How To Get Your Michigan Concealed Carry Permit

Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Michigan's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CPL varies by state.

Read about the process for getting a Michigan Concealed Pistol License below.

Steps To Get A Michigan Concealed Carry Permit

COMPLETE a firearms training course

DOWNLNOAD the application or pick one up from the county clerk’s office.

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

Training certificate
A passport-quality photograph

Pay the fee.

GET FINGERPRINTED

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.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

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

Find a CCW Training Class

What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Michigan?

Applicants must complete safety training from an Instructor that is Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certified. The training must be within five years preceding the date of application and include the following:

Safe storage, use and handling of a pistol, including but not limited to safe storage, use and handling to protect a child
Ammunition knowledge and the fundamentals of pistol shooting
Pistol-shooting positions
Firearms and the law, including civil liability issues
Avoiding criminal attack and controlling a violent confrontation
All laws that apply to carrying a concealed pistol in Michigan
At least eight hours of instruction, including three hours of firing range time

The pistol safety training course requirement is waived for a new applicant who is a retired police officer or a retired law enforcement officer as defined in MCL 28.421(1)(o).

What Are the Michigan License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?

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; and
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.

What are the Fees and Terms?

45 Day Processing Time

$115 Permit Renewal Fee

$100 Initial Permit Fee

Valid between Four and Five Years. Permit expires on Birthdate between 4-5 Years from Original Issue.

Where Can I Find Application Forms?

APPLICATON & INSTRUCTIONS

What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:

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

Residency Changes:

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.

How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Michigan?

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.

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

The county clerk will notify you three to six months prior to expiration that your permit is approaching expiration. Those eligible to submit their CPL renewal application online will receive notice from your county clerk. Permit holders who receive notices not containing a PIN are not eligible for online renewal.

COMPLETE at least three hours of training and at least one hour of firing range time within six months preceding the renewal application.

DOWNLOAD the CPL renewal application or if you received a renewal notice from the county clerk that issued their CPL containing a PIN, you may proceed to the online renewal page to submit your renewal application.

IN-PERSON OR MAIL RENEWAL

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

CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.

The issuing authority shall issue a license or notice of statutory disqualification.

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Do Your Homework!

Make sure you understand Michigan Gun Laws and Michigan concealed carry reciprocity with other states.

Read Michigan Gun Laws