Important Michigan Firearms Laws:
CPL Application
This link is to the instructions and to the link of the CPL application. The application is a (fill-in) PDF form that you are able to enter your information before printing. Pages 9 and 10 are the actual application. The first 8 pages are instructions on how to fill out the various lines of the form. MI CPL/CCW Instructions and Application
FIREARMS (EXCERPT)
Act 372 of 1927
28.422 License to purchase, carry, possess, or transport pistol or to purchase a firearm; issuance;
qualifications; applications; sale of firearm; exemptions; transfer of ownership to heir or devisee;
nonresident; active duty status; forging application as felony; implementation during business hours… To read further details click here. (Source, Michigan Legislative.)
Firearm Laws and Regulations (PDF)
Statewide Handgun Regulations. (Source: Department of Natural Resources)
The rules listed below may not apply to those having a concealed pistol license (CPL) or those specifically exempt by law from a CPL and carrying their handgun in accordance with their license or exemption.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to hunt with (possess) a handgun.
- Handguns cannot be borrowed or loaned to another person other than provided for under the CPL.
- While in the field, handguns must be carried in plain view. Carrying a handgun in a holster in plain view is permitted.
- You may transport your registered handguns while en route to and from your hunting or target shooting area; however, handguns, including BB guns larger than .177 caliber and all pellet guns, must be unloaded and in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms and cannot be readily accessible to any occupant of the vehicle.
- It is a crime for certain felons to possess firearms, including rifles and shotguns, in Michigan.
- Nonresidents must have a CPL or a license to purchase, carry or transport, issued by their home state and in their possession, in order to legally carry or transport a handgun in Michigan.
For more information regarding statewide handgun regulations, obtaining a CPL, or concealed weapons and firearms laws, contact your local police department or view the Michigan State Police firearms webpage.
Transporting Firearms, Crossbows, Bow And Arrows (Source: Department of Natural Resources)
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped, moving or is on private or public property. Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel, and all arrows must be in a quiver when a hunter is afield outside the legal hunting hours.
These rules may not apply to a pistol carried under authority of a CPL or properly carried under authority of a specific exception from the requirement of a concealed pistol license.
Motor vehicles (including snowmobiles)
At all times:
- Rifles, shotguns, muzzle loading and other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine and enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle.
- Crossbows, slingshots, and bows and arrows must be enclosed in a case or unstrung or carried in the trunk of a vehicle.
Off road vehicle (ORV)
At all times:
- Rifles, shotguns, muzzle loading and other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine and enclosed in a case or equipped with and made inoperative by a manufactured key locked trigger-housing mechanism.
- Crossbows, slingshots, and bows and arrows must be enclosed in a case or unstrung.
Boat or sailboat
At all times:
- Rifles, shotguns, muzzle loading and other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine.
- Firearms may not be loaded.
- Exception: See the Waterfowl Hunting Digest, under the Joint State-Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations section.
Additional information
- A percussion cap muzzle loading long arm is considered unloaded if the percussion cap is removed.
- A flintlock muzzle loading long arm is considered unloaded if the cock is left down and the pan is open.
- Black powder handguns must be transported as stated above.
- A muzzle loading firearm that has an electric ignition system is considered unloaded if the battery is removed.
CARELESS, RECKLESS, OR NEGLIGENT USE OF FIREARMS (EXCERPT)
Act 45 of 1952. (Source, Michigan Legislative.)
752.862 Careless, reckless or negligent use of firearms; injury of property; penalty.
Sec. 2.
Any person who, because of carelessness, recklessness or negligence, but not willfully or wantonly, shall cause or allow any firearm under his control to be discharged so as to destroy or injure the property of another, real or personal, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 90 days or by a fine of not more than $100.00, if the injury to such property shall not exceed the sum of $50.00, but in the event that such injury shall exceed the sum of $50.00, then said offense shall be punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 1 year or by a fine not exceeding $500.00.
History: 1952, Act 45, Eff. Sept. 18, 1952
28.422 License to purchase, carry, possess, or transport pistol or to purchase a firearm; issuance; qualifications; applications; sale of firearm; exemptions; transfer of ownership to heir or devisee; nonresident; active duty status; forging application as felony; implementation during business hours. To read further details click here. (Source, Michigan Legislative.)
28.429 Firearm; safe storage requirements; penalties if minor obtains firearm; exceptions; literature for firearms dealers; definitions.To read further details click here. (Source, Michigan Legislative.)
Michigan State Government News
http://www.michigan.gov/minewswire
Federal Firearm Laws
https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/laws-alcohol-tobacco-firearms-and-explosives