Minnesota law requires a permit to purchase or transfer ownership in order to obtain a handgun through a purchase, sale, gift, loan, assignment or other delivery from another person. This permit is issued by the police department of the city in which the recipient or buyer lives.

A permit to acquire is valid for one year. Each year, you must renew your permit if you want to purchase additional firearms. You do not need to renew your permit to continue to own current firearms.

Requirements

To receive a firearm permit in the City of St. Louis Park, your driver’s license must be current and show your current St. Louis Park address.

How to apply for a permit

Download and complete the permit to purchase or transfer a firearm application.

Submit the signed and completed application, along with a copy of your driver's license, in one of the following ways:

• Email: gunpermits@stlouisparkmn.gov
  
  
• Mail: Mail application and copy of driver's license to:
  St. Louis Park Police Department Records
  3015 Raleigh Ave. S.
  St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Allow staff seven to 10 business days to process your application.

If you are approved, the gun permit will be mailed to you. If you are not approved, the officer or agent who processed your application will send you a letter to explain the reason for denial.

Permits to carry a handgun

Permits to carry a handgun are issued by all county sheriffs in Minnesota. Hennepin County residents may contact the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office with any questions.

If you have a valid permit to carry, you do not need to apply for a separate permit to purchase.

For more information on permits to carry, visit Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's website.

All solicitors, peddlers and transient merchants are required to register with the city. A license is not required to canvas for contributions or support of any charitable, religious, civic, educational, philanthropic, social service of welfare organizations.

How to apply

1. Complete the peddler/transient merchant/solicitor license application. Refer to the application instructions for more details.
   
   Applications are also available at the St. Louis Park Police Department Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
   
   
2. Bring the completed application and your valid government-issued ID to the police department. Peddlers and transient merchants must also bring the $150 per-person application fee. Cash, check or credit cards are accepted.
   • The application fee may be waived for nonprofits. To be eligible, you must submit a tax-exempt document from the Secretary of State, stating your organization is registered as a nonprofit 501(c)3, or for businesses not based in Minnesota, the Certificate of Registration (Business Certificate) from the state where the business was registered.
   • Allow adequate time if completing the application in-person.
   • Completed applications are accepted Tuesday – Thursday, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Each person applying for a license must appear in person with their application and government-issued ID.
     
     
3. Issuing permits
   • Peddlers and transient merchants — Once approved, the police department will contact you to come in and have your photo taken. After your photo is taken, your license card will be issued.
   • Solicitors — The license will be issued when the documentation listed above is presented to the police department.

Note: Your license may be immediately suspended or revoked by the city for good cause. Please refer to the City Code for revoked causes, prohibited activities and the notification process.

Definitions

• Peddler: Someone who goes from place-to-place selling goods or services that are immediately delivered. An example would be someone selling books they have with them.
  
  
• Solicitor: Someone who goes from place-to-place obtaining orders for goods or services that will be delivered later; a canvasser. An example would be someone selling magazine subscriptions that will be sent in the mail later.
  
  
• Transient merchant: Someone who sells products or services in a fixed location temporarily. An example would be a food vendor temporarily set up in a parking lot.

Why do solicitors need a license in St. Louis Park?

The City Code requires a license. City Code: Chapter 8 Business Licenses; Division 4 Temporary Uses; Secs. 8-555—8—570 Subdivision V. Peddlers, For-Profit Solicitors and Transient Merchants

Who needs to complete a permit application?

Each individual seeking to conduct business as a transient merchant, peddler or solicitor must compete an application. A license is not required to canvas in St. Louis Park.

When do I need to pay the application fee?

All applications for a peddler or transient merchant license should be accompanied by the fee set by the city. You may not pay in advance for individuals who will be applying for a license. The application(s) must be accompanied with the fee.

Can I fax in the organization’s applications and copies of a valid government-issued photo ID?

No. Each person applying for a license must present his/her application and valid government-issued photo ID in person. In addition, the license application must be accompanied by the fee.

What types of valid government photo IDs are accepted when submitting an application?

A valid driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport.

What documents do we need to submit other than the application and a valid government-issued ID?

If applicable, bring your organization’s workers compensation certificate (Certificate of Liability Insurance).

Do I need a license to hang an advertisement on residents’ doors?

No, a license is not needed. However, you cannot knock on the door or have contact with the residents. The item you hang must be secure and not blow away. If the resident has a “No Solicitor” sign posted, do not leave the advertisement and do not go onto the property.

Do I need a license if I want to canvas in St. Louis Park?

No. A license is not required to canvas for contributions or support for any charitable, religious, civic, educational, philanthropic, social service or welfare organization.

I am not a US citizen. Can I still apply for a license?

Yes, if you have a work Visa and a government-issued ID (valid passport from your country).

How do I know if my company is a nonprofit organization?

Ask the organization you are representing. A nonprofit will file for 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. Nonprofits are organized for purposes other than generating a profit and in which no part of the organization’s income is distributed to its members, directors, shareholders or officers.

How long does it take to process the peddler or transient merchant license application?

The city will process the license within 15 days of receiving all the completed documentation, ID and fee (if applicable). The city will issue the license unless grounds exist for denying the license application under City Code Sec. 8-575.

Can I solicit as a peddler or transient merchant in St. Louis Park while I am waiting for my license to be approved?

No. It is unlawful to solicit without a license.

How will I know when my peddler or transient merchant license is approved?

The contact person listed on the application will be called Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. When there are multiple applications processed for one business/organization, designate one person to be the contact person and he/she will be called.

When can I get my photo taken and pick up my approved peddler or transient merchant license?

License photos are taken Tuesday – Thursday, 9 – 11:30 a.m. You must bring in your valid government-issued photo ID. After your photo is taken, your license will be issued. Solicitor license photos are taken when the completed application and required documentation are presented to the police department.

What happens if my peddler or transient merchant license is denied?

You will be notified in writing of the decision. If you listed a group contact name, the contact person will be notified it was denied and the applicant will be notified in writing of the decision.

If my peddler or transient merchant license is denied, is the fee refunded?

Yes.

How long is the license valid?

The license is valid for one year and the expiration date is listed on the license.

How do I renew my license?

You need to reapply and complete the same application as a new solicitor, peddler or transient merchant.

I have an application form from a previous year. May I use it to apply or reapply for a license this year?

No. You need to obtain a current years’ application.

What should I do if I lose my license and is there a fee?

Call 952.924.2600. Providing your license is still active, a new one will be issued, using the original expiration date. There is no need to complete another application or have a new picture taken. The fee is $25 for a duplicate license.

Do I need to wear my license?

The license is in the form of a badge and lists your name, company name, licensee photo, license number and the license expiration date. You must wear it in such a way as to be conspicuous at all times while soliciting in the city. A lanyard will be provided when the license is issued.

Can I transfer my license to another person?

No. The license issued shall not be transferred to any other person other than the person to whom the license was issued.

May I solicit when I see a sign the resident posted stating, “No Solicitors”?

No. Do not approach the resident or the property. Refer to City Code Sec. 8-579. In addition, solicitors are prohibited from remaining on the property of another person after being requested to leave.