State Law Background

Among other things, Michigan:

State of Gun Violence Factsheet

• Requires a handgun purchaser buying from a private seller to have completed a background check pursuant to a handgun purchase permit or a concealed handgun license;
• Requires the reporting of handgun purchases to law enforcement; and
• Requires firearm owners to report the theft (but not the loss) of any firearm.

Michigan does not, however:

• Prohibit the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50 caliber rifles or large capacity ammunition magazines;
• Impose licensing or background check requirements on long gun purchasers;
• Require firearms dealers to obtain a state license;
• Impose a waiting period prior to the physical transfer of a firearm;
• Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time;
• Regulate unsafe handguns;
• Allow local governments to regulate firearms; or
• Allow law enforcement discretion to deny a concealed handgun license.

In 2017, Michigan had the 14th lowest gun death rate among the states. Michigan also supplied crime guns to other states at less than half the national rate, and the state imported more crime guns than it exported.

Michigan Firearms Laws

For details about specific firearms laws in Michigan, choose a topic below, or see all of the firearms laws in this state.