A Michigan firearm bill of sale relays the details of a private firearm transaction between the buyer and the seller. Once completed, the form acts as proof that the seller was paid in full and the gun’s ownership was passed to the buyer. Unless the firearm is a “long gun” (longer than twenty-six (26) inches), the buyer must obtain a Purchase Permit from their local sheriff’s office prior to purchasing. To get a permit, individuals must be over eighteen (18) years old and have a Michigan driver’s license or state photo I.D. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony are not legally permitted to purchase a gun in the state. So while background checks aren’t required, private sellers should still practice due diligence to ensure that they aren’t selling to felons in contravention of state law.

Concealed Carry Laws

Statute – § 28.421a

Individuals are only allowed to carry a handgun on their person if they meet state eligibility requirements and hold a Concealed Pistol License (CPL).  The following criteria must be fulfilled to obtain a CPL:

• Individual must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older;
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted into the country;
• Be a Michigan resident for at least six (6) months prior to application;
• Complete a pistol safety training course;
• Not be subject to an order or disposition for involuntary hospitalization or involuntary, incapacitation, or protection order;
• Never been convicted of a felony in Michigan or outside the state; and
• Not been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.

To apply for a CPL, residents must complete and submit the CPL application form to their county clerk, along with a certificate of completion for a pistol safety training course, and a passport-sized color photograph. The clerk will charge a $100 fee, provide the applicant with a receipt, and take their fingerprints.