Buying a Gun in Michigan

A license to purchase a pistol (or, since February 13, 2024, a license for a private purchase of any firearm) may be issued to a person 18 years of age or older, or 21 years of age or older for a pistol bought from a federally licensed seller. It is a crime to knowingly sell a firearm more than 26 inches long to a person under 18 (misdemeanor up to 90 days and $500 for a first violation). Exceptions allow younger persons supervised target practice and hunting.

Yes, since February 13, 2024. A person may not buy a pistol, or (for acquisitions after that date) any other firearm, without first obtaining a license from the local police chief or county sheriff, unless exempt. Exempt buyers include holders of a Michigan concealed pistol license, federally licensed dealers, certified police officers, and buyers of a firearm other than a pistol who passed a federal NICS check run by a federally licensed dealer no more than 5 days before the purchase. Exempt purchases are recorded on a State Police form; pistol records are forwarded to local police within 10 days. Licenses are void unless used within 30 days.

Michigan has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery. Where a license to purchase is required, the license must be used within 30 days after it is issued.

Michigan has no state law that requires serial numbers on, or bans, homemade or unserialized firearms or firearm kits. It is a felony (up to 2 years or $1,000) to willfully alter, remove or obliterate the maker's name, model, manufacturer's number or other mark of identity on a pistol or other firearm.