Michigan Concealed Carry Permit Information

Michigan Concealed Carry Quick Stats

• Shall Issue
• Permits issued to Residents Only
• 21 years of age required
• Valid for 5 Years*
• $100 Initial/ $115 Renewal
• Processing Time is within 45 Days
• Michigan Reciprocity Maps
• Michigan Concealed Pistol License Website
• Michigan Concealed Pistol License and Renewal Application
• Michigan Concealed Pistol License Laws
• Michigan Firearms Forums

Michigan Concealed Pistol License Example

Michigan Concealed Carry FAQ’s

Does Michigan issue concealed carry permits?

Michigan is a Shall Issue State and issues Concealed Pistol Licenses to residents of Michigan.

Beginning December 1, 2015, and subject to subsection (10), the department of state police shall complete the verification required under subsection (6) and the county clerk shall issue a license or a notice of statutory disqualification within 45 days after the date the applicant has classifiable fingerprints taken under subsection (9). [source: 28.425b.13]

To apply for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License, fill out an application and file it with the county clerk in the county you reside in. You will then sign the application under oath which will be administered by the county clerk or their representative. Along with the application you will also need the certificate stating you completed the required training course, a passport photo unless you have a digitized photograph on file with the Michigan Secretary of State, and the application and licensing fee of $100. You will then need to have classifiable fingerprints taken by the county clerk, state police, sheriff’s office, local police agency, or other entity that provides fingerprinting services. [source]

Michigan also issues an Emergency Concealed Pistol License to applicants that have obtained a personal protection order.

Michigan had been a May-issue state since 1986 but became a Shall Issue state in 2001. [source]

Who issues Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses?

Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses are issued by the county clerk of the county you reside in. [source]

Are background checks required for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License?

Yes. The Michigan State Police will check the law enforcement network and NICS and report anything that disqualifies the applicant to the county clerk. [source 28.425b.6]

Does having a Michigan Concealed Pistol License exempt you from the background check when purchasing a firearm Michigan?

Yes. Having a Michigan Handgun License issued on or after November 22, 2005 exempt you from a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check when purchasing a firearm according to the ATF Permanent Brady Permit Chart.

How long is a Michigan Concealed Pistol License valid for?

Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses is valid for roughly five years.

A CPL is valid until the applicant’s date of birth that falls not less than four years or more than five years after the license is issued or renewed.

What is the processing time for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License?

The processing time for Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses is within 45 days from the date they receive your application.

Beginning December 1, 2015, and subject to subsection (10), the department of state police shall complete the verification required under subsection (6) and the county clerk shall issue a license or a notice of statutory disqualification within 45 days after the date the applicant has classifiable fingerprints taken under subsection (9). [source: 28.425b.13]

How much does a Michigan Concealed Pistol License cost?

The fee for an initial Michigan Concealed Pistol License is $100.

Beginning December 1, 2015, each applicant shall pay an application and licensing fee of $100.00 by any method of payment accepted by that county for payments of other fees and penalties. [source 28.425b.5]

The fee to renew your Michigan Concealed Pistol License is $115.

Beginning December 1, 2015, each applicant who submits an application for a renewal license to a county clerk under this section shall pay an application and licensing fee of $115.00 by any method of payment accepted by that county for payments of other fees and penalties. [source 28.425l.1]

The cost for replacement licenses is $10.[source 28.425b.15]

What are the requirements for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License?

A. State Requirements

An applicant for a Michigan CPL must:

1. Be at least 21 years of age.

2. Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted into the United States.

3. Be a legal resident of Michigan and reside in Michigan for at least six months immediately prior to application.  An applicant is a resident of Michigan if one of the following applies:

• The applicant possesses a valid, lawfully obtained Michigan driver’s license or official Michigan personal identification card.
• The applicant is lawfully registered to vote in Michigan.
• The applicant is on active duty status with the United States Armed Forces and is stationed outside of Michigan, but Michigan is the applicant’s home of record.
• The applicant is on active duty status with the United States Armed Forces and is permanently stationed in Michigan, but the applicant’s home of record is another state.

Note: The county clerk shall waive the six-month residency requirement if one of the following applies:

• For an emergency license, if the applicant is a petitioner for a personal protection order issued under MCL 600.2950 or MCL 600.2950a.
• For an emergency license, if the county sheriff determines that there is clear and convincing evidence to believe that the safety of the applicant or the safety of a member of the applicant’s family or household is endangered by the applicant’s inability to immediately obtain a license to carry a concealed pistol.
• For a new resident, if the applicant holds a valid concealed pistol license issued by another state at the time the applicant’s residency in this state is established

4. Have knowledge and training in the safe use and handling of a pistol by successfully completing an appropriate pistol safety training course or class.

5. 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.
• Finding of not guilty by reason of insanity.

6. Not be prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm under MCL 750.224f.

7. Have never been convicted of a felony in Michigan or elsewhere, and a felony charge against the applicant is not pending in Michigan or elsewhere at the time he or she applies for a CPL.

8. Have not been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.

9. Have not been convicted of a misdemeanor violation of any of the following in the eight years immediately preceding the date of the application and a charge for a misdemeanor violation of any of the following is not pending against the applicant in this state or elsewhere at the time he or she applies for a CPL:

• MCL 257.617a, failing to stop when involved in a personal injury accident
• MCL 257.625, operating while intoxicated or with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, punishable as a second offense under, MCL 257.625(9)(b)
• MCL 257.625m, operating a commercial motor vehicle with alcohol content, punishable as a second offense under MCL 257.625m(4)
• MCL 257.626, reckless driving
• MCL 257.904(1), operating while license suspended/revoked/denied or never applied for a license, punishable as a second or subsequent offense
• MCL 259.185, operating an aircraft while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance with prior conviction
• MCL 290.629, hindering or obstructing certain persons performing official weights and measures duties
• MCL 290.650, hindering, obstructing, assaulting, or committing bodily injury upon director of the Department of Agriculture or authorized representative of the director
• MCL 324.80176, operating a vessel under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, or with an unlawful blood alcohol content, punishable as a second or subsequent offense under MCL 324.80177(1)(b)
• MCL 324.81134, operating an off-road vehicle (ORV) under the influence of alcoholic  liquor or a controlled substance or with an unlawful alcohol content, punishable as a second or subsequent offense under MCL 324.81134(8)(b)
• MCL 324.82127, operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, or with an unlawful blood alcohol content, or with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, punishable as a second or subsequent offense under MCL 324.82128(1)(b) MCL 333.7403, possessing a controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or prescription form
• MCL 462.353, operating a locomotive under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, or while visibly impaired, punishable as a second offense under MCL 462.353(4)
• MCL 722.677, displaying sexually explicit matter to minors
• MCL 750.81, assault or domestic assault
• MCL 750.81a(1) or (2), aggravated assault or aggravated domestic assault
• MCL 750.115, breaking and entering or entering without breaking
• MCL 750.136b(7), fourth-degree child abuse
• MCL 750.145n, vulnerable adult abuse
• MCL 750.157b(3)(b), solicitation to commit a felony
• MCL 750.215, impersonating a peace officer or medical examiner
• MCL 750.223, illegal sale of a firearm or ammunition
• MCL 750.224d, illegal use or sale of a self-defense spray or foam device
• MCL 750.226a, sale or possession of a switchblade
• MCL 750.227c, improper transporting or possessing a loaded firearm in or upon a vehicle
• MCL 750.229, pawnbroker accepting a pistol in pawn, or any second-hand or junk dealer accepting a pistol and offering or displaying it for resale
• MCL 750.232, failure to register the purchase of a firearm or a firearm component
• MCL 750.232a, improperly obtaining a pistol, making a false statement on an application to purchase a pistol, or using or attempting to use false identification of another to purchase a pistol
• MCL 750.233, intentionally pointing or aiming a firearm without malice
• MCL 750.234, discharging a firearm while intentionally aimed without malice
• MCL 750.234d, possessing a firearm on prohibited premises
• MCL 750.234e, brandishing a firearm in public
• MCL 750.234f, possession of a firearm in public by an individual less than 18 years of age
• MCL 750.235, discharging a firearm pointed or aimed intentionally without malice causing injury
• MCL 750.235a, parent of a minor who violates the Firearms Chapter of the Michigan Penal Code in a weapon-free school zone
• MCL 750.236, setting a spring or other gun, or any trap or device
• MCL 750.237, carrying, possessing, using, or discharging a firearm while under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, while having an unlawful alcohol content, or while visibly impaired
• MCL 750.237a, weapon-free school zone violation
• MCL 750.335a, indecent exposure
• MCL 750.411h, stalking
• MCL 750.520e, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct
• Former MCL 750.228, failure to have a pistol inspected
• MCL 752.861, careless, reckless, or negligent use of a firearm resulting in injury or death
• MCL 752.862, careless, reckless, or negligent use of a firearm resulting in property damage
• MCL 752.863a, reckless discharge of a firearm
• A violation of a law of the United States, another state, or a local unit of government of this state or another state substantially corresponding to a violation described above

10. Have not been convicted of a misdemeanor violation of any of the following in the three years immediately preceding the date of application and a charge for a misdemeanor violation of any of the following is not pending against the applicant in this state or elsewhere at the time he or she applies for a license:

• MCL 257.625, operating while intoxicated, visibly impaired, under 21 years of age with any bodily alcohol content, or with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine
• MCL 257.625a, refusal of commercial motor vehicle operator to submit to a preliminary chemical breath test
• MCL 257.625k, ignition interlock device reporting violation
• MCL 257.625l, circumventing or tampering with an ignition interlocking device
• MCL 257.625m, operating a commercial motor vehicle with alcohol content, punishable under MCL 257.625m(3)
• MCL 259.185, operating an aircraft under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance
• MCL 324.81134, operating an ORV under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, with an unlawful alcohol content, with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, or while visibly impaired
• MCL 324.82127, operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, with an unlawful blood alcohol content, with any presence of a Schedule 1 controlled substance or cocaine, or while visibly impaired
• MCL 333.7401 to 333.7461, controlled substance violation
• MCL 462.353, operating a locomotive under the influence of alcoholic liquor or a controlled substance, while visibly impaired, or with an unlawful alcohol content, punishable under MCL 462.353(3)
• MCL 750.167, disorderly person
• MCL 750.174, embezzlement
• MCL 750.218, false pretenses with intent to defraud or cheat
• MCL 750.356, larceny
• MCL 750.356d, second or third degree retail fraud
• MCL 750.359, larceny from vacant structure or building
• MCL 750.362, larceny by conversion
• MCL 750.362a, refuse or neglect to return vehicle, trailer, or other tangible property delivered on a rental or lease basis with intent to defraud the lessor
• MCL 750.377a, malicious destruction of personal property
• MCL 750.380, malicious destruction of real property
• MCL 750.535, buying, receiving, possessing, concealing, or aiding in the concealment of stolen, embezzled, or converted property
• MCL 750.540e, malicious use of service provided by telecommunications service provider
• A violation of a law of the United States, another state, or a local unit of government of this state or another state substantially corresponding to a violation described above

11. Have not been found guilty but mentally ill of any crime, and has not offered a plea of not guilty of, or been acquitted of, any crime by reason of insanity.

12. Is not currently and has never been subject to an order of involuntary commitment in an inpatient or outpatient setting due to mental illness.

13. 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.

14. Not be under a court order of legal incapacity in this state or elsewhere.

15. The applicant has a valid state-issued driver’s license or personal identification card.

B. Federal Requirements

Pursuant to MCL 28.426, a CPL may not be issued to a person prohibited under federal law from possessing or transporting a firearm as determined through the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).  Questions regarding the NICS check should be directed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) NICS Section at 1-(877) FBI-NICS (877-324-6427).

How do I renew my Michigan Concealed Pistol License and what is the cost?

You will be notified to renew your Michigan Concealed Pistol License between three months to six months before it expires. You will need to fill out an application and submit it to the county clerk with a payment of $115. You have up to a year to renew an expired license. [source]

How do you change a name or address on a Michigan Concealed Pistol License?

You can notify the county clerk that issued your Michigan Concealed Pistol License of name and address changes.[source 28.425b.15]

What do you do if your Michigan Concealed Pistol License is lost, stolen or damaged?

You can go to your county clerk that issued the Michigan Concealed Pistol License to let them know it has been lost, stolen or damaged. The fee for a replacement license will be $10.[source 28.425b.15]

If I get arrested or convicted, do I have to notify the Sheriff’s Office about the arrest or conviction?

Are far as we can tell, you are not required to notify the county clerk of an arrest or conviction. If you are found responsible for a state civil infraction, the state police will notify the county clerk. [source 28.425f.6]

You will be notified if your license has been suspended and then have to return the license to the county clerk by mail or in person. Failing to return the license after you were notified is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.[source 28.425b.16]

If I move my permanent residence to another state, is my Michigan Concealed Pistol License still valid?

We could not find anything in the laws that specifically talk about Michigan Concealed Pistol License holders moving out of state but since they only issue to resident we can assume that you license is no longer valid once you have established residency in another state.

Can I transfer another state’s concealed carry permit or license to Michigan?

Michigan does not allow you to transfer another state’s concealed carry permit or license to Michigan. You must apply for a new Michigan Concealed Pistol License. But if you hold a valid concealed carry permit from another state at the time you establish residency in Michigan, the county clerk will waive the 6-month waiting period.[source 28.425b.7]

Does Michigan accept any other state’s concealed carry permits or licenses?

Yes. Michigan accepts all other state’s resident permits and licenses. They do not accept any non-resident issued licenses which means you must be a resident of the state the permit was issued in for Michigan to accept it. [source]

Do I need to have my Michigan Concealed Pistol License on me when I am carrying concealed?

Yes. You must have your Michigan Concealed Handgun License on you along with your state issued driver license or identification card anytime you are carrying concealed. [source 28.425f.1]

Do I need to inform Law Enforcement that I am carrying a concealed weapon?

Yes. You must inform law enforcement that you are carrying concealed.

An individual licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol and who is carrying a concealed pistol or a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology and who is stopped by a peace officer shall immediately disclose to the peace officer that he or she is carrying a pistol or a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology concealed upon his or her person or in his or her vehicle. [source 28.425f.3]

Does Michigan issue Michigan Concealed Pistol License to resident aliens with a green card?

Yes, Resident Aliens can apply for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License.

The applicant is a citizen of the United States or is an alien lawfully admitted into the United States… [source 28.425b.7b]

What are the laws for carrying a firearm in an automobile in Michigan?

You can only carry a handgun in your automobile in Michigan if you have a Michigan Concealed Pistol License or a license or permit from the state you reside in. Long guns can be in the automobile but must be unloaded and encased or secured in the trunk.

What places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Michigan?

The following places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Michigan. [source 28.425o]

• A school or school property except that a parent or legal guardian of a student of the school is not precluded from carrying a concealed pistol while in a vehicle on school property, if he or she is dropping the student off at the school or picking up the student from the school. As used in this section, “school” and “school property” mean those terms as defined in section 237a of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.237a.
• 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 sports arena or stadium.
• A bar or tavern licensed under the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1101 to 436.2303, where the primary source of income of the business is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass and consumed on the premises. This subdivision does not apply to an owner or employee of the business. The Michigan liquor control commission shall develop and make available to holders of licenses under the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1101 to 436.2303, an appropriate sign stating that “This establishment prohibits patrons from carrying concealed weapons”. The owner or operator of an establishment licensed under the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1101 to 436.2303, may, but is not required to, post the sign developed under this subdivision.
• Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official or officials of the church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship permit the carrying of concealed pistol on that property or facility. FIREARMS LAWS OF MICHIGAN — 2015 Page 35
• An entertainment facility with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more individuals that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more individuals or that has a sign above each public entrance stating in letters not less than 1-inch high a seating capacity of 2,500 or more individuals.
• A hospital.
• A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university

Does Michigan have a Stand Your Ground Law AKA Castle Doctrine Law?

Michigan is a state with castle law. [source]

768.21c Use of deadly force by individual in own dwelling; “dwelling” defined.

Sec. 21c.

(1) In cases in which section 2 of the self-defense act does not apply, the common law of this state applies except that the duty to retreat before using deadly force is not required if an individual is in his or her own dwelling or within the curtilage of that dwelling.

(2) As used in this section, “dwelling” means a structure or shelter that is used permanently or temporarily as a place of abode, including an appurtenant structure attached to that structure or shelter.

What are the laws involving alcohol and carrying a concealed weapon in Michigan?

You must not consume beer or intoxicating liquor or be under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse when carrying concealed in Michigan. [source 28.425k.1]

If you have a Concealed Pistol License, you may carry concealed in restaurants that serve liquor but you cannot carry in a bar or tavern where the primary source of income is alcohol. [source 28.25o.1d]

USA Carry always recommends never to carry a firearm while drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Does Michigan have laws for No Gun signs?

No, from what we can see No Gun signs have the force of law. We could not find any law stating No Gun Signs have the force of law. But we recommend you do not carry concealed on private property that has a No Gun Sign due to the following:

750.552 Trespass upon lands or premises of another; violation; penalty.

(1) A person shall not do any of the following:

(a) Enter the lands or premises of another without lawful authority after having been forbidden so to do by the owner or occupant or the agent of the owner or occupant.
(b) Remain without lawful authority on the land or premises of another after being notified to depart by the owner or occupant or the agent of the owner or occupant.
(c) Enter or remain without lawful authority on fenced or posted farm property of another person without the consent of the owner or his or her lessee or agent. A request to leave the premises is not a necessary element for a violation of this subdivision. This subdivision does not apply to a person who is in the process of attempting, by the most direct route, to contact the owner or his or her lessee or agent to request consent.

(2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 30 days or by a fine of not more than $250.00, or both.

For more details visit Miopencarry.org here.

Does my military training exempt me from the training requirement for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License?

No. We could not find anything that states military training exempts you from the training requirement. [source 28.425j]

Are you allowed to carry concealed in Michigan State Parks, State & National Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and/or Road Side Rest Areas?

State Parks: Yes
State Forests: Yes
National Forests: Yes
WMA’s: Yes
Road Side Rest Areas: Yes

What are the Michigan Open Carry laws?

Please visit our Michigan Open Carry page for more information.

Changelog
4/20/2017 – All information and format.