A Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale documents the sale or transfer of a firearm between two individuals or parties. Use it to minimize risk and prove that the transaction transpired.
Michigan does not have a waiting period for gun sales.
Per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422, all private buyers of firearms that are not long guns exceeding 26 inches must have a license to purchase from their local sheriff’s office.
This constitutes a record of firearms under Michigan law.
Firearm laws: Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422, MI Comp L § 750.223(3), MI Comp L § 28.432a(h)
Restrictions: Yes
State permit to purchase: Yes
Registration of firearm: Yes
License to own: No
Assault weapon law: No
Magazine capacity restriction: No
Permit for concealed carry: Yes
Permit for open carry: No
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Anyone legally allowed to own a firearm in Michigan can sell firearms privately in the state.
Requirements
If the seller is not a federally licensed dealer, the buyer must have either a valid handgun purchase license or a license to carry a concealed handgun per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422a.
Restrictions
Per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422(3) and MI Comp L § 750.223(3) the following individuals cannot purchase a firearm in Michigan:
- Anyone under the age of 18
- Anyone with a felony charge or other specified pending criminal charge against them
- Anyone prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm under Michigan law
- Individuals who have been adjudged insane or legally incapacitated
- Individuals who have been involuntarily committed due to mental illness
- Anyone prohibited from possessing a weapon under MI Comp L § 750.224f
Firearm Inheritance Laws
According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422(8), anyone who has inherited a pistol must obtain a license within 30 days of taking physical possession of it.
The license can be signed by the deceased’s next of kin or the person authorized to dispose of property for the deceased.
Registration
According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422, all private gun buyers in Michigan must have a license to purchase unless the firearms are “long guns” longer than 26 inches.
A buyer can get a license to purchase by going to their local sheriff’s office, submitting to a background check, and passing a pistol safety exam.
They will then receive a license to purchase, which they must show when signing the bill of sale.
Additionally, anyone who buys a firearm must submit a bill of sale to police per MI Comp L § 28.422a(2).
Concealed Carry Permit
You must obtain a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) for concealed carry.
Open carry is allowed in Michigan as long as the owner is age 18 or over, legally permitted to possess the firearm, and registered per Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422.
How to Apply
You must be 21 years old, a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted into the United States, and a legal resident of Michigan for at least 6 months before the application to apply for a Michigan CPL. [1]
Follow these steps to apply for one:
Step 1 – Train
Complete a required pistol safety training course.
Step 2 – Obtain Application
Download and complete the CPL application.
Step 3 – File Application
File the completed form with the county clerk where you reside. Include a certificate stating that you have completed the required training course, a passport-quality photograph, and a $100.00 check payable to the county clerk.
Step 4 – Get Fingerprinted
Have your fingerprints taken by the state police, county clerk, local police agency, sheriff’s office, or other entity that provides fingerprinting services.
Step 5 – Wait for Approval or Denial
The county clerk will deny or issue the CPL within 45 days of receiving your fingerprints.
Gun Reciprocity
Michigan recognizes concealed carry permits from all other states per MI Comp L § 28.432a(h).
All states recognize Michigan CPLs except for:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of what a Michigan firearm bill of sale looks like.
