A Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale documents the legal transfer of a firearm between a seller and a buyer. While Michigan law requires certain documents for gun purchases, using a bill of sale provides clear evidence of the transaction and minimizes legal risks for both parties.
Michigan does not impose a waiting period for firearm sales. However, private buyers of firearms shorter than 26 inches must obtain a license to purchase from their local sheriff’s office. This serves as a record of firearm ownership under state law.
State Laws for Selling a Gun in Michigan
Minimum Age to Purchase
Michigan law prohibits the sale of firearms to individuals under the age of 18 [1] .
Permit for Purchase
Private buyers of handguns in Michigan must obtain a valid handgun purchase license or a license to carry a concealed handgun from their local sheriff’s office.
Register a Gun
Michigan does not require registration for long guns (firearms longer than 26 inches). However, all handgun purchases must be reported to the local police department through a bill of sale within seven days of the transaction [2] .
Open Carry Permit
Open carry is permitted in Michigan without a permit, provided the individual is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to own a firearm. However, open carry of a handgun requires it to be registered [3] .
Concealed Carry Permit
Michigan residents must obtain a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a concealed firearm. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have completed a firearms safety course, and meet specific residency requirements.
How to Apply
- Obtain a CPL Application Kit: Available for free from county clerks during business hours or online at michigan.gov/firearms. The kit contains CPL application process details, the RI-012 CPL Guide and Application from the MSP Forms page, and information on approved pistol safety training providers if available.
- Complete the Application: File the application with your county clerk, signing it under oath which the clerk or a representative will administer.
- Training Certificate: Include proof of completing the required pistol safety training course.
- Passport-Quality Photo: Needed if a digitized photo is not on file with the Michigan Secretary of State.
- Pay Fees: A $100.00 application and licensing fee is required, payable to the county clerk, who will provide a receipt.
- Fingerprinting: Have fingerprints taken by an approved provider, who will issue a receipt containing the applicant’s name, date and time issued, amount paid, provider name, and the applicant’s state ID or driver’s license number. This receipt, along with a state-issued ID, temporarily serves as a CPL if a license or disqualification notice isn’t issued within 45 days.
- Await License: The county clerk will issue a CPL or notice of disqualification within 45 days of fingerprinting [4] .
Gun Reciprocity
Michigan honors concealed carry permits from other states, but individuals must follow Michigan’s laws and any specific conditions on their permits. Residents of Michigan should check the concealed carry laws of other states before carrying there, as they must comply with those laws [5] .
Non-residents with valid permits from their home state can carry concealed in Michigan, adhering to its restrictions and concealed carry regulations.
Restrictions on Firearm Ownership
Certain individuals are prohibited from purchasing firearms in Michigan, including:
- Anyone under 18 years old
- Convicted felons
- Individuals with certain pending criminal charges
- Individuals deemed legally incapacitated or insane
- Those involuntarily committed for mental illness.
Firearm Inheritance Laws
Anyone who inherits a handgun must obtain a purchase license within 30 days of taking possession. The license can be signed by the next of kin or the person authorized to dispose of the deceased’s property.
