State of Michigan Concealed Weapons License Requirements

You must have a CPL in Michigan to lawfully carry a concealed firearm. A CPL is relatively easy to obtain if a prior conviction or another disqualifying reason does not disqualify you.

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Obtaining a Concealed Pistol or Weapons License in Michigan

Applicants for a Michigan Concealed Pistol License must meet specific concealed weapons license requirements. It may be challenging for an individual to determine whether they meet the complex criteria set forth by the state of Michigan. Below is an outline of the CPL requirements that you can use to give you a basic idea of whether you are eligible to have a concealed weapons permit. It is essential to note that laws are subject to change over time, so consult a qualified lawyer if you have questions or wish to verify the current status of Michigan law.

What are the CPL requirements in Michigan?

To obtain a Concealed Weapons License in Michigan, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

At least 21 years of age.
Citizens of the United States or an immigrant alien lawfully admitted into the United States.
A resident of the State of Michigan for at least six (6) months before application (waivable in case of an emergency).
Completed a pistol safety training course.
Not be subject to any of the following: (a) an order requiring involuntary hospitalization or alternative treatment, (b) an order finding legal incapacitation, or (c) a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Not subject to a criminal bond prohibiting the purchase or possession of a firearm, as defined in the concealed weapons license requirements.
Not subject to a current personal protection order.
Not prohibited from possessing a firearm under Michigan’s Felon in Possession of a Firearm statute.
No felony convictions or pending charges.
Have not been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
No specified misdemeanor convictions in the preceding eight (8) years.
Have not been found guilty but mentally ill of any crime and have not offered a plea of not guilty of, or been acquitted of, any crime by reason of insanity.
Never been subject to an order of involuntary commitment in an inpatient or outpatient setting due to a mental illness.
No diagnosed mental illness.
Not be under a court order of legal incapacity.
Not be detrimental to the safety of themselves or any other person if issued a Concealed Pistol License.

What misdemeanors can prevent someone from getting a CPL?

Michigan’s concealed weapons license requirements prohibit someone from obtaining a CPL within a certain number of years of a misdemeanor conviction. For example, you cannot obtain a CPL if you have any of the following misdemeanor convictions within the eight (8) years preceding the filing of an application:

Failing to stop when involved in a personal injury accident.
Operating while intoxicated, second offense.
Drunk driving, commercial vehicle.
Reckless driving.
Driving while license suspended or revoked, second or subsequent offense.
Operating an aircraft while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance with a prior conviction.
Hindering or obstructing certain persons performing official weights and measures duties.
Hindering, obstructing, assaulting, or committing bodily injury upon the director or authorized representative.
Operating an ORV under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, second or subsequent offense.
Operating a snowmobile under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, second or subsequent offense.
Operating a vessel under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, second or subsequent offense.
Intentionally discharging a firearm aimed without malice, causing injury.
Parent of a minor who possessed a firearm in a weapon-free school zone.
Setting a spring gun or other device.
Possessing a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug.
Weapon-free school zone violation.
Indecent exposure.Stalking.
Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Reckless, careless, or negligent use of a firearm resulting in injury or death.
Careless, reckless, or negligent firearm use results in property damage.
Reckless discharge of a firearm, MCL 752.863a.

Possessing a controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or prescription form.
Operating a locomotive under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, or while visibly impaired.
Displaying sexually explicit materials to minors.
Assault or domestic assault.
Aggravated assault or aggravated domestic assault.
Breaking and entering or entering without breaking.
Fourth-degree child abuse.
Accosting, enticing, or soliciting a child for immoral purposes.
Vulnerable adult abuse.
Solicitation to commit a felony.
Impersonating a peace officer or medical examiner, according to the concealed weapons license requirements.
Illegal sale of a firearm or ammunition.
Illegal use or sale of a self-defense spray.
Sale or possession of a switchblade.
Improper transportation of a loaded firearm.
Failure to have a pistol inspected.
Accepting a pistol in pawn.
Failure to register the purchase of a firearm or a firearm component.
Improperly obtaining a pistol, making a false statement on an application to purchase a pistol, or using false identification to purchase a pistol.
Intentionally aiming a firearm without malice.
Intentionally discharging a firearm aimed without malice.
Possessing a firearm on prohibited premises.
Brandishing a firearm in public.
Possession of a firearm by an individual less than 18 years of age.

Have not been convicted of one of the following misdemeanors in the three (3) years immediately preceding the date of application (under current Michigan concealed weapons license requirements):

Refusal of a commercial vehicle operator to submit to a chemical test.
Ignition interlock device reporting violation.
Circumventing an ignition interlocking device.
Operating a commercial vehicle with alcohol content.
Operating an aircraft under the influence.
Operating an ORV under the influence.
Operating an ORV while visibly impaired.
Operating a snowmobile under the influence.
Controlled substances.
Disorderly person.

Embezzlement.
False pretenses with intent to defraud.
Larceny.
Second-degree retail fraud.
Larceny, vacant building.
Larceny, by conversion.
Larceny, defrauding a lessor.
Malicious destruction of property.
Malicious destruction of real property.
Receiving stolen property.
Malicious use of telephones.

What is the residency requirement for a Concealed Weapons License or CPL?

According to Michigan’s concealed weapons license requirements, applicants must be residents of the state of Michigan. They are a state resident if they meet any of the following criteria:

Possesses a valid, lawfully obtained Michigan driver’s license or state identification card.
They are legally registered to vote in the state of Michigan.
They are on active duty status with the United States Armed Forces and stationed outside of Michigan, but Michigan is their home of record.
They are on active duty status with the United States Armed Forces and permanently stationed in Michigan, but their home of record is in another state.

Concealed Weapons License Requirements cpl

What are the Federal Requirements for a CPL?

The concealed weapons license requirements for issuance of a Michigan Concealed Weapons Permit require that an applicant be permitted to possess and transport a firearm under federal law. The federal requirements to possess or transport a firearm include that the applicant not have been convicted in any court of, or under indictment for, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, not be a fugitive of justice, not be an unlawful user of drugs, not be adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution, not be an alien who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States, not be discharged from the United States Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions, not have renounced their citizenship, not be subject to a PPO or civil restraining order, and not be convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Expungement for Restoration of CPL

Expunging any of the previously described convictions or having them set aside might help if you wish to obtain a Concealed Weapons License. Under Michigan law, upon entry of an order setting aside a conviction or following an automatic expungement, the conviction is deemed to have never occurred. In other words, when asked whether they have a previous conviction, the answer is “no.”

You might meet the requirements for a CPL if you have a conviction removed. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is re-examining whether it will honor a Michigan expungement for purposes of a federal firearms background check. The Michigan State Police will not clear someone for a concealed weapons license if the FBI does not honor their expungement. The applicant must appeal if the state police deny them on that basis.

Michigan’s Firearms Rights Experts – Concealed Weapons License Requirements

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is Michigan’s premier criminal defense law firm specializing in filing Motions to Expunge or Set Aside Convictions, the defense of felony and misdemeanor offenses, and seeking restoration of gun rights for Michigan residents. If you have an important legal matter that you need to discuss with a seriously experienced criminal defense attorney, including concealed weapons license requirements, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly. We will find a way to help you. We can also answer any questions you have regarding concealed weapons license requirements.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.