Is a Alabama Non-Resident Permit Valid in Minnesota?

Why

• Alabama does not issue carry permits to non-residents (alea: alabama issues concealed carry permits only to alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence).

DPS publishes the recognized-state list annually (Minn. Stat. 624.714 subd. 16); the statute recognizes 'a person holding a carry permit' from a qualifying state without requiring residency in the issuing state. NOT recognized (2026 list): Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Several states are recognized only conditionally — see overrides.

Carry rules in Minnesota

Crossing into Minnesota swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.

• No proactive duty: the permit card and ID must be displayed upon lawful demand, and the holder must disclose whether they are carrying only upon a peace officer's request (Minn. Stat. 624.714 subd. 1b).
• Minnesota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Minnesota is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Minnesota recognizes.
• A permit is required to carry a loaded pistol in a motor vehicle; without a permit, pistols must be transported unloaded and cased under the Minn. Stat. 624.714 transport exceptions.

Off-limits places in Minnesota

• School property, except in a vehicle or placing/retrieving from the trunk (Minn. Stat. 609.66 subd. 1d)
• Courthouse complexes, unless the permit holder has notified the sheriff (Minn. Stat. 609.66 subd. 1g)
• State correctional facilities (Minn. Stat. 243.55)
• Private establishments that have posted or personally requested no guns (Minn. Stat. 624.714 subd. 17)
• Federal facilities and other places prohibited by federal law

Frequently asked questions

Is a Alabama non-resident permit valid in Minnesota?

Alabama doesn't put this permit on the table for non-residents (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). See our non-resident permit guide for the states that do, and which of their permits Minnesota accepts.

Do I have to tell police in Minnesota that I am carrying?

No proactive duty: the permit card and ID must be displayed upon lawful demand, and the holder must disclose whether they are carrying only upon a peace officer's request (Minn. Stat. 624.714 subd. 1b).

Does Minnesota limit magazine capacity?

Minnesota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Does Alabama issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Alabama issues carry permits to residents only (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.