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Michigan Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of Michigan

Michigan State Seal

Michigan Reciprocity Map

Michigan Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

10M

STATE POPULATION

756K

LICENSES ISSUED

7.6%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

48

STATES HONORED

21

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

5

YEARS LICENSE VALID

39

RECIPROCATING STATES

NO

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

3

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Getting to know the gun laws in your state is a critical part of exercising your Second Amendment rights when taking your firearm away from your property. It’s also important to learn your rights if you bring your gun to another state. 

Roughly 10 million people live in Michigan and 756,000 residents, or 7.6%, have a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). These licenses are required to carry a concealed weapon in Michigan, although the state also recognizes concealed carry permits from every other state. The minimum age for a CPL in Michigan is 21.

You must complete state-approved firearm training before applying for your CPL. Concealed Coalition can provide the instruction you need for this requirement. Contact our team today to learn more about the Michigan concealed carry education we provide.

Summary of Michigan Gun Laws

Your Michigan Gun Rights

Every Michigan resident at least 18 years old can legally purchase a gun without a license if they aren’t prohibited by federal law. A permit is necessary when purchasing from a private seller, however, as it proves the buyer has passed a background check. There’s no waiting period.

Michigan is a shall-issue state, and county clerks handle concealed carry permits. A background check is essential before purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer or private seller in Michigan. You’ll have to pass a federal background check through the NCIS before buying a weapon from a gun shop.

A CPL is necessary to carry a concealed gun in Michigan, and 37 other states honor Michigan’s concealed carry license. Here’s a look at some state laws. 

Open Carry in Michigan

Open carry is legal in most places in Michigan without a permit if the firearm is registered in the carrier’s name. Those from outside Michigan can open carry with a concealed carry permit from their home state.

Concealed Carry in Michigan

Concealed carry is legal in Michigan with a CPL or a concealed carry permit from another state. Completing firearms training is necessary to receive this permit, and some places around the state are off-limits for guns of all types.

Self Defense Laws in Michigan

There are Castle Doctrine and stand your ground laws in Michigan. These regulations mean individuals have no duty to retreat when under threat.

Use of Force

The use of force comes with immunity when used in self-defense. People can use non-deadly force in cases where they reasonably believe it’s necessary to protect themselves or another person from danger.

Use of Deadly Force

The use of deadly force comes with immunity in situations where a person who isn’t committing a crime is protecting them or another individual from death, great bodily harm, or sexual assault.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

You’ll want to learn as much as possible about Michigan’s self-defense laws to avoid legal trouble when using your firearms. Concealed Coalition explains when you can safely use your gun legally, ensuring you stay on the right side of the law.

Michigan Gun Laws by Statute

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding, responsibility, and confidence. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning environments run by instructors who care.

Contact us today at (517) 225-2990 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs..

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Michigan Concealed Carry Training

CONCEALED CARRY BASICS IN MICHIGAN

QUESTION

ANSWER

Does Michigan recognize constitutional carry?

No.

Is open carry permitted in Michigan?

Yes, without a permit.

If Michigan requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

At the local county clerk’s office.

What is the minimum age in Michigan to get a concealed carry license?

The minimum age to concealed carry in Michigan is 21 years old. 

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Michigan with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

Yes, stun guns.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Michigan?

Yes.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Michigan?

Yes, for reasonable personal protection.

Does Michigan have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No.

Does Michigan have ammunition restrictions?

Yes, armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN MICHIGAN

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where can't I carry a concealed firearm in Michigan?

Michigan restricts where you can carry a gun, even with a CPL. You cannot carry firearms in the following locations:

  • Schools
  • Child care centers
  • Dorms
  • Sports arenas
  • Bars
  • Many churches
  • Any entertainment facility with 2,500+ capacity
  • Hospitals
  • Casinos
  • The University of Michigan
  • Michigan State University
  • Airports
  • Courtrooms
  • Any place where prohibited by federal law

Where can I carry a concealed firearm in Michigan?

Most locations in the state where it isn’t prohibited.

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Michigan?

Yes, with a valid CPL, or unloaded and in an enclosed case or trunk without a concealed carry permit.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Michigan?

Yes, with a CPL.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Michigan?

Yes, with a CPL.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Michigan?

In restaurants with a CPL, but not bars. Your blood-alcohol level must stay below .02.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Michigan?

Yes, but individual hotels can implement restrictions.

Does Michigan have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

Employers are free to implement rules.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN MICHIGAN

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Michigan?

Yes, and your CPL is linked to your driver’s license.

Are "No Weapons Allowed? signs enforced in Michigan? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

No.

Does Michigan have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes, but local governments can prohibit the discharge of firearms within a city and ban government employees from possessing guns at work.

Does Michigan have a red flag law?

No.

Does Michigan state law define brandishing?

Yes, no person may point or display a firearm in a threatening manner except in cases of self-defense.

Does Michigan have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

Yes, you may not carry a weapon with a blood-alcohol level of .02 or while under the influence of a controlled substance.

Does Michigan issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

Only to active-duty military stationed in Michigan, but it honors permits from all other states.

Does Michigan allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No, but law enforcement bodies have access.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN MICHIGAN

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Michigan?

Only when the sale is private.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Michigan?

Yes.

Does my current Michigan concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm? 

No.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Michigan?

No.

Do handguns need to be registered in Michigan?

No, but a Pistol Sales Record must be filed with the Michigan State Police.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Michigan?

18 years old.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in Michigan without a license? 

Yes.

MICHIGAN CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Michigan

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, active duty military permanently stationed in Michigan or active duty military stationed outside of Michigan, but Michigan is 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
    • 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 one of the following misdemeanors in the 8 years immediately preceding the date of application: Failing to stop when involved in a personal injury accident; operating while intoxicated, second offense [MCL 257.625(9)(b)]; drunk driving, commercial vehicle [MCL 257.625m(4)]; or reckless driving [MCL 257.626]
  • Not have been convicted of one of the following misdemeanors in the three years immediately preceding the date of application: Operating under the influence [MCL 257.625], embezzlement [MCL 750.174], larceny [MCL 750.365], malicious destruction of stolen property [MCL 750.377a], second-degree retail fraud [MCL 750.356d]
  • Not have been found guilty of any crime and not have offered a plea of not guilty of, or been acquitted of, any crime by any reason of insanity
  • Not have a diagnosed mental illness at the time the application is made that includes an assessment that the individual presents a danger to himself or herself or to another, regardless of whether he or she is receiving treatment for that illness
  • Not be detrimental to the safety of his or her self or any other person

Fees:

  • Initial  $100
  • Renewals  $115

Valid For:

Approximately 5 years (on birthdate between 4 and 5 years from original issue)

Processing Time:

45 days.

Applications:

Link to CCW Application.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Michigan issues non-resident licenses only to active-duty military stationed in Michigan. 

Name & Address Changes:

Contact your county clerk for information regarding address/name changes.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

If your CPL is stolen, report that 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. 

Residency Changes:

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.

MICHIGAN CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Complete a firearm training course if required.

Step Two:

Download the CCW Application or pick up from the county clerk’s office.

Step Three:

Go to the county clerk’s office of the county in which you reside and sign the application under oath. Include the following documents:

  • Training certificate and
  • A passport-quality photograph.

Pay the fee. 

Step Four:

Have classifiable fingerprints taken by the county clerk, state police, sheriff’s office, local police agency or other entity that provides fingerprinting services. Provide the Pistol application receipt to the provider.

Step Five:

The county clerk shall issue a license or notice of statutory disqualification within 45 days after the date the applicant has classifiable fingerprints taken.

MICHIGAN CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Overview:

Your CPL expires on your birthday four to five years after it’s issued. It’s your responsibility to renew your permit, and you must complete the process within one year of its expiration to avoid having to start from scratch. 

It costs $115 to renew your license, and it’s possible to submit your documentation online, in person, or by mail. Here’s how the renewal process works:

Step One:

Complete Your Training 
You don’t have to complete an entire eight-hour course to renew your license, but you still have to do some additional training. The training requirements for a CPL renewal include three hours of review and one hour in the firing range with a certified instructor. Proof of completion is necessary before submitting your documents.

Step Two:

Receive a Renewal Notice 
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail three to six months before your license expires. This letter will include a PIN if you’re eligible to renew online. You can also download and print a CPL renewal form when applying by mail or in person.

Step Three:

Complete Your Application 
You’ll have to send your completed application with the necessary supporting documentation to the county clerk’s office. 

Step Four:

Wait for the License 
The county clerk will review your application and issue your license. You could receive a notice of statutory disqualification if something on your criminal or mental health record has changed since your last application. 

Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers and Retired LEOs

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) is a federal law permitting off-duty and retired police officers to carry concealed weapons nationwide. Active LEOs can carry a concealed weapon in Michigan without an additional permit. The Michigan Retired Law Enforcement Officer’s Firearm Carry Act states that the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) administers LEOSA training and certification to retired officers in the state. Here’s how it works:

  • Retired officers begin with a fingerprint scan and criminal history search to ensure they’re in good legal standing since retiring from the department. 
  • Officers must then complete an application packet, including signed documentation, a photocopy of a state ID, a passport-quality photo, and a letter from their former employer.
  • Applicants must pass a firearms course that includes live fire and knowledge-testing portions. The retired officer will have to prove they can comply with the state’s active-duty firearm standard.
  • The state will process the application after the officer meets all requirements. The card is valid for one year.

Off-duty officers should carry their police identification when carrying a concealed weapon in the state. Retired officers will receive a photo ID as well. These licenses work as a concealed carry permit everywhere in the country.

Firearms Training & Competency

You can receive all the training you’ll need to obtain your CPL through Concealed Coalition. Contact us for more information on our training courses in Michigan.

Obtaining a CPL in Michigan requires applicants to complete a firearm safety course. This must be at least eight hours in length, including three hours at a firing range. The training must also have state certification from MCOLES and cover Michigan’s guns laws. Available options include:

NRA Training

The National Rifle Association offers training in every state in the country. The group’s official website has a built-in locator to streamline your search.

Hunter Safety Courses

All individuals born on or after January 1, 1960, must complete a state-approved hunter education course. There are two options, online and in-person, but both require attending a field day, which includes a written test.

Firearms Safety Courses From Other Providers

Public and private educational facilities all over Michigan offer gun safety and training courses. Ensure the course has MCOLES approval if you plan on using it to acquire a CPL.

A Firearms Training Course With a State-Certified Instructor

Educational courses through an MCOLES-approved instructor are valuable because they offer gun safety, live fire, and Michigan gun law components. Concealed Coalition’s trainers are state-certified in Michigan, so you can use the course as the educational component of your CPL application.

DD Form 214 or Military Orders for Active or Former Military Members

Active-duty military members can carry a concealed weapon in Michigan without a license. Former military members must acquire a CPL, and they have the same training requirements as a civilian.

Get Certified for a Michigan Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Michigan. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Michigan concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

Concealed Carry Training and Licensing for Michigan CCW Permits

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Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

*Legal protection plans available in select states.





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