Fire Arms Permits

Carry Permit

To submit your application you need to:

• Apply in person, and
• Have your original gun safety training certificate, and
• Have a copy of your driver's license verifying your correct address.

The application to carry is available at the Clay County Sheriff's Office located in Moorhead or can be downloaded from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) website.

Where to Apply

There is no residency requirement for applying for a permit to carry. That is to say, if you live in the State of Minnesota you must apply in the county where you live; if you live outside Minnesota you apply at any county within the State of Minnesota. The charge for a permit to carry is $100 and that fee is non-refundable if denied the permit. The department has 30 days to process the application.

If you have any questions regarding the Carry and Conceal permit process, contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Permit to Purchase

If you live in the jurisdiction of the Clay County Sheriff's Office (rural Clay County) you can make an application for a permit to purchase a handgun at the Sheriff's Office. Clay County uses the same application to purchase that you can download from the BCA. Applications are available at the Sheriff's Office. You must have a copy of your driver's license or State identification card with your address on it. There is no charge for a permit to purchase. The department has 7 working days to process the application.

Where to Apply

If you reside within a city in Clay County, you must apply at your local police department. Check with your local police department to find out what application form they use.

In other words, to obtain a permit to purchase a weapon and you live within the City of Moorhead city limits, go to the Moorhead Police Department. If you live within the City of Hawley city limits, go to the Hawley Police Department, etc. If you live outside the city limits but are in Clay County, then you would go to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.