Are silencers legal in Michigan in 2026?

Yes, silencers (also called suppressors) are legal to own in Michigan in 2026, provided you complete the ATF's NFA application process and receive approval. Michigan has permitted civilian suppressor ownership since 2011, when Attorney General Opinion No. 7260 clarified the path to lawful ownership under federal regulations. Possessing an unregistered suppressor is a felony offense under MCL 750.224.

What is the process for buying a suppressor in Michigan?

To buy a suppressor in Michigan, you must: (1) choose a suppressor at a licensed FFL/SOT dealer; (2) complete the dealer transfer forms and ATF Form 4 paperwork, including submitting fingerprints, a passport-style photo, and a background check; (3) apply for your tax stamp (currently reduced to $0 as of 2026, though still issued); (4) wait for ATF approval, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months; then (5) return to pick up your suppressor. Silencer Shop kiosks at dealers like Uncoiled Firearms allow you to complete the entire application in one visit.

Who is eligible to own a suppressor in Michigan?

To legally purchase a suppressor in Michigan, you must be 21 years of age or older, pass a federal background check, and be legally eligible to possess firearms. Michigan does not require a separate class or state permit. Common disqualifiers include felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, certain active restraining orders, a history of unlawful drug use, and certain mental health-related disqualifiers. Even CPL holders must complete the federal NFA process.

What is the difference between individual suppressor ownership and an NFA trust in Michigan?

With individual registration, only you can legally possess the suppressor — you cannot loan it out or leave it with others, even family members. An NFA trust allows multiple named individuals to lawfully possess and take responsibility for the suppressor. A trust is particularly useful for estate planning or allowing someone to inherit your NFA items. All individuals added to a trust must undergo an ATF background check and meet ownership requirements, which can increase the waiting period.

Does Michigan require a separate silencer license or permit?

No. Michigan does not issue a separate silencer license or ownership permit. Federal registration through the ATF under the NFA is all that is required. Once approved, you should maintain a copy of your approved ATF paperwork and keep it with your suppressor at all times. Note that local ordinances governing the discharge of firearms still apply, regardless of suppressor ownership.

How much does the ATF tax stamp cost for a suppressor in Michigan in 2026?

As of early 2026, the ATF tax stamp fee was reduced to $0. For decades it was $200 per NFA item. You are still issued a tax stamp as part of the buying process; the cost has simply been eliminated. You will still need to complete ATF Form 4, submit fingerprints, a photo, and pass a background check.

Are Suppressors Legal in Michigan in 2026? Full Legal Guide

Yes, you can lawfully buy and possess silencers in Michigan, provided you complete the ATF’s application process and are approved.

If you are in the market for a suppressor, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the legal hoops you have to jump through along the way.

Find answers to common questions like, “Are suppressors being removed from the NFA?” and learn some tips to make the application process less mysterious. You should also learn about eligibility requirements, the ownership process, hunting uses, and more.

Discover everything you need to know about how to buy a suppressor in Michigan in 2026.

Is It Legal To Own a Suppressor in Michigan?

Are silencers legal in Michigan? Yes, Michigan permits civilian suppressor ownership, as long as you properly register the device with the ATF.

However, you have to comply with the National Firearms Act (NFA), which regulates the ownership of certain weapons, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns.

Michigan suppressor laws prohibit the unlawful possession of an unregistered suppressor, and offenders could face state and federal felony charges.

Michigan Suppressor Laws Explained

Take a closer look at the state’s suppressor and silencer laws to make sure you’re in compliance.

How Michigan Legalized Suppressors in 2011

Michigan silencer laws effectively banned suppressor ownership before 2011. Attorney General Opinion No 7260 clarified the path to ownership and opened the door for more permissive suppressor laws in Michigan. The ruling permits lawful ownership, manufacturing, and transfers when the involved parties adhere to federal regulations.

Michigan State Law and Registration Requirements

According to MCL 750.224, it is illegal to own a suppressor without properly registering it through the ATF. Possessing an unlawful suppressor is a felony offense that is punishable by prison time and fines. However, if you adhere to the NFA process and register your suppressor federally, you can legally own the device in Michigan.

Michigan does not issue a separate silencer license or ownership permit. You should maintain a copy of the approved ATF paperwork and keep it with your suppressor.

However, just because you own a suppressor does not mean you are exempt from local ordinances governing the discharge of firearms. If you live in a municipality that prohibits shooting within city limits, those rules still apply.

Federal Suppressor Laws and the NFA Process

Suppressors are regulated under the NFA and overseen by the ATF. Therefore, you must complete ATF Form 4 and wait for your background check to be completed before you can take possession of the NFA item.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Submit your fingerprints.
Submit a passport-style photo.
Pay for a background check.
Apply for your tax stamp.

For decades, the tax stamp was $200 per NFA item. At the beginning of 2026, it was reduced to $0, but you are still issued one as part of the buying process.

ATF eForms allows you to file electronically, which is more efficient than filing paper documents. Some NFA dealers also have kiosks in their stores, where you can submit fingerprints, submit your photo, and complete the entire application process in one trip.

Are you ready to apply and buy? Check out our guide on how to submit ATF Form 1 and 4, as well as how Uncoiled Firearms makes the process more convenient.

Who Can Legally Own a Suppressor in Michigan?

The path to ownership is relatively simple for Michigan residents.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To purchase a suppressor, you must:

Be 21 years old or older.
Pass a federal background check.
Be legally allowed to possess firearms.

Michigan does not require you to take a class before buying a suppressor. If you are able to pass a federal background check and are legally eligible to own firearms, you should be able to purchase a suppressor as well.

Common Disqualifiers

The same firearm ownership disqualifiers apply to suppressors. Individuals will be prohibited from buying a suppressor in Michigan if their record includes:

Felony convictions.
Domestic violence convictions.
Certain types of active restraining orders.
A history of unlawful drug use.
Certain mental health-related disqualifiers.

Even if you hold a CPL, you still have to complete the federal NFA process. If you are unsure about your eligibility, consult with a firearms attorney.

How the Suppressor Buying Process Works in Michigan

Ready to purchase a silencer in Michigan? Here’s how the process works:

Choose a suppressor at a licensed FFL/SOT dealer.
Complete the dealer transfer forms and ATF paperwork.
Wait for ATF approval.
Return to pick up your suppressor.

The waiting period can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on how many applications the ATF is processing, your background, and other factors. Silencer Shop kiosks are a great tool for simplifying the process. You can submit your fingerprints and complete the paperwork all in one place.

Uncoiled Firearms has a free comprehensive guide to buying a silencer in Michigan. Check out our definitive guide to get started.

Individual Ownership vs. NFA Trusts

When purchasing your suppressor or NFA item, you have two registration options.

Individual Registration

If you register the suppressor to yourself, you will be the only one who can legally possess it. While you can take it to the range with your friends or family, you have to be with them. You can’t loan it out or give it to anyone else.

NFA Trusts and Shared Access

A trust allows multiple people to take responsibility for the suppressor and lawfully possess it. Establishing a trust can be valuable for estate planning or enabling someone to inherit your NFA items.

Everyone who is applying to be part of the trust must undergo the ATF background check and meet ownership requirements. Adding others to your application can increase the waiting period, but for many, establishing a trust is worth it.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Michigan Suppressor Laws in 2026

Owning a suppressor in Michigan is legal, and the process is manageable when you carefully follow established laws. Partner with a reputable NFA dealer that uses an in-house kiosk to save yourself time and hassle. Uncoiled Firearms is a great choice for buying suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs in Michigan.

Uncoiled Firearms is your one-stop shop for training, gun purchases, and suppressors. Contact us to talk to an experienced team member, or come in and check out our selection of NFA items.