By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Jeff Burtka, Esq. | Last reviewed May 26, 2021
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Laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and access of firearms vary widely from state to state. Generally, states with higher rural populations tend to be less restrictive than those with more significant urban populations. Michigan gun control laws are somewhere in the middle.
The finer points of Michigan's gun control laws are highlighted in the following chart. For more articles and resources, see the links at the end of this article.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 750, Michigan Penal Code, Sections 222 through 239a
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following are illegal to possess:
|
Waiting Period |
Michigan has no waiting period for purchasing a firearm. |
Who May Not Own |
The following individuals are prohibited from owning a firearm in Michigan:
|
License Required? |
A purchase license is required when buying a handgun, except when buying from a federally licensed dealer. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
Michigan requires you to obtain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a concealed pistol. |
Open Carried Allowed? |
Open carry is allowed in Michigan. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
To obtain a concealed pistol license, a person must:
|
Machine Gun Laws |
Illegal to own |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
Illegal possession is a felony. Depending on which statute is violated, it is punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine up to $5,000. |
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
Illegal possession of a firearm on school grounds is punishable by 1 or more of the following:
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you have questions about your legal rights to own a firearm or you have been charged with a firearms violation, you may consider contacting an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney. Individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney may be eligible for representation by the local public defender's office.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Michigan attorneys offer free consultations.