How to Get a CPL in Michigan

In Michigan, you must obtain a concealed pistol license, commonly known as a CPL, in order to carry your concealed pistol. Michigan law defines a pistol as a, “loaded or unloaded firearm that is 26 inches or less in length, or a loaded or unloaded firearm that by its construction and appearance conceals it as a firearm.” Read further to know how to obtain a CPL in Michigan, or discover what you can do if you’ve lost your CPL. 

It’s important to obtain a license if you plan on carrying a concealed weapon; otherwise, you can be charged with a felony if you try to purchase a pistol without one. The first step in obtaining a CPL is ensuring your eligibility. If you’re eligible, you may then move forward to complete the application process.

Having issues with getting your CPL? Facing gun charges? Request a free consultation now.

Am I Eligible to Obtain a CPL in Michigan?

How to get a CPL in Michigan? Michigan requires the following to be eligible for a CPL:

1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted into the United States.
3. Be a Michigan resident for at least six (6) months before applying. See the Michigan State Police’s website for further information on what makes an applicant a resident of Michigan.
4. The county clerk shall waive the six month residency requirement under certain circumstances.
5. You must complete a safety training course or class.
6. You must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license or ID.
7. Not be subject to an order of disposition of any of the following:
   – Involuntary hospitalization or involuntary alternative treatment
   – Legal incapacitation
   – Personal protection order (PPO)
   – Bond or conditional release prohibiting purchase of a firearm
   – Finding of not guilty by reason of insanity
8. Not be prohibited from possessing, using, transporting, selling, purchasing, carrying, shipping, receiving, or distributing a firearm.

Additionally, according to the application, you must not have a diagnosed mental illness that includes an assessment that you present a danger to yourself or others at the time the application is made. There are no exceptions to this requirement, even if you’re receiving treatment for that illness.

Be aware that being convicted of a felony or any involvement with the legal system may disqualify you. Additionally, federal law requires that a person pass a background check done through the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This background check will display any felony charges against you.

Expungement to Get a CPL in Michigan

Should you have a felony conviction, it may be eligible for expungement. Learn more about expungement and what’s eligible if one or more felony convictions are the only things preventing you from obtaining a CPL.

Having issues with getting your CPL? Facing gun charges? Request a free consultation now.

How to Apply for a CPL in Michigan

You must submit an application, additional documentation, pay fees, and get fingerprinted to get your CPL.

1. Application

• The application is filed with the county clerk in the county you reside in. You must sign it under oath at that time. The application fee is $100
• You cannot lie on your application. The state police and the FBI are going to run background checks. Lying on your application is a felony.
• Make sure you get your application receipt in case there is a delay in issuing your license (see number 3 below)

2. Submit additional documents

• Certificate showing you completed a pistol safety training course within five years of the date of your application. These are the training course requirements pursuant to MCL 28.425j.
• A passport-quality photo (if you don’t have a photo on file with the Secretary of State)

3. Get your fingerprints taken

• This can be done by the county clerk, state police, sheriff’s office, and local police departments.
• There will be a $15 fee for fingerprinting. (Obtain a receipt in case there is a delay in issuing your license. To get a receipt, you will need to present the receipt received when you filed your application).

When Will I Receive My CPL?

Your license to carry or notice of statutory disqualification of your license shall be issued within 45 days after the date listed on the receipt received when fingerprinted. If you don’t receive your license or notice of statutory disqualification within those 45 days, the receipt will serve as your CPL when carried with a Michigan driver’s license or ID until you get your license or notice of statutory disqualification.

If you get denied, you’ll be notified of the reason in writing and have the right to appeal the denial. Read more about eligibility requirements and apply for a CPL.

*See numbers 5 – 12 and 14 on the Michigan State Police’s website for further information.

To Reiterate

If a felony conviction is the only thing preventing you from obtaining a CPL, you should look into expungement. Should your conviction(s) be eligible for expungement, and we’re successful in helping to get it removed from your record, you’ll be able to get your CPL should all other conditions be met.

Having issues with getting your CPL? Facing gun charges? Request a free consultation now.