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Michigan Statewide Rule

Michigan Concealed Pistol License Statewide Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Key Facts

Michigan is a
Michigan is a shall-issue CPL state
Minimum age 21
Minimum age 21 with training requirement
County clerks process
County clerks process applications
Pistol-free zones defined
Pistol-free zones defined by state statute
Local additions to
Local additions to pistol-free zones are preempted
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Michigan Legislature

Summary

Michigan issues Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLs) under MCL 28.425 series, with statewide rules that local governments cannot override or supplement.

28.425b License application; form; contents; material false statement as felony; record; fee; verification of requirements; determination; circumstances for issuance; information of court order or conviction; fingerprints; issuance or denial; individual moving to different county; replacement license; suspension or revocation of license; furnishing copy of application to individual; list of certified instructors; delivery of license by first-class mail; liability for civil damages; voluntary surrender of license; definitions. Sec. 5b. (1) To obtain a license to carry a concealed pistol, an individual shall apply to the county clerk in the county in which the individual resides. The applicant shall file the application with the county clerk in the county in which the applicant resides during the county clerk's normal business hours. The application must be on a form provided by the director of the department of state police and allow the applicant to designate whether the applicant seeks an emergency license. The applicant shall sign the application under oath. The county clerk or the county clerk's representative shall administer the oath. An application under this subsection is not considered complete until an applicant submits all of the required information and fees and has fingerprints taken under subsection (9).

Source: Michigan LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Michigan is a shall-issue state under the Concealed Pistol Licensing Act. County clerks issue CPLs to qualified applicants 21 or older who complete an approved pistol training course, pass a background check, and meet other statutory requirements. CPL holders may carry concealed pistols statewide except in designated pistol-free zones such as schools, courts, day cares, casinos, and stadiums seating 2,500+. Local units cannot create additional pistol-free zones or impose extra licensing fees, per MCL 123.1102 preemption.

Violations & Penalties

Carrying without a valid CPL where required is a felony; pistol-free zone violations carry fines up to $500 and license suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can a CPL holder not carry concealed?
Statutory pistol-free zones include K-12 schools, child care centers, courts, casinos, and large stadiums.
Can a city add its own pistol-free zones?
No. State preemption reserves firearm regulation to the legislature.

Sources

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