Concealed Pistol Licenses Eligibility

Based on a 2015 change in the law, Michigan is now a “shall issue” state. Consequently, qualified individuals shall be issued a CPL allowing them to carry a concealed handgun on their person for any lawful purpose. To obtain a CPL, a person must the requirements for Michigan CPL eligibility and apply with the Michigan State Police.

It should be noted that CPL allows only for the lawful carrying of pistols. A CPL does not allow the carrier to conceal a long gun. In Michigan, it is also legal for a person to openly carry a firearm in public as long as the person is carrying the firearm with lawful intent and the pistol is not concealed. A CPL applies only to concealed carry of a pistol.

In addition to the requirements listed below, applicants must also complete state-mandated education with a CPL instructor who is certified by this state or a national organization to teach the eight-hour pistol safety training. If an individual wants to know more about applying for a CPL and what requirements they must meet, they should get in touch with a capable gun attorney that can answer their questions.

Section 28.422 of the Michigan Compiled Laws states that to meet the requirements for Michigan CPL eligibility, an individual must:

• Be 21 or older.
• Be a US citizen or an alien otherwise lawfully admitted.
• Have established residency in Michigan for a minimum of six months immediately prior to application.
• Are a registered voter.
• Are a Michigan resident on active duty in US military while stationed outside of Michigan.
• Have completed a pistol safety training course and are knowledgeable about the safe use and handling of a pistol
• Have a valid driver license or state ID.

In certain situations, the county clerk must waive the six-month residency requirement. According to Michigan law, an emergency license shall be issued without the six-month residency requirement if the person has also sought and received a personal protection order issued under MCL § 600.2950 or MCL § 600.2950a. Other exceptions have some level of discretion such as where the county clerk might waive the residency for an emergency license if the county sheriff determines that there is clear and convincing evidence to believe that the person's safety or the safety of a member of their family or household is endangered by their inability to immediately obtain a license to carry a concealed pistol. Lastly, the six-month residency requirement might be waived for a new resident if they hold a valid concealed pistol license issued by another state at the time their residency in Michigan is established.

As mentioned above, according to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.425a, there are two instances when a clerk may issue an emergency CPL, when a person has obtained a personal protection order, or when there is clear and convincing evidence that an individual's safety and the safety of their family is endangered by their inability to carry a concealed pistol.

If an individual obtains an emergency license, they must complete a valid pistol training course and apply for a CPL within ten business days of applying for the license. Also, an emergency license is unrestricted and valid for only 45 days.

Possession of an emergency CPL does not exempt a person from the requirement to obtain a license to purchase a pistol or exempt a firearms dealer from running a background check prior to the purchase of a pistol. If individuals want to know more about Michigan CPL eligibility and requirements, they should consult a qualified attorney.