Minnesota Set New Record for Handgun Carry Permits in 2020 Get our free mobile app St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The number of handgun carry permits issued in Minnesota last year was almost double the total from 2019 and was the highest since the Personal Protection Act went into effect in 2003. A new report from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Sheriff's throughout the state received nearly 102,000 permit applications and issued 96,554 firearm carry permits in 2020. The total from the previous year was just under 51,500 and the previous record high total was 71,156 in 2016. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office reported receiving 1877 applications.1580 permits were issued last year, 43 applications were rejected, and 253 of the applications are still pending. Hennepin County issued the most carry permits last year at 11,346.