Michigan requires applicants for a license to carry a concealed pistol to be 21 years old. However, they also offer a license to purchase, carry, possess, or transport a pistol for those who are 18 years old (for private sales). The state only offers resident permits, and applicants should submit their paperwork to the county clerk in their county or residence. A non-refundable fee of $100 is charged to process a permit to carry a concealed pistol. In addition to meeting other standards, the state also requires proof of competency. Online only courses are not accepted, as there is a live fire component. Upon issuance a concealed permit is valid for 4 years. Holders of a Michigan concealed permit are eligible to carry in 39 other states, either through reciprocity or state regulations.
This information was last updated in February 2019.
Table of Contents
Michigan Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept MI License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age*
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for Michigan
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept an Michigan concealed carry permit or those states that Michigan will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Michigan Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Delaware
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Minnesota
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Michigan Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Michigan recognizes all out of state concealed carry permits.
How To Apply for a Michigan Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Michigan?
Michigan is a shall issue state. As such, resident applicants must meet age and other requirements in order to obtain a Michigan permit to carry a concealed pistol.
Relevant Code(s):
What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in MI?
Applicants for a Michigan license to carry a concealed pistol must be 21 years old. However, an individual need only be 18 years old in order to obtain a license to purchase, carry, possess, or transport a pistol.
Relevant Code(s):
Who issues a concealed carry permit in Michigan?
In order to obtain a license to carry a concealed pistol in the state of Michigan, applications should be submitted to the county clerk in the applicants county of residence. However, to obtain a license to purchase, carry, possess, or transport a pistol, applicants should submit their packet to the:
“[…]commissioner or chief of police of a city, township, or village police department that issues licenses to purchase, carry, possess, or transport pistols, or his or her duly authorized deputy, or the sheriff or his or her duly authorized deputy[…]“
Relevant Code(s):
How long is a Michigan concealed carry permit good for?
The exact verbiage of Michigan code is a bit confusing. However, a permit to carry a concealed pistol is valid for a period of 4 years. Although the exact language is below for a more accurate explanation.
“A license to carry a concealed pistol, including a renewal license, is valid until the applicant’s date of birth that falls not less than 4 years or more than 5 years after the license is issued or renewed, as applicable.“
Relevant Code(s):
Does MI issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Michigan does not offer nonresident permits. Part of the requirements for application is that the person be a resident of the state for no less than 6 months. However, some exceptions are made for residents who have lived in the state for less than 6 months.
Relevant Code(s):
How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
Within 45 days, the state will approve or deny application for a license to carry a concealed firearm. If within this time, the application has not been approved or denied, by default, the applicant is permitted to carry concealed with receipt of application as evidence.
“[…]if a license or notice of statutory disqualification is not issued within 45 days after the date this receipt was issued, this receipt shall serve as a concealed pistol license for the individual named in the receipt when carried with an official state-issued driver license or personal identification card.“
Relevant Code(s):
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
Residents of Michigan must pay a non-refundable fee of $100 when submitting their application for a permit to carry concealed.
“Each applicant shall pay a nonrefundable application and licensing fee of $100.00 by any method of payment accepted by that county[…]“
Relevant Code(s):
What are the accepted forms of competency training?
In order to obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun, applicants must prove competency with a firearm. This training must consist of 8 hours of firearm safety training completed within 5 years preceding application.
In addition, the training must include the following:
- certified by this state or a national or state firearms training organization
- 3 hours of range time utilizing a minimum of 30 rounds
- Instruction on civil liabilities
- Avoiding criminal attack and controlling violent confrontations
Additional information can be found in the code below. However, because of the live fire exercises required, Michigan will not accept courses taught exclusively online.
Relevant Code(s):
Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Michigan
Is Michigan an Open Carry State?
While I was unable to find a corresponding law, all sources checked indicate that Michigan is an open carry state, and no license is needed.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
Michigan allows for the carrying of loaded and concealed firearms within a vehicle by an individual with a permit to carry a concealed pistol. However, those without must have the weapon unloaded. In addition, one or more of the following conditions must also be met:
- Taken down.
- Enclosed in a case.
- Carried in the trunk of the vehicle.
- Inaccessible from the interior of the vehicle.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
You are allowed to carry a concealed firearm into Michigan state parks, provided you have a CPL.
Relevant Code(s):
Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Holders of a Michigan license to carry a concealed handgun are permitted to carry in restaurants, but these individuals should exercise caution. Even licensed individuals are not permitted to carry in bars or taverns. This includes any establishment where the primary source of income is alcohol served on the premises.
“A bar or tavern licensed under the Michigan liquor control code of 1998, 1998 PA 58, MCL 436.1101 to 436.2303, where the primary source of income of the business is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass and consumed on the premises.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Michigan expressly forbids the carrying of concealed firearms in churches and other places of worship. This includes but is not limited to churches, synagogues, and mosques. However, this does not limit the official of such location from permitting concealed carry of weapons, per the following excerpt:
“[…] unless the presiding official or officials of the church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship permit the carrying of concealed pistol on that property or facility.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Firearms are forbidden from being carried into financial institutions, but exceptions are made for those with a valid concealed carry permit. Therefore, it is permitted under Michigan law for licensed individuals to carry into banks and other financial institutions.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Similar to the laws governing churches and other places of worship, Michigan expressly forbids the carrying of firearms within hospitals. It does not make any reference to any other type of medical facility.
Relevant Code(s):
The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.
a conceal carry permitted individual came into our home. only after 30 minutes here he annouced he had a conceal carry, and put his gun on a table. No one knew he had a permit or a gun. why is this legal? This is our house. he had no right to walk in with it regardless if it was concealed, or not, this is our home, our sanctuary, what is the law please.
Rick, thank you for your comment. I was unable to identify a code that directly relates to this scenario. However, upon finding out about the firearm you were within your rights to ask the individual to leave. According to the attached document if they fail to do so, they are trespassing. (2010 Michigan Release) It is unclear whether: (1) the person had a duty to inform the property owner that they were carrying a firearm upon entering; (2) the burden was on the property owner to post signage forbidding firearms; I hope this helps.
Concealed Pistol License is the name of the statute. At what point does a firearm NOT qualify as a pistol? If the firearm is, for example, 31 inches long, is it still legal to carry this concealed and/or in a vehicle? I have researched this question and have received various answers. I understand that Michigan Law at one point years ago defined any firearm under 30 inches in length as a handgun. I do not know if this still holds true with all the changes in the law. So, if a CPL holder had a long gun, loaded and inside his vehicle or under a coat, would that person be subject to arrest?
Thanks for your comment. I’ve linked to the Michigan state legislature section that I think is what you are looking for here. According to the state’s definition, a pistol “means a loaded or unloaded firearm that is 26 inches or less in length, or a loaded or unloaded firearm that by its construction and appearance conceals itself as a firearm.” However, it’s worth looking at the definition of “short barreled rifle” and “rifle” according to the state to clear up any confusion.
In Michigan can a medical marijuana card holder obtain a concealed carry permit?