Michigan CPL: how to get your concealed pistol license
Michigan issues a Concealed Pistol License, the CPL, through your county clerk. It takes a one-day class, one form and one trip to the clerk's office.
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1. Take the class
An 8-hour pistol safety course: at least 5 hours of classroom and 3 hours on a range.
2. Fill out RI-012
The state CPL application. Bring it, the course certificate and your photo ID.
3. File with your clerk
In person at the county clerk where you live. $100 fee, plus $15 if the county fingerprints you.
4. Receive your CPL
The state police run the background check and your license is mailed to you.
Which county clerk?
The clerk of the county you live in. If you live in Lansing, for example, that could be Ingham, Eaton or Clinton County depending on your address. Our city pages list the right office for each area:
Where you can't carry
A CPL does not cover schools, day care centers, sports arenas and stadiums, bars whose main income is alcohol, churches unless the congregation allows it, entertainment venues seating 2,500 or more, hospitals, and college dorms and classrooms. See the full picture in our Michigan gun law overview.
Choosing a carry pistol
Most Michigan CPL holders carry a compact or subcompact 9mm: small enough to hide under a winter coat or a T-shirt, with 10 to 15 rounds on board. Pick one you can shoot well in the class, because the range portion is where you will find out.
Carry pistols
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Ruger
★ 4.7 (567)
$229.99
Capacity: 6 | Barrel Length: 2.75
Ships to FFL
★ 4.9 (308)
$484.71
Capacity: 6 | Barrel Length: 3.18
Ships to FFL
Taurus
★ 4.7 (163)
$327.16
Capacity: 11 | Barrel Length: 3.06
Ships to FFL
Ships to FFL
Ships to FFL
Smith & Wesson
★ 4.9 (112)
$522.09
Capacity: 8 | Barrel Length: 3.7
Ships to FFL
Beretta
★ 4.8 (110)
$760.71
Capacity: 15 | Barrel Length: 3.2
Ships to FFL
CZ
★ 5.0 (91)
$920.56
Capacity: 14 | Barrel Length: 3.75
Ships to FFL
Smith & Wesson
★ 4.9 (88)
$522.09
Capacity: 8 | Barrel Length: 3.7
Ships to FFL
Ruger
★ 4.8 (88)
$365.11
Capacity: 15 | Barrel Length: 3.42
Ships to FFL
Canik
★ 4.9 (76)
$459.99
Capacity: 12 | Barrel Length: 3.6
Ships to FFL
Beretta
★ 4.9 (72)
$797.51
Capacity: 13 | Barrel Length: 4.25
Common questions
How old do I need to be for a Michigan CPL?
21. You must also be a Michigan resident (with narrow exceptions), have completed the pistol safety course, and not be barred by the disqualifying offenses and conditions listed in the law.
What does a Michigan CPL cost?
The state application fee is $100. Counties that take your fingerprints charge an extra $15. The training class is separate and priced by the instructor.
What must the training certificate say?
It must state that the course complies with section 5j of 1927 PA 372 and carry the instructor's printed name, signature and phone number. Ask your instructor before you book if you are not sure.
Do I need a CPL to buy a pistol?
No. A CPL is for carrying concealed. You can buy a pistol from a dealer without one, and without a License to Purchase.
What do I do if police stop me while I am carrying?
Tell the officer immediately that you are carrying a pistol and have a CPL. It is required by law.
Can I carry after a drink?
Michigan bars carrying a concealed pistol with a blood alcohol content of .02 or more, far below the driving limit. The safe answer is not to drink while carrying.
More Michigan guides
General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026. The Michigan State Police CPL unit and your county clerk have the official forms and rules.