Minnesota Expands Reciprocity: 14 New States Honored

Gun owners traveling to or through Minnesota just got some welcome news: The state has officially added 14 more states to its list of recognized concealed carry permits. As of the latest announcement by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, permits from the following states are now honored:

• Arkansas

• Colorado (issued after 8/1/2024)

• Delaware

• Maryland

• Massachusetts (issued after 8/1/2024)

• Mississippi (enhanced only)

• Missouri

• Nebraska

• Nevada

• New York

• Oklahoma

• South Carolina

• Tennessee (enhanced only)

• Texas

What Changed?

Under Minnesota law, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is required to annually review the concealed carry laws of other states. The purpose is to determine whether a given state’s laws are “similar” to Minnesota’s, particularly in areas such as background check requirements, permit issuance procedures, etc.

Among changes to other states' laws, this year’s review also included a significant development: the impact of a federal court decision that reshaped the landscape for young adults' gun rights in Minnesota.

The Worth v. Jacobson Factor

A major legal shift came in 2024 when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit struck down Minnesota’s prohibition on issuing permits to individuals aged 18 to 20. The court ruled in Worth v. Jacobson that the age restriction violated the Second Amendment rights of young adults.

This ruling didn’t just change Minnesota law—it also closed a key gap between Minnesota and other states whose laws already allowed 18- to 20-year-olds to obtain permits. That meant those states' laws were suddenly much more “similar” to Minnesota’s under the DPS criteria, clearing the way for their inclusion in the reciprocity list.

Why This Matters

If you hold a concealed carry permit from one of these newly recognized states, you can now legally carry while visiting Minnesota, provided you follow Minnesota’s own carry laws. This change affects a wide range of gun owners, including truckers, business travelers, students, and everyday Americans exercising their right to self-defense across state lines.

Final Thoughts

This expansion is a big win for concealed carriers and gun rights advocates. It shows how judicial victories and legislative alignment in one state can ripple outward, breaking down old barriers and restoring rights across multiple jurisdictions.

Travelers are still encouraged to check Minnesota’s specific carry laws before visiting, as local restrictions, such as prohibited locations, secure storage requirements, campus carry, etc. For quick, easy, and on-the-go access to gun law summaries from each state, including Minnesota, along with up-to-date reciprocity maps, download the free Concealed Carry Gun Tools App. It's an essential resource for gun owners who travel or just want to stay informed.