How to Purchase a Gun in Michigan

This article was co-authored by Francisco Pham and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Francisco Pham is a Firearms Instructor and the owner of Apex Pistol Training based in Maryland. Francisco has over 16 years of professional experience in competition shooting and firearms training. He is a highly skilled NRA-recommended firearm instructor and is an expert on firearm safety, usage, and maintenance.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

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The procedure for buying a firearm in Michigan used to depend on whether you wanted to buy a handgun or a long gun. Now, the only difference is whether you’re buying a gun from a dealer or a private seller. We’ll break down the purchasing process so that you can know what to expect when you go to buy your firearm.

If you’re buying through a licensed dealer, you do not need a purchase permit. Simply go to the dealer, pick out your gun, and complete a federal background check. For private sales, visit a police department first to get the permit and complete your background check. In either case, return the receipt from the sale to any local police department within 10 days of purchase.

Buying a Gun from a Private Seller

• Only Michigan residents may purchase a pistol in Michigan unless you have a CPL (concealed pistol license) or a license to purchase, carry, or transport a weapon from another state. [2] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source
• You only have to be 18 to buy a long gun in Michigan. Long guns refer to rifles, carbines, and shotguns. Since these weapons are less likely to be used in the commission of a crime, the legal restrictions aren’t as intense.
• As of 2023, the purchasing process for handguns and long guns is identical (outside of the different age requirements). [3] X Research source

• Do you have a CPL? If you are a CPL holder and you’re purchasing privately, all you need is to fill out an RI-60 and drop it off at your local police department.
• There are other organizations that can grant purchase permits, but it’ll be fastest and easiest to just go to your local police department.
• If you’re in a rural area with no local PD, go to the sheriff’s office.
• Bring valid identification with you. You must present police with a current ID that shows your photograph.

• Michigan no longer requires the Basic Pistol Safety Questionnaire for handgun buyers, just for the record.

• You'll also receive a sales record (PSR) in triplicate. One will be for you, one will be for the police, and one will be for your seller. Don't lose these!
• Some police stations will charge a $5-10 filing fee for this service.

• Make sure that you and your gun dealer sign the permit and PSR. Do this when you buy the firearm. The dealer will retain a copy of each.
  • Keep a copy of the signed purchase permit and PSR for your records.

  

  • Firearms Records Unit
    Michigan State Police
    PO Box 30634
    Lansing, MI
    48909-0634
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  Buying a Gun from a Dealer

  

  • Licensed dealers are known as FFLs. It’s short for Federal Firearm License.
  • This process used to be slightly more difficult, but Michigan has streamlined the buying process if you’re working with an FFL.

  

  Fill out the PSR with the dealer and take your firearm home. The purchase record (PSR) is basically a triplicate receipt. You and the dealer will this out together. Once you purchase the weapon, they’ll hand you two copies of the PSR. Do not lose these! [10] X Research source

  

  • Submitting your copy of the PSR is always free.
  • If you forget to drop a copy of your PSR off, do it ASAP! You may be issued a $250 ticket, but they may not follow up with you. If you never turn the copy in, you could end up in hot water for carrying an illegal weapon.
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  Expert Q&A

  Why do I need to get a concealed carry license in Michigan? Francisco Pham
  Firearms Instructor

  Francisco Pham is a Firearms Instructor and the owner of Apex Pistol Training based in Maryland. Francisco has over 16 years of professional experience in competition shooting and firearms training. He is a highly skilled NRA-recommended firearm instructor and is an expert on firearm safety, usage, and maintenance.

  Firearms Instructor Expert Answer

  You need a concealed pistol license (CPL) in Michigan to legally carry a concealed firearm. The CPL allows individuals to carry concealed handguns in various locations, with some exceptions, such as schools and certain government buildings. To obtain a CPL in Michigan, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being at least 21 years old, completing a firearms safety training course, and passing a background check. Once issued, the CPL is valid for up to five years. It's important to note that carrying a concealed firearm without a CPL in Michigan is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.

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