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Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in Michigan below.

How do I Get a Michigan Concealed Pistol License

Open carry is legal in Michigan with several restrictions. The minimum age is 18 years old. A resident who can legally possess a firearm can open carry without a permit if the gun is registered in his or her name. A non-resident must have a valid concealed carry license from his or her home state in order to concealed carry or open carry. Concealed carry is legal for residents with a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and for non-residents who are at least 21 years old and who have a concealed carry permit issued by their home state. CPLs are issued to residents only, with exceptions for some active-duty members of the military. A state-approved firearms training course with at least eight hours of instruction, including three hours of range time, is required to obtain a CPL. 

A concealed carry permit is required to purchase or possess a stun gun or Taser. Individuals at least 18 years old may purchase specific types of pepper spray for self-defense without a license.

Only Michigan residents may purchase pistols in Michigan. A person acquiring a handgun must have either a License to Purchase a Pistol or a Michigan CPL. Although there is no formal firearms registry, all handgun sales require a Pistol Sales Record (RI-60) form to be filed with the Michigan State Police. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. There are no magazine-capacity restrictions. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.

Where Can I Carry Concealed in Michigan?

In terms of locations where a concealed handgun may be carried, anyone with a valid concealed carry license can concealed carry in a vehicle. Without a permit, handguns must be unloaded and in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms either in the trunk of the vehicle or for vehicles without a trunk. This must not be readily accessible to the occupants of the vehicle. There is a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm. 

Other areas where permit holders can carry concealed are:

• A restaurant even if it serves alcohol
• State/national parks
• State/national forests
• Wildlife Management Areas

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:

• A “Gun-Free school zone,” defined to include any public or private K-12 school. You can carry if in your car picking up your children from school.
• A public or private child care center or day care center, public or private child care institution, or public or private child-placing agency
• A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college or university
• A sports arena or stadium
• A bar or tavern where the primary source of income of the business is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass that is consumed on the premises
• A place of worship, unless the presiding official permits the carrying of concealed pistols on that property or facility
• An entertainment facility with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more individuals
• A hospital
• Secured areas of commercial airports
• A casino including the parking lot
• Any courtroom, office or other space used for official court business or by judicial employees, without prior approval
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law

 Michigan gun laws page 

Remember, laws can change, so it's crucial to verify information from official sources or consult with legal professionals to ensure you have the most current and accurate information.

The Michigan Pistol Academy is located in Rochester Hills and Royal Oak, Michigan and is dedicated to providing comprehensive firearm training and education in the state of Michigan. 

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