Michigan - MI Gun Laws

Buying a handgun requires either a valid CPL or a separate License to Purchase (LTP) from your local police department or sheriff, a basic application and background check that's typically approved the same day. Long guns don't require either license, just the standard federal background check through a dealer. No state waiting period, once approved, you take the firearm home the same day.

As of early 2024, a background check is required for essentially all firearm transfers in Michigan, including private sales of rifles and shotguns between individuals, no broad exemption remains.

Standard federal disqualifying categories apply. Michigan enacted an Extreme Risk Protection Order (red flag) law in 2023, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from someone found to pose a danger to themselves or others.

Legal without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can otherwise legally possess a firearm, though prohibited at schools, churches, courts, theaters, sports arenas, day care centers, hospitals, and establishments where alcohol is the primary business.

Shall-issue through the county clerk: a Concealed Pistol License requires an 8-hour training course with a live-fire qualification, fingerprinting, a background check, and a $115 fee. Applicants must be 21 or older. The county has up to 45 days from fingerprinting to process an application.

Consistent with the state's CPL framework for concealed carry, no separate vehicle-specific permit applies beyond the underlying carry authorization.

Schools, churches, courts, theaters, sports arenas, day care centers, hospitals, and establishments licensed under the Michigan Liquor Control Code where alcohol is the primary business.

No minimum age to possess a rifle or shotgun. Purchase requires being 18 for a long gun and 21 for a handgun. New for 2026, Michigan's Safe Storage laws (Public Acts 16 and 17) require firearms to be locked away, in a locked container or with a locking device, if a minor is likely to be present on the premises.

None. Michigan does not ban any category of semi-automatic firearm and places no limit on magazine capacity.

Michigan has a stand-your-ground law removing the duty to retreat anywhere you have a legal right to be. Castle Doctrine under MCL § 780.951 creates a strong legal presumption: if someone is in the process of breaking into your occupied home or vehicle, the law presumes you had an honest and reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm, shifting the burden to the prosecutor to prove otherwise.

Strong. Michigan has firearms preemption, local governments cannot regulate possession or carry beyond what state law already covers.

Michigan State Police, Concealed Pistol Licensing: michigan.gov/msp

Michigan Compiled Laws, Act 372 of 1927 (firearms licensing) and MCL § 780.951 (Castle Doctrine)

Your county Clerk's office, the licensing authority for Concealed Pistol Licenses

Your local Police Department or Sheriff, for a handgun License to Purchase if you don't hold a CPL

ATF: for federal NFA questions, suppressors are legal in Michigan for owners with proper federal registration