Michigan is a shall-issue state, with licenses issued at the local level by county clerks.
- A Michigan license to purchase a pistol or a background check is required to buy a handgun.
- Only residents are allowed to purchase handguns, though non-residents can purchase long guns.
- All handgun sales require a pistol sales record form to be filed with the Michigan State Police, despite there being no firearm registry.
- Open carry is legal for Michigan residents who are at least 18 years old and can legally possess a firearm, provided the gun is registered in their name.
- Non-residents must have a valid concealed carry license from their home state to conceal or open carry.
- Open carry is allowed in more places than concealed carry, as restricted areas referenced in Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425o apply to concealed carry.
- Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and for non-residents at least 21 years old with licenses/permits from their state of residency.
- CPLs are issued to residents only, with exceptions for active duty military stationed in Michigan or outside Michigan if Michigan is their home of record.
- Certain individuals, such as specific peace officers and members of the military in the line of duty, are exempt from requiring a CPL under Michigan Complied Laws Section 28.432a.
- CPLs require successful completion of a state-approved firearms training course with at least eight hours of instruction, including three hours of range time.
- Some areas, including schools and hospitals, are off-limits to concealed carry.
- Michigan recognizes resident licenses from all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in terms of reciprocity.
Michigan is a Castle Doctrine state with a "stand your ground" law. A person may use deadly force, with no duty to retreat, anywhere they have the legal right to be. Individuals using a gun legitimately in self-defense have immunity from civil liability.
An individual not engaged in the commission of a crime may use non-deadly force against another individual anywhere they have the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if they honestly and reasonably believe that the use of force is necessary to defend themselves or another individual from the imminent unlawful use of force by another individual.
An individual not engaged in the commission of a crime may use deadly force against another individual anywhere they have the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if they honestly and reasonably believe that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent:
- Imminent death or imminent great bodily harm to themselves or another individual; or
- Imminent sexual assault of themselves or another individual.
Question: Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Michigan with a concealed carry license (or under permitless carry if applicable)?
Answer: License holders may carry concealed handguns and tasers.
Question: Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Michigan?
Answer: Yes, the reasonable use of pepper spray by a person in the protection of a person or property under circumstances that would justify the person's use of physical force is allowed in Michigan. Individuals may possess self-defense spray or foam devices that contain no more than 35 grams of any combination of orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile and inert ingredients, with no more than 18% oleoresin capsicum, with or without ultraviolet dye. Minors may not purchase or possess pepper spray.
Question: Does Michigan have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
Answer: No, Michigan law does not restrict magazine capacity in handguns.
Question: Does Michigan have ammunition restrictions?
Answer: Yes, armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
Question: Does Michigan allow constitutional carry?
Answer: No, Michigan does not recognize constitutional carry.
Question: Is open carry permitted in Michigan?
Answer: Yes, without a license for residents that are at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm, provided the gun is registered in their name. Non-residents must have a permit from their home state. Open carry is allowed in more places than concealed carry as the restricted areas referenced in Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425o apply to concealed carry and not to open carry.
Question: If Michigan requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?
Answer: Michigan is a shall-issue state.
Question: What is the minimum age in Michigan to get a concealed carry license?
Answer: The minimum age to carry concealed in Michigan is 21.
Question: Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Michigan?
Answer: Yes and no. A concealed carry license is required to purchase or possess a Taser. Permittees may have and use a Taser in a reasonable way, as long as:
- You have a valid Michigan license to carry a concealed pistol.
- You've received training in the use and risks of the Taser.
- The device has an identification and tracking system that allows it to be traced to the buyer (presumably through the darts) when it’s first used.
It's illegal to use a Taser except under circumstances that justify the legal use of physical force, including to defend yourself or someone else from an attack or sexual assault. Stun guns are illegal in Michigan.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Michigan?
Answer: Yes. You may concealed carry at roadside rest areas in Michigan.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Michigan?
Answer: You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol with a valid concealed carry license, unless posted and provided you’re not under the influence (blood alcohol level >0.02). However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars.
Question: Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Michigan?
Answer: Michigan statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Each hotel develops its own policies, so you should contact the individual hotel to inquire about its concealed carry policy.
Question: Does Michigan have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Answer: This is not addressed in Michigan state law, although employers may have a policy.
Question: Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Michigan?
Answer: Yes, handguns may be carried with a valid concealed pistol license. Without a license, handguns must be unloaded and in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms either in the trunk of the vehicle or, for vehicles without a trunk, not readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle.
Question: Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Michigan?
Answer: Yes. You may carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas in Michigan.
Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Michigan?
Yes. You have a duty to inform that you are carrying a concealed handgun upon contact with law enforcement.
- Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f(3)
Does Michigan have a red flag law?
Yes.
Does Michigan state law define brandishing?
Yes. A person may not willfully and knowingly brandish (to point, wave about, or display in a threatening manner with the intent to produce fear in another) a firearm in public except in a lawful act of self-defense or the defense of another.
- Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.234e
Does Michigan allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No, however the information is available for law enforcement.
Is my Michigan driver’s license linked to my Michigan carry license?
No.
Does Michigan have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or controlled substances?
Not while under the influence of alcoholic liquor (BAC of 0.02 or greater) or a controlled substance, or while having a bodily alcohol content prohibited under this section. "Controlled substance" means that term as defined in MCL § 333.7104. "Under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance" means that the individual's ability to properly handle a pistol or to exercise clear judgment regarding the use of that pistol was substantially and materially affected by the consumption of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance.
- Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425k
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Does Michigan issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?
Yes, only to active-duty military stationed in Michigan or active-duty military stationed outside of Michigan, but Michigan is the applicant's home of record. Also, if a new Michigan resident has a current concealed carry license from another state, Michigan will accept that and waive the 6-month residency requirement.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Michigan?
No. "No Weapons" signs are not enforced in Michigan.
Does Michigan have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
Yes, the state has preemption over firearms laws in Michigan, except local municipalities may:
- Prohibit the discharge of firearms or pneumatic guns (with some restrictions on the latter prohibition) within the jurisdiction of a city or charter township.
- Prohibit or regulate conduct with a firearm or pneumatic gun that is a criminal offense under state law.
- Prohibit or regulate the transportation, carrying, or possession of firearms or pneumatic guns by employees of a local unit of government in the course of their employment with that local unit of government.
- Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 123.1102-1104
Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a license?
Yes. A license is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm, to carry a handgun about a person’s place of business, residence, land that he or she owns or between the person’s dwelling and place of business.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Michigan?
Yes. A person acquiring any firearm must have a background check as of February, 2024.
Does my current Michigan concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
No.
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Michigan?
No. Michigan has no waiting period for the purchase of a handgun.
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Michigan?
18 years old. Generally, an individual less than 18 years of age shall not possess a firearm in public except under the direct supervision of an individual 18 years of age or older, although there are exceptions for hunting, target shooting, and ranges.
Do handguns need to be registered in Michigan?
Although there is no firearm registry, all handgun sales require a Pistol Sales Record (RI-60) form to be filed with the Michigan State Police. There are several exceptions, including, but not limited to, police officers.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Michigan?
Only Michigan residents may purchase pistols in Michigan. A National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check is performed on all commercial firearm sales at the time of purchase. The Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) may elect to use a valid Michigan License to Purchase a Pistol (received from your local police department) in lieu of a NICS background check. The buyer must be at least 21 years of age, a resident of Michigan, possess a clean criminal background, and be mentally stable.
Those without a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License will need to obtain a permit to purchase through the Department of State Police.
How do I purchase a handgun in Michigan?
Only a Michigan resident may purchase a handgun in Michigan. A NICS background check is performed on all commercial firearm sales at the time of purchase. The FFL may elect to use a valid Michigan License to Purchase a Pistol (LTP) or have the purchaser complete a Federal Form 4473 for a NICS background check. To purchase a pistol in a private transaction, the buyer must have a Michigan CPL or LTP.
License to Purchase a Pistol (RI-10 Form)
A License to Purchase a Pistol can only be obtained from your local police or sheriff’s office. You will need a valid Michigan driver’s license or Michigan state ID with your current address listed to get your license. Generally, the background check that is conducted to get an LTP will take between 24 and 48 hours, and you will be allowed to pick up your license after that criminal and mental health record background check has been completed.
An LTP must be used within 30 days of the date it is issued or it will be void. One copy of your RI-10 will be kept on record by the seller, one by the purchaser, and the third must be filed with the Michigan State Police through your local police department within 10 days of your purchase.
Alabama (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Alaska (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Arizona (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Arkansas (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
California (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Connecticut (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Delaware (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
District of Columbia (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Georgia (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Hawaii (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Idaho (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Illinois (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Indiana (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Iowa (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Kansas (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Kentucky (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Louisiana (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Maine (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Maryland (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Massachusetts (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Minnesota (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Missouri (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Montana (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Nebraska (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Nevada (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
New Hampshire (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
New Jersey (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
New Mexico (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
New York (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
New York City (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
North Carolina (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
North Dakota (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Ohio (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Oklahoma (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Oregon (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Pennsylvania (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Puerto Rico (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Rhode Island (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
South Carolina (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
South Dakota (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Tennessee (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Texas (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Utah (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Vermont (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Virginia (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Washington (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
West Virginia (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Wisconsin (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Wyoming (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Colorado (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Pennsylvania (resident permits only)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
An applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have completed an approved pistol training class.
- Be a legal resident of the State of Michigan for at least 6 months, or be active duty military permanently stationed in Michigan or stationed outside of Michigan with Michigan as the applicant's home of record.
- Have a valid State ID.
- Be a citizen of the U.S. or a lawfully admitted alien.
- Not have been convicted of a felony or have felony charges pending.
- Not be subject to an order or disposition for any of the following: involuntary hospitalization or involuntary alternative treatment, legal incapacitation, personal protection order, bond or conditional release prohibiting purchase or possession of a firearm, or a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity.
- Not be prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm under Michigan law.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
- Not have been convicted of certain misdemeanors within specific time frames before the application date.
- Not have been found guilty of any crime or acquitted by reason of insanity.
- Not have a diagnosed mental illness that includes an assessment of danger to self or others.
- Not be detrimental to the safety of self or others.
- Meet federal law requirements.
Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Michigan.
- Initial: $100
- Renewals: $115
- Approximately 5 years (on birthdate between 4 and 5 years from original issue).
- 45 days
- Michigan issues non-resident licenses only to active-duty military stationed in Michigan.
- Contact your county clerk for information regarding address/name changes.
- If your CPL is stolen, report it to your local police department. You may obtain a replacement license from the clerk's office for $10. Bring your government-issued picture ID (driver’s license, etc.) and the fee along with a copy of the police report, and a new license will be re-issued to you.
- Moving to Michigan and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply? Michigan issues licenses to residents and active-duty military stationed in Michigan only. You can apply for your license to your county clerk once you have been a legal resident of the State of Michigan for at least 6 months, active duty military permanently stationed in Michigan or active duty military stationed outside of Michigan, but Michigan is the applicant's home of record. However, if a new Michigan resident has a current concealed carry license from another state, Michigan will accept that and waive the 6-month residency requirement.
- Moving from Michigan and have a Michigan resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Michigan license remains valid? If a person with a Michigan concealed pistol license establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee. An application to renew a CPL may be submitted not more than six months before, nor one year after, the expiration of the current CPL. CPL holders will be notified that their license is approaching expiration by their county clerk three to six months prior to the expiration of their current license. CPLs can be renewed in person at the county clerk's office, via U.S. Mail, or online.
Online - Those eligible to submit their CPL renewal application online will receive a renewal notice through the U.S. mail from the county clerk that issued their CPL containing a PIN. CPL holders who receive renewal notices not containing a PIN are not eligible to renew online. However, you may submit a completed CPL renewal application, with payment, to the MSP CPL Unit, P.O. Box 30634, Lansing, Michigan 48909, or renew in person at their county clerk’s office.
Download the CPL renewal application or, if you received a renewal notice from the county clerk that issued your CPL containing a PIN, you may proceed to the online renewal page to submit your renewal application.
For those not renewing online, you may renew in person at their county clerk’s office or via the U.S. Mail at the address below. Once you submit a completed CPL renewal application and pay the renewal fees, you will be issued a receipt. If an individual applies for a renewal license prior to the expiration of his or her license, the expiration date of the current license is extended until the renewal license or notice of statutory disqualification is issued. A person carrying a concealed pistol after the expiration of his or her license pursuant to such an extension shall keep the receipt issued by the county clerk and his or her expired license in his or her possession at all times he or she is carrying the pistol. The receipt, when carried with the expired license, shall serve as a valid CPL until the new license or notice of statutory disqualification is received.
MSP CPL Unit
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, Michigan 48909
The applicant shall sign the statement on the application certifying that he or she has completed at least three hours of review of the required training and has had at least one hour of firing range time in the six months immediately preceding the renewal application.
The issuing authority shall issue a license or notice of statutory disqualification.
Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
- You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol, unless posted and provided you’re not under the influence (blood alcohol level >0.02). However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars.
Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license?
- No.
Carry in roadside rest areas?
- Yes.
Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs?
- Yes.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- A “weapon-free school zone,” defined to include any public or private, K-12 school, as well as in vehicles used by a school to transport students to or from school property (although a parent or legal guardian of a student of the school may carry a concealed pistol while in a vehicle on school property, if he or she is dropping the student off at the school or picking the student up from the school).
- A public or private child care center or day care center, public or private child-caring institution or public or private child-placing agency.
- A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university.
- A sports arena or stadium.
- A bar or tavern where the primary source of income of the business is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass and consumed on the premises.
- Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official permits the carrying of concealed pistols on that property or facility.
- An entertainment facility with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more individuals.
- A hospital.
Additional Restrictions:
- The University of Michigan, Michigan State University (although visitors with valid licenses may carry on campus), and Wayne State University.
- Secured areas of commercial airports.
- A casino.
- Any courtroom, office, or other space used for official court business or by judicial employees, unless the chief judge or other person designated by the chief judge has given prior approval consistent with the court's written policy.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Michigan, but can I wear a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed?
- The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there is no law in Michigan that makes it a crime to carry a weapon while wearing a COVID-19 mask. However, it is illegal to intentionally conceal one's identity by wearing a mask for the purpose of facilitating the commission of a crime.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Michigan?
- Yes.
- [Page 20 of Hunting & Trapping Digest]
Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Michigan?
- Yes, with a valid concealed pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specific exception from the requirement of a concealed pistol license. However, a concealed pistol license does not authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Michigan?
- Yes. An individual shall not obstruct or interfere in the lawful taking of animals or fish by another individual.
- [Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.40112]
- Only out-the-front, double-edged automatic knives are restricted in Michigan. A person shall not carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, a double-edged non-folding stabbing instrument of any length or any other dangerous weapon, except a hunting knife adapted and carried as such, concealed on or about his or her person; nor concealed or otherwise in any vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business or on other land possessed by the person. These knives can be carried openly, but cannot be carried in a vehicle. They must be placed in a secure area which cannot be accessed by anyone in the vehicle. It is illegal to carry a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife having a blade over 3 inches in length or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, with unlawful intent. In addition, knives are not allowed in schools.
- [Mich. Penal Code § 750.227, § 750.222a & § 750.226]