If you have a permit to carry, you can carry into the Minnesota State Capitol and other state buildings in the area — but only if you notify the Commissioner of Public Safety of your intent to do so, in advance. Otherwise, it’s a felony.
It’s a quick and easy process, so please do it.
First, remember that the obligation to notify in advance applies to all the state buildings in the neighborhood, including the State Office Building, the Transportation Building, the Veterans’ Services Building, and even the Minnesota History Center.
Here’s a handy map of those state buildings (in red):
Click to see the full-size map
Second, it’s a good idea to keep a record of your notification. We recommend that you either:
- deliver the notification in person to the commissioner’s office, and get a signed receipt,
- send the notification with “return receipt requested” service from the post office (just ask them for the green postcard), or
- mail two copies of the notification with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and ask them to sign and return one copy.
Here is a suggested format for your notification letter:
Date: ___________________
To:
Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Central Office
Town Square
444 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
Via Certified Mail
Dear Commissioner:
Minn. Stat. 609.66, Subdivision 1g specifies that a person who “possesses a dangerous weapon, ammunition, or explosives in any state building within the capitol area described in section 15.50, other than the National Guard Armory” is guilty of a felony, except for several classes of persons, including “persons who carry pistols according to the terms of a permit issued under section 624.714 and who so notify the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety, as appropriate.” (Minn. Stat 609.66, Subd 1g, (b)(2))
As a citizen involved in the legislative process, I frequently visit buildings within the capitol area. As the holder of a Minnesota State Permit to Carry a Handgun, it is likely that when I do so, I will have my pistol in my possession.
Please consider this letter as the required notification, securing for me the exemption specified in Minn. Stat 609.66, Subd 1g, (b)(2). My current permit, issued by the __________________ County Sheriff, expires on ______/________/_________.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
______________________________
My address is:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
