.

3. How do I renew my MN Permit to Carry?

• Permit to Carry Applications (PDF) must be personally dropped off at the Winona County Sheriff's Office:
  201 W 3rd Street
  Winona, MN 55987
• You must be at least 21 years old. You must take another permit to carry class to renew and present a current certificate of completion of an MN Permit to Carry class taught by a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) certified instructor (these certificates are valid for one year from the date it was issued).
• Applications must be filled out completely, incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in getting denied.
• Application approval may take up to 30 days and is dependent on a detailed background check. If your application is approved your card will be mailed directly to your home address. If you are denied, you will receive a letter stating why.
• Renewal fees are $75 unless the current permit is expired longer than 30 days. After 30 days it will be considered a new application. You can apply for a new permit up to 90 days prior to your current expiration date.

4. What do I need to do if I have a Permit to Carry and my address or name has changed?

• You can update your information by mail.
• You must mail proof that you have changed your address and/or name at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) first, so you will need to mail your updated driver's license or yellow DMV receipt.
• You also need to mail a copy of your current Permit to Carry card.
• You will need to complete just the first page of the Permit to Carry Application (PDF). You are not required to get a new card if your data changes. However, if you would like one, new cards are available for $10.
• You must notify us of your data change whether or not you wish to have a new card.
• You will receive your updated Permit to Carry via mail within 10 business days.