The Second Amendment: What You Need to Know About Gun Laws

Owning a firearm is your right as a US citizen under the second amendment. 46% of American households own at least one firearm—more than 81.4 million people. As a gun owner, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure your guns are used safely, stored securely, and that they don’t end up in the wrong hands. Should you choose to disregard the law surrounding firearms, you could face significant consequences.

There are numerous Michigan laws that cover possession, ownership, and criminal activity with respect to guns and weapons. The Law Firm of Ray Cassar is a strong advocate of gun rights in the United States and is here for you when and if you’re ever charged with firearm or weapon crimes. Let’s take a look at the Michigan laws surrounding guns. 

How Old Do I Have to Be to Purchase a Firearm?

In the state of Michigan, you’re able to purchase a gun at the age of 18. Though it is legal to purchase a handgun at such a young age, you’re only able to do so with a purchase license from a private seller. In contrast, you can purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer (FFL) at the age of 21. You do not need a purchase license to buy a long gun—a firearm that is more than 26 inches long—in Michigan.

Anyone over the age of eighteen can purchase a long gun if they are not subjected to restrictions based on:

• Criminal history
• Mental health 
• Any other disqualifying factor

Open Carry in Michigan

Michigan is an open-carry state. As stated by the Michigan State Police, “In Michigan, it is legal for a person to carry a firearm in public as long as the person is carrying the firearm with lawful intent and the firearm is concealed. You will not find a law that states it is legal to openly carry a firearm. It is legal because there is no Michigan law that prohibits it; however, Michigan law limits the premises on which a person may carry a firearm.”

You are prohibited from carrying a firearm in the following areas:

• Schools
• Public/private daycares
• Sports arena
• Hospital
• Casino
• Any property owned by a church or religious practice
• A bar where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor

For those that have a valid Michigan concealed pistol license (CPL), you can obtain a gun in a concealed or non-concealed manner, except in the listed areas above. Additionally, having your CPL allows you to carry a gun in your vehicle so long as it’s unloaded, in a closed case designed for firearms, and in a space that’s not easily accessible to you or the occupants.

Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Requirements

If you want to carry a concealed pistol in Michigan, you must meet several eligibility requirements. Here's a breakdown:

Basic Eligibility:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
• Must be a Michigan resident for at least six months prior to applying (exceptions apply for emergency CPLs and new residents with a valid out-of-state CPL).

Required Training:

• Complete a pistol safety training course certified by the state or a recognized national firearms organization.
• The training certificate must show compliance with Michigan law (Section 5j of 1927 PA 372) and include the instructor’s name, signature, and certification details.

Background and Disqualifications: Applicants must NOT:

• Have felony convictions or pending felony charges.
• Have certain recent misdemeanor convictions (especially involving driving offenses).
• Be under a personal protection order or bond conditions restricting firearm possession.
• Have been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment.
• Have a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Application Process:

• Submit a completed CPL application and training certificate to your county clerk’s office.
• Provide a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID.
• Pay the application fee (generally between $100 and $115).
• Complete fingerprinting within 45 days at an authorized law enforcement agency.
• Provide a passport-quality photo if a digital photo is not already on file with the Michigan Secretary of State.

Emergency CPLs:

• Available for individuals who are petitioners for a personal protection order or face immediate danger.
• Valid for 45 days or until a regular CPL is issued or denied.
• Applicants must still complete standard training and apply for a full CPL promptly.

Important Note:

• A CPL allows concealed carry of pistols only—it does not permit concealed carry of rifles or shotguns.
• Open carry without a CPL is legal in Michigan for individuals legally allowed to possess firearms.

Gun Laws in Michigan

Carrying a weapon without a permit or license is a felony charge in the state of Michigan and comes with up to five years in prison and fines up to $2,500. Due to the elaborate gun laws that the Michigan Legislature has enacted over the years, referencing the Michigan Penal Code can further educate you on gun laws and regulations. 

Recent Changes to Michigan Gun Laws (2023–2024)

Recent updates to Michigan's gun laws introduced several important changes. As of early 2024, Michigan law now requires secure storage of firearms if minors are present, and individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses face an eight-year firearm prohibition. Michigan also expanded universal background checks to include private sales of all firearms, including long guns. Additionally, the new Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law allows courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. These changes strengthen firearm safety measures and impose stricter responsibilities on gun owners throughout the state.

Why Choose The Law Offices Of Ray Cassar 

If you have been charged with a firearm-related crime relating to possession or ownership of a weapon, then it’s important to hire the right defense attorney to defend your case. This is a complex area of criminal law, and a skilled Michigan defense attorney will help you avoid steep penalties.

Our team at the Law Offices of Raymond A Cassar are firm advocates of gun rights in the United States. We will fight to ensure that you avoid conviction and jail time, ensuring that you can maintain your rights to own or possess a firearm. Get in touch today for more information and discover how we’ll support you from beginning to end.