How to Buy a Gun in Michigan
Michigan’s firearms laws are more nuanced than most states. Here’s the actual, plain-English process — both for buying from us and for buying anywhere else and routing through our FFL.
Long Guns (Rifles & Shotguns)
If you’re a Michigan resident 18 or older with a valid Michigan ID and a clean criminal record, you can walk in (or order online and pick up here) and complete a long-gun purchase in about 30 minutes. Federal background check at the counter, no state-level paperwork beyond the federal 4473.
What you need:
- Michigan driver’s license or state ID with current address
- Age 18 or older
- Pass NICS (federal background check)
Handguns — Two Paths
Path 1: You have a Michigan CPL
If you hold a current Michigan Concealed Pistol License, you’re exempt from the state’s Pistol Purchase License (PPL) requirement under MCL § 28.422(3)(a). Walk in, present your CPL alongside your Michigan ID, complete the federal 4473 + NICS, walk out with the handgun. Total time at counter: ~30 minutes.
Path 2: No CPL — you’ll need a PPL or use the RI-060
Without a CPL, Michigan requires either:
- (a) A Pistol Purchase License from your local sheriff or police department, obtained before the sale; or
- (b) Completion of the state RI-060 Pistol Sales Record at the time of sale, which we file with the Michigan State Police on your behalf for the $10 PSR fee.
Most dealers, including us, use option (b) by default since (a) is paperwork on your end. The RI-060 process adds about 10 minutes at the counter.
Age Requirements
| Firearm Type | Federal Min Age | Michigan Min Age |
|---|---|---|
| Long gun from FFL | 18 | 18 |
| Handgun from FFL | 21 | 21 |
| Long gun, private sale | N/A | 18 |
| Handgun, private sale | N/A | 18 |
What Disqualifies You
You cannot buy a firearm in Michigan if any of the following apply:
- Felony conviction (state or federal)
- Domestic violence misdemeanor conviction
- Active domestic violence restraining order
- Adjudicated mentally defective or involuntarily committed
- Unlawful user of any controlled substance (including marijuana, federally)
- Dishonorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces
- Renounced U.S. citizenship
- Illegal alien or non-immigrant alien (with limited exceptions)
- Subject to certain protective orders
Where You Can’t Carry
Even with a CPL, Michigan prohibits concealed carry in:
- Schools and school property (K–12)
- Day care centers (in session)
- Sports arenas/stadiums seating 2,500+ (when an event is happening)
- Bars where the primary business is alcohol
- Casinos
- Courthouses
- Houses of worship without permission
- Hospitals
- Polling places
- Federal buildings
- Any private property posted with a no-firearms sign
Buying Online — Ship to Our FFL
If you’re buying from another retailer or a private seller out of state, the firearm has to ship to a Michigan FFL. We do those transfers every day. Full process here.
Useful Resources
- Michigan State Police — Firearms
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- ATF FFL EZ Check (find a dealer)
Got a question? Michigan firearm law is more nuanced than this page can cover. Ask us before you buy — (616) 805-5300 or send us a message. We deal with this stuff every day.