Michigan Gun Laws

Concealed Carry

Michigan requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) for concealed carry, issued by the county clerk. Michigan is a shall-issue state. The CPL requires completion of a pistol safety training course including classroom instruction and range time. The license is valid for five years (previously four years, extended by recent legislation).

Key statute: MCL § 28.425b — establishes requirements for CPL issuance. MCL § 750.227 — defines the offense of carrying a concealed weapon without a license.

Open Carry

Open carry of a handgun is legal in Michigan without a permit for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm and is at least 18 years old. However, a CPL is required to open carry in certain locations designated as "pistol-free zones" (CPL holders may carry in some pistol-free zones that are off-limits to non-CPL holders).

Who Cannot Carry

Prohibited persons include: convicted felons (within 8 years of completing all penalties for specified felonies, or permanently for other felonies), persons under 21 (for CPL; 18 for purchase and open carry), persons dishonorably discharged from the military, persons adjudicated as mentally ill, persons subject to personal protection orders, persons convicted of certain misdemeanors within the preceding eight years, and unlawful users of controlled substances.

New Gun Safety Laws (2023-2024)

Michigan enacted a package of gun safety legislation in 2023-2024 including: universal background checks for all firearm sales including private transfers; a safe storage requirement making it a misdemeanor to negligently store a firearm where a minor could access it; and a red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order) allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk. These laws represent a significant shift in Michigan's firearms regulatory landscape.

Prohibited Locations

Michigan designates several pistol-free zones under MCL § 28.425o where carrying is restricted: schools and school property, day care centers, sports arenas and stadiums, bars and taverns, churches and houses of worship, hospitals, dormitories, casinos, and entertainment facilities with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more. CPL holders may carry concealed in some of these locations; open carry in these zones requires a CPL.

Purchase Requirements

A License to Purchase is required for all handgun purchases in Michigan, obtained from local law enforcement. All sales (dealer and private) require a background check under the new universal background check law. There is no waiting period. Michigan maintains a handgun registry — all handgun sales must be reported to local law enforcement. There is no state assault weapons ban and no magazine capacity restriction.

Citations

MCL Chapters 28 and 750 (weapons and firearms); 2023 Public Acts 17, 18, 19, 23, 29, 38 (gun safety package).

Sources & official resources