Gun laws in Michigan regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the U.S. state of Michigan.
The State of Michigan has numerous laws concerning the ownership and the carrying of firearms. Generally, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and agents thereof acting in an official capacity, are exempt from Michigan's firearms regulations. The Constitution of Michigan of 1963 Article 1, Section 6 reads, "Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state."
A complete listing of Michigan's firearms laws can be found in the publication "Firearms Laws of Michigan." This publication is dated October 2013 and does not yet reflect recent changes to the laws.
Summary table
"Firearm" defined
The word 'firearm', except as otherwise specifically defined in statute, includes any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive. " Michigan's Attorney General has ruled that the definition of "firearm" includes a Taser. As of August 6, 2012, under essentially the same laws applicable to pistols in Michigan, private citizens may purchase and use Tasers.
According to the State of Michigan's Penal Code, a pistol is defined as "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"; A person who knowingly sells a handgun without complying with MCL 28.422, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both; Michigan Penal Code pg. 386 Sec. 223 (1). A person 18 years of age can legally purchase a muzzle loading pistol, cannon up to 42 lbs, or long gun from a private seller. A person 18 years of age can legally purchase a handgun from a private seller, but first must obtain a purchasing permit which is good for 30 days or have valid cpl license.
Purchasing firearms
At the age of 18 or up, it is legal to buy a handgun with a purchase license from a private seller, at the age of 21, it is legal to buy a firearm from a Federally licensed (FFL) dealer. No purchase license is required to purchase a long gun, or muzzle loader (a firearm that is more than 26 inches long) in Michigan. According to state law, a long gun may be purchased by anyone aged 18 or over who is not subject to restrictions based on criminal history, mental health history, or other disqualifying factor. A person must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun from a federal dealer or a private seller under Michigan law.
Only Michigan residents may purchase handguns, sbr, sbs (meaning firearms that are 26 inches or less in length) in Michigan. Residents of any state may purchase long guns in Michigan and Michigan residents may purchase long guns in any state.
NON-CPL Holders Only that are buying a handgun from a private seller: An individual must apply to their local police or sheriff's department for a purchase license before obtaining a handgun from a private seller. The police authority will check the applicant's criminal history and for disqualifying factors such as whether the person has been ordered to undergo involuntary mental health treatment or is subject to a restraining order for domestic violence.
As of December 18, 2012, no purchase permit is required for purchases from a Class 1 FFL Dealer.
Purchases from a private party will require a purchase permit that can be acquired at any police or sheriff's office statewide.
A License to Purchase a handgun is valid for 30 days from a private party. The buyer and seller must both sign the license and may each keep one copy for his or her records. An individual must return to the local police department within 10 days of purchasing the pistol to return the remaining two copies of the license. Some agencies require all unused license-to-purchase forms to be returned to them for record-keeping purposes.
CPL Holders: A License to Purchase is not needed for anyone with a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License even when buying from a private seller. Someone with a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License must, however, complete a Handgun Sales Record when purchasing or acquiring a handgun (https://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/ri-060_523727_7.pdf).
Pawn shops, second hand dealers, and junk shops are not allowed to accept a handgun or pistol in pawn, and must be FFL dealers to buy & sell.