MICHIGAN CPL / CCW

How To Get A CPL In Michigan

Michigan is a “shall issue” state. This means that if you meet the requirements and pass background checks as required, you will be issued a Michigan CPL. To obtain your Michigan CPL, the following steps are required.

• You must complete a Concealed Pistol Application Kit. The kit also includes a list of required training and other details on how to get a CPL in Michigan.
• You will need to complete the required Michigan CPL class, a pistol safety training course.
• Submit the completed application, along with the $100 application fee, to the county clerk.
• Note that your fingerprints will be taken during the process and will be an additional $15 fee.
• Once all requirements are met and confirmed, the state of Michigan shall issue a Concealed Pistol License.

It is important to note, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO CARRY A CONCEALED PISTOL UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR MICHIGAN CPL IN THE MAIL. After registering with the county clerk and once you have received your concealed carry license, you are required at all times while carrying a concealed pistol to have the pistol license and another form of valid ID on you.

When and Where Are Firearms Safety Classes Offered?

Michigan CPL Company offers Firearms Safety Classes every month in Traverse City, Michigan and can be scheduled here. Learn more about firearm laws, defense shooting, and strategies for home safety. Know your rights and protect yourself when it matters. Contact us today to reserve your seat.

How Long Will It Take To Get My CPL?

Technically, the state of Michigan has 45 days to approve or deny your license once you have applied and submitted your fingerprints at the county clerks office into the system. History has shown that a pistol license typically takes 2-3 weeks to receive in the mail.

How Long Is A CPL License Good For In The State Of Michigan?

The Michigan CPL must be removed by the applicant’s birthday, following the fourth year of the license issue date. Each applicant must apply between their birthdate, during the fourth year, and the fifth year of their license issue date. An application for renewal may be submitted up to six months before the expiration date described. Renewal details are available at michigan.gov

Can You Open Carry In Michigan?

Can you open carry in Michigan? Yes. In the state of Michigan, openly carrying a pistol is permitted and honored as a Second Amendment right of all citizens. Open carry means that a pistol is clearly visible while on or about a person. The pistol must also be registered to the person carrying it.

Michigan open carry rules prohibit the possession of a pistol in the following locations:

• Financial Institutions
• Places Designated for Religious Worship
• Court
• Theaters
• Sports Complexes and Arenas
• Daycare Centers
• Hospitals
• Any business or Establishment Licensed to Sell Alcohol

Every person who open carries a handgun in the state of Michigan must also be able to show valid Identification when requested by law enforcement. Note that carrying a pistol in a vehicle requires a Michigan CPL. Visitors from other states who carry pistols must observe and obey all Michigan open carry rules.

Michigan acknowledges, in Article 13 of its state Constitution, the right of its citizens to bear arms. These rights are protected and expressed through Michigan Concealed Carry and Open Carry laws.

Concealed Carry License

In the state of Michigan, any pistol carried on a person that is not clearly visible to the human eye is considered to be “concealed”. A Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is required for any individual to carry a concealed gun.

Michigan Concealed Carry laws require that an individual seeking a concealed carry permit meet a number of legal requirements. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and legal residents of the State of Michigan and a United States citizen. Candidates should also have knowledge of safe pistol use and demonstrated the completion of a training course.

A Michigan CPL will not be issued to anyone who has ever been convicted of a felony or a violent misdemeanor conviction. Other legal requirements and qualifications are further detailed here.

Michigan CPL/CCW Class Requirements

The Michigan Concealed Carry class must include:

• At least 8 hours of instruction, including classroom and range time (shooting at least 30 rounds of ammunition)
• Legal requirements for carrying a concealed pistol in the state of Michigan
• Safe pistol storage, use, and handling
• Fundamentals of pistol shooting
• Ammunition
• Pistol shooting positions
• Methods in avoiding conflict

Personal Protection in the Home (PPITH) is the preferred course to meet all requirements set forth by the state of Michigan. Upon completion of the course, you will be presented a certificate.

An official certificate of completion must include:

• Confirmation that the course complies with Michigan Concealed Carry laws,
• A statement noting that you have completed the course, in compliance with Michigan CPL requirements, and
• The signature of a certified instructor.

All Michigan CPL class instructors must be certified by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) or hold credentials from another nationally recognized organization, such as the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) or the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Michigan Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Your Michigan CPL may be recognized in other states. This is known as Michigan Concealed Carry Reciprocity. Michigan currently shares reciprocity with 39 other states. When traveling outside the state of Michigan, it is your responsibility to review applicable state laws regarding your Michigan CPL.

Residents of other states with a concealed carry permit may carry a concealed pistol. Practice and adherence to Michigan CPL requirements must be followed at all times.

For more information on Michigan Concealed Carry Reciprocity, visit michigan.gov

What Is The Michigan Castle Doctrine?

In the state of Michigan, a law-abiding, armed citizen does not have the duty to retreat in certain cases. This is known as the “Castle Doctrine.” In the event that an assailant forcefully enters your home, vehicle, or place of employment, you may use deadly force to protect yourself. Leaving the premises is not required under this statute. Your Michigan CPL class will further explain this and other laws pertaining to the use of deadly force.