NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Liz Brocker
(701) 328-2213
August 12, 2015
CONCEALED WEAPON LICENSE RECIPROCITY REACHED BETWEEN NORTH
DAKOTA AND MINNESOTA
BISMARCK, ND – Concealed weapon license reciprocity has been reached between
North Dakota and Minnesota, announced Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.
Effective immediately, North Dakota Class 1 Concealed Weapon Licenses are
recognized in Minnesota, and Minnesota concealed carry permits are recognized in
North Dakota.
“North Dakota Class 1 license holders now have reciprocity in thirty-nine states,” said
Stenehjem.
Stenehjem’s office has been attempting to gain reciprocity with Minnesota for several
years, through many legislative changes, but one word in Minnesota law stymied the
efforts – “substantially.” Minnesota required another state’s laws to be substantially
similar to its own. Earlier this year, however, the Minnesota legislature removed
“substantially” from the requirement. Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Public
Safety determined North Dakota’s laws met the new standard.
“By removing one word, the Minnesota legislature at last made reciprocity between our
states a possibility,” said Stenehjem. “Even before the bill had been finalized, my office
contacted the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to renew efforts for reciprocity. I
am very pleased by yesterday’s decision by the department.”
Stenehjem issued a letter yesterday acknowledging the new mutual reciprocity between
the states. All Minnesota license holders have reciprocity in North Dakota, although only
Class 1 ND license holders have reciprocity in Minnesota, not the ND Class 2 licenses.
Stenehjem reminded license holders that they must comply with the laws of the state in
which they are carrying.
Minnesota residents whose North Dakota licenses were suspended in 2013 can now
apply to the North Dakota BCI to have those licenses reinstated. More information about
reinstatement and North Dakota concealed carry laws is available on the Concealed
Weapon license pages of the Attorney General’s website, www.ag.nd.gov.
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