Just about every concealed pistol license (CPL) holder is familiar with the term “reciprocity.” However, as you’ve probably experienced, figuring out which states offer reciprocity to your home state can be tricky.
If you have a CCW permit from your home state and are planning to visit Michigan, it’s important to verify if your license is recognized before you bring your concealed firearm across state lines. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is a felony, according to Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 750.227.
The good news is that Michigan offers broad reciprocity. But the state also has some pretty detailed firearms laws, which may vary from the rules in your home state. Here’s everything you need to know.
Michigan CCW Reciprocity
Michigan’s concealed carry laws are welcoming to out-of-state permit holders. According to MCL 28.432, you can carry a concealed pistol in Michigan if you are a United States citizen and hold a valid CCW license from any other state. You don’t have to obtain a separate Michigan CPL. This means Michigan honors your permit, no matter which state it’s from. D.C. and Puerto Rico are included, too.
That simplifies things for you if you are visiting Michigan or relocating. However, in that second scenario, you will eventually need to get your Michigan CPL, but the reciprocity laws buy you a little time.
Carrying a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction comes with some serious responsibilities. Violating those rules could result in criminal charges or fines. Some Michigan firearms laws even permit law enforcement to seize your weapon. Fortunately, all of the laws are clear-cut.
Michigan’s Requirements for Carrying a Concealed Pistol
While Michigan CCW reciprocity covers all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C., the law doesn’t give you a blanket pass on local gun laws. Below are the key requirements you need to know to stay compliant while carrying a concealed firearm in Michigan.
Carry Your Permit and ID at All Times
The first rule is something that you are probably used to. When you are carrying a concealed firearm in Michigan, you must have a valid CCW permit and a photo ID/license on you at all times. This allows law enforcement officers to easily verify your identity and confirm that you have a valid CCW license from your home state. You are also required to present both to law enforcement upon request.
Failing to follow both of these requirements can result in a state civil infraction, according to MCL Section 28.425f. A first offense results in a $100 fine. The law enforcement officer who cites you is also responsible for notifying the state police of the incident. If you are a Michigan CPL holder, your CCW permit could be suspended or revoked.
The consequences for out-of-state CCW holders can be even more severe. Imagine you are stopped by law enforcement officers in Michigan, and you don’t have your out-of-state CCW permit on you. If law enforcement is unable to verify that you have a valid CCW, you could be charged with a felony and arrested.
While you may eventually be able to beat the charge by presenting your CCW later, the entire experience will be incredibly stressful and can lead to extensive legal fees.
Duty To Inform Law Enforcement
Next up is a rule that you may not be used to. Michigan is one of the few states that requires you to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed firearm if you are stopped. This law applies to traffic stops and interactions that occur while you are outside of your vehicle. If a law enforcement officer stops or detains you for any reason, you are legally obligated to disclose that you are armed.
When disclosing that you are in possession of a concealed firearm, keep your hands still and visible. Do not gesture or motion toward the firearm, as the law enforcement officer may mistake your movements as an act of aggression.
Violating the “duty to inform” law in Michigan results in a state civil infraction. A first offense results in a $500 fine and a six-month suspension of your CPL (for in-state license holders). If you possess a Michigan CPL and commit a second violation within three years of the prior offense, the fine increases to $1,000, and your license to carry a concealed pistol will be revoked.
Again, the repercussions become more complicated for out-of-state license holders. Technically, law enforcement officers could still issue the fine and may notify the other jurisdiction of the violation, which could cause your CCW to be suspended or revoked in your home state.
Implied Consent to Chemical Testing
In Michigan, carrying a concealed firearm is considered implied consent to submit to chemical analysis if law enforcement suspects you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This rule is similar to the one that most states apply to driver’s license laws.
A law enforcement officer can require a CPL holder whom they suspect of intoxication to submit to a blood test, urine sample, or breathalyzer. According to MCL Section 28.425K, the state has a tiered penalty system based on the violator’s level of intoxication.
A BAC of greater than 0.02 (or a corresponding content in a urine or breath sample) but less than 0.08, the person is guilty of a civil infraction and can be fined $100. Their CPL will also be suspended for one year.
If the person’s BAC is greater than 0.08 but less than 0.10, they are guilty of a misdemeanor that is punishable by a $100 fine, 93 days imprisonment, or both. The person’s CPL will be suspended for three years. If the BAC is above 0.10, their CPL will be revoked, and they could face a $100 fine, 93 days in jail, or both.
Prohibited Places for Concealed Carry
Even if you have a CCW permit, Michigan law prohibits you from carrying your concealed firearm in the following locations:
- Public or private daycare centers
- Schools or school property
- Sports stadiums/arenas
- Bars or taverns where alcohol sales are the primary source of income
- Places of worship
- Entertainment facilities with a seating capacity of 2,500+
- Casinos
- Colleges or universities
- Any property owned or operated by a federally licensed firearms dealer
Private property owners can also prohibit you from bringing your weapon on their premises. Always check for posted signs.
Other Considerations
In addition to the above, you should always ensure that your firearm is properly holstered and adequately concealed. If you aren’t traveling with a permit and you have a firearm in your vehicle, you must transport the weapon in a secure manner. Keep it unloaded and secured in your vehicle.
States and Territories Whose CCW Permits Michigan Recognizes
Michigan honors concealed carry permits from all 49 other states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Here is a complete list of the jurisdictions whose CCW permits are valid for carrying a concealed pistol in Michigan.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Need To Get Your Michigan CPL? Uncoiled Firearms Can Help
If you don’t have a valid CCW elsewhere, or are relocating to Michigan and need to get an in-state permit, you’ll need to take an approved concealed pistol license class. Uncoiled Firearms offers several Michigan CPL & CCW classes.
Our one-day course starts at 8 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. The $75 fee covers firearm rental, eye and ear protection, lunch, your course completion certificate, and the range qualification.
Need something a little more flexible? We offer a two-night Michigan CPL class. We host evening classes once a month on the first or second Wednesday and Thursday. Both nights of instruction start at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. This course is also $75 and includes all of the above, except lunch. We don’t charge any hidden fees.
Uncoiled Firearms even offers a ladies-only CPL program. This women’s-only course mimics the schedule of our traditional one-day program.
Sign up for our Michigan CPL & CCW Class today!
