Michigan Gun Laws (2026): Concealed Carry, Open Carry, Permits, and Where You Can Carry

Michigan is a "Shall Issue" state with a long-standing tradition of firearm ownership, but the legal landscape has undergone significant modernization recently. Between 2024 and 2026, Michigan implemented universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and "Red Flag" laws. Whether you are a resident or a traveler, understanding these nuances is critical to staying on the right side of the law in the Great Lakes State.

 

Quick Summary

 

 

What Changed Recently (2025 - 2026)

• Firearm Safety in Schools (2026): Starting in the 2025--2026 school year, Michigan schools may offer voluntary firearm safety and hunter education courses for grades 6--12 (HB 4285).

• Universal Background Checks (Active): As of early 2024, a background check is required for all firearm purchases (including private sales of rifles and shotguns).

• ERPO / Red Flag Laws: Courts can now issue Extreme Risk Protection Orders to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

• Safe Storage (MCL 28.429): Effective 2024, firearms must be stored in a locked container or with a locking device if a minor is likely to be on the premises.

Carry Rules

 

Open Carry

Open carry is legal in Michigan for anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm. For residents, the handgun must be registered in their name. Non-residents must have a concealed carry permit from their home state to open carry a handgun in Michigan.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). Unlike some neighboring states, Michigan has not adopted permitless carry. Carrying a concealed pistol without a license is a felony (MCL 750.227).

 

Why Someone Might Still Get a Permit

 

Since Michigan does not have permitless carry, a CPL is the only way to carry concealed legally. Additionally, CPL holders:

• Are exempt from the "Pistol Sales Record" 10-day submission requirement when buying from a dealer (though the record is still created).
• Can carry a loaded pistol in a vehicle.
• Gain reciprocity in 39 other states.

Permits

 

Michigan is a "Shall Issue" state, meaning the county clerk must issue a CPL if you meet the statutory requirements.

• Eligibility: Must be 21+, a Michigan resident for at least 6 months, and not prohibited by federal or state law.
• Training Requirements: You must complete a 1-day (8-hour) pistol safety training course that includes a live-fire component.
• Cost and Processing: The application fee is $115 (which includes fingerprinting). Licenses are typically processed within 45 days and are valid for up to 5 years.
• Reciprocity: Michigan recognizes resident permits from all 50 states. However, non-residents cannot apply for a Michigan CPL.

Where You Can and Can't Carry

 

Michigan law (MCL 28.425o) defines specific "Pistol-Free Zones."

 

Prioritized Prohibited Places

• Schools: Carrying is prohibited on school property, except for a parent/guardian dropping off or picking up a student while staying in their vehicle.

• Bars: Any establishment where the primary source of income is the sale of alcohol by the glass (taverns/bars).

• Hospitals and Daycare: Public or private hospitals and child care centers.

• Stadiums: Sports arenas or stadiums.

• Casinos: Per Michigan Gaming Control rules.

• Courts: Unless specifically authorized by a judge.

• Places of Worship: Prohibited unless the presiding official has posted otherwise or given permission.

Private Property Signage

 

In Michigan, "No Guns" signs do not carry the specific force of law for CPL holders, but if you are asked to leave by a property owner and refuse, you can be charged with Criminal Trespass.

 

Vehicle Carry

• With a CPL: You may carry a loaded, concealed pistol in your vehicle.
• Without a CPL: Any firearm must be unloaded, in a closed case designed for firearms, and in the trunk (or in a spot not readily accessible to occupants if the vehicle has no trunk).

Buying, Owning, and Transporting Firearms

 

Dealer vs. Private Sales

 

All sales now require a background check.

• Handguns: If you don't have a CPL, you must obtain a License to Purchase (LTP) from a local police department before buying.
• Rifles/Shotguns: Background checks are required even for private sales, typically facilitated at a local FFL dealer.

Registration (Sales Records)

 

Michigan does not have a "registration" in the traditional sense, but it uses a Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) system. Every time a handgun is transferred, a record is sent to the Michigan State Police. Buyers have 10 days to submit their copy to their local law enforcement agency.

 

Federal Prohibited-Person Summary

 

Regardless of state law, per 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), you cannot possess a firearm if you have a felony conviction, are a fugitive or an unlawful user of a controlled substance (including marijuana, despite Michigan's state legality), have been adjudicated as mentally "defective" or committed to a mental institution, or have a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

 

Self-Defense Law Basics

 

Michigan is a "Stand Your Ground" state (MCL 780.972).

 

No Duty to Retreat:

You may use deadly force anywhere you have a legal right to be, provided you honestly and reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or sexual assault.

 

Castle Doctrine: There is a legal presumption that you acted in fear of death or great bodily harm if someone is in the process of breaking into your occupied dwelling or business.

 

Civil Immunity: Michigan law provides immunity from civil liability for the use of deadly force, but this protection is not automatic. The immunity attaches only when the use of force is found to be justified specifically under the Stand Your Ground statute (MCL 780.972). If you rely on a common law self-defense theory rather than the Stand Your Ground statute, civil immunity does not apply. This is a meaningful distinction: a criminal acquittal based on common law self-defense does not shield you from a subsequent civil lawsuit.

 

Reciprocity and Travel

 

Reciprocity Posture

 

Michigan has a very open posture. It recognizes all valid resident permits from other states.

Non-residents carrying in Michigan under reciprocity must comply with all of Michigan's laws, including the "Pistol-Free Zone" restrictions and the Duty to Inform requirement. When carrying, out-of-state visitors must have both their home state government-issued ID and their home state concealed carry permit on their person at all times.

 

Additionally, reciprocity under Michigan law covers only pistols that the non-resident personally owns. A non-resident may borrow or use another person's rifle or shotgun, but may not carry a borrowed pistol under the reciprocity framework.

 

Interstate Travel (Safe Passage)

 

Under 18 U.S.C. § 926A, you may travel through restrictive states if your firearm is unloaded, locked in a container, and kept in the trunk.

 

Federal Reminders

 

National Parks: Carrying is legal in National Parks (like Isle Royale) if you have a CPL, but firearms are prohibited inside federal buildings (visitor centers).

Flying: Firearms must be unloaded, in a locked hard-sided case, and declared at check-in. Refer to TSA guidelines.

 

FAQs

 

Does Michigan have a "Red Flag" law?

 

Yes. The Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) act allows family members or police to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone in crisis.

 

Do I have to tell a cop I have a gun in Michigan?

 

Yes. Michigan is a Duty to Inform state. You must immediately tell a peace officer that you are armed if you are stopped.

 

Can I carry a gun in my car in Michigan?

 

Only if you have a CPL. Otherwise, the gun must be unloaded, cased, and in the trunk.

 

Are there magazine capacity limits in Michigan?

 

No. There are currently no state laws restricting magazine capacity for handguns or rifles.

 

Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Michigan?

 

Technically no, but non-CPL holders must wait for their License to Purchase (LTP) to be processed by local police before buying a handgun.

 

Can I carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol?

 

Yes, as long as the establishment makes more than 50% of its money from food (a restaurant) and not alcohol (a bar). You must not be under the influence (BAC > 0.02).