Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of Michigan gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Mitten State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Michigan
Open carry is legal in Michigan with several restrictions. The minimum age is 18 years old. A resident who can legally possess a firearm can open carry without a permit if the gun is registered in his or her name. A non-resident must have a valid concealed carry license from his or her home state in order to carry openly or concealed. Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and for non-residents who are at least 21 years old and who have a concealed carry permit issued by their home state.
Michigan Concealed Carry Permit
Michigan Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs) are issued to residents only, with exceptions for some active-duty members of the military. A state-approved firearms training course with at least eight hours of instruction, including three hours of range time, is required to obtain a CPL.
A Michigan CPL is valid for approximately five years. A concealed carry permit expires on the licensee’s birthdate — between four and five years from date of original issue. A new Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) costs $100. The renewal fee is $115.
Open Carry Gun Laws in Michigan
A Michigan resident can open carry without a permit. A non-resident must have a permit from his or her home state in order to openly carry.
Castle Doctrine
Michigan is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground law. A person may use deadly force and has no duty to retreat. The individual must have an honest and reasonable belief that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent death, great bodily harm or sexual assault to himself or herself or another individual. Any person who uses a gun legitimately in self-defense has immunity from civil liability.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
Only Michigan residents may purchase pistols in Michigan. A person acquiring a handgun must have either a License to Purchase a Pistol or a Michigan CPL. Although there is no formal firearms registry, all handgun sales require a Pistol Sales Record (RI-60) form to be filed with the Michigan State Police. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. There are no magazine capacity restrictions. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
Long guns (rifles and shotguns) do not need to be registered in Michigan. However, some handgun sales must be registered with local law enforcement. You must acquire a License to Purchase prior to acquiring a pistol. The acquisition can be through purchase, gift or inheritance. A License to Purchase is not needed for anyone with a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License or for firearms dealers purchasing from wholesalers (among others). Someone with a valid Michigan CPL must, however, complete a Pistol Sales Record when buying a pistol.
A concealed carry permit is required to purchase or possess a stun gun or Taser. Individuals at least 18 years old may purchase specific types of pepper spray for self-defense without a license.
Where Can One Carry Concealed in Michigan?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with Michigan’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
Other areas where permit holders can carry concealed are:
- A restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol (unless posted and provided you’re not under the influence; however, concealed carry is not allowed in bars)
- State/national parks
- State/national forests
- Wildlife Management Areas
Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:
- 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
- A public or private child care center or day care center, public or private child care institution, or public or private child-placing agency
- A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college or university
- The University of Michigan, Michigan State University (although visitors with valid permits may carry on campus) and Wayne State 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 that is consumed on the premises
- A 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
- Secured areas of commercial airports
- A casino
- Any courtroom, office or other space used for official court business or by judicial employees, without prior approval
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Michigan?
Anyone with a valid concealed carry license can carry concealed in a vehicle. Without a permit, 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. This must not be readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle. There is a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm. Any valid concealed carry license holder can concealed carry at roadside rest areas.
Ready to Learn More About Michigan Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a Michigan gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Michigan’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Michigan gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
