Firearm Laws in Michigan

Michigan State Flag
B
  • + Shall-issue carry laws
  • + Few firearm bans
  • - Some registration needed
  • - Moderate purchase process
  • ++ Strong self-defense
  • + Easy transport rules

Conceal Carry B

Michigan requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun under MCL 28.422. It's 'shall-issue,' so you get it if you meet the rules. You need to be 21, take an 8-hour training course, and pass a background check. You can't carry in schools or bars (MCL 750.234d). Breaking this is a felony (up to 5 years).

Costs: Permit fee is $100 for 5 years. Training is $100-$150. Fingerprints are $15-$30. Total: $215-$280.

Processing Time: Takes 45 days.

Renewal: Permit lasts 5 years. Renewal is $115.

Reciprocity: Michigan honors permits from over 30 states. Over 30 states accept Michigan's permit.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Open Carry A

Michigan allows open carry without a permit under MCL 750.227. Anyone 18 or older who can own a gun can carry it openly in public. You can't carry in schools or bars (MCL 750.234d). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Firearm Types and Restrictions B

Michigan has few bans on guns. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (MCL 750.224f). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are okay if you follow federal rules (MCL 750.224). This means you need to register these items with the ATF, the federal agency that controls them, and pay a tax. Ghost guns don't need serial numbers under state law. Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 10 years in prison).

Costs: The federal tax stamp for silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, or machine guns is $200 per item.

Processing Time: Applying for federal approval through the ATF for a silencer, short-barreled rifle/shotgun, or machine gun takes 6-12 months.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Interstate Travel A

Michigan follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. ยง 926A). Guns must be unloaded and locked in a case or trunk to travel through. Michigan allows open carry in vehicles without a permit (MCL 750.227).

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Purchasing C

Michigan requires a Pistol Purchase Permit to buy handguns under MCL 28.422. You must be 21, pass a background check, and get it from the police. Rifles and shotguns need a background check from dealers (MCL 28.422a). No waiting period. Private sales of handguns need a permit. Breaking this is a felony (up to 5 years).

Costs: Permit is $10-$15. Background check is free. Total: $10-$15.

Processing Time: Takes 10-30 days.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Registration C

Michigan requires handgun registration with a purchase permit (MCL 28.422). You must turn in a sales record to the police within 10 days (MCL 28.422a). Long guns and ghost guns don't need registration. Federal rules apply to machine guns (MCL 750.224). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days).

Costs: Permit is $10-$15.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Storage and Safety C

Michigan says guns must be locked if kids under 18 can get them (MCL 750.223). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 90 days) or felony (up to 5 years) if harm happens.

Sources: [1] [2]

Castle Doctrine A

Michigan has a strong Castle Doctrine under MCL 780.972. You can use deadly force in your home or car if someone breaks in and you feel threatened. No retreat is needed. This applies in public too (MCL 780.971). Too much force can mean manslaughter (up to 15 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]