Gun Background Check Laws in Michigan

2026 Complete Legal Guide

Here is what you need to know about gun background check laws in Michigan.

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Gun Background Check Laws In Michigan Overview

Private Sales: Background check required for handgun transfers. No background check required for private long gun sales.
Dealer Background Checks: FBI NICS direct — Michigan is not a point-of-contact state for dealer sales.
Permit to Purchase: A Michigan License to Purchase (LTP) is required for private handgun sales — required.
Waiting Period: None.
Firearm Registration: Not required.
Optional Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL): Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). A valid Michigan LTP qualifies as an alternative to the NICS check at licensed dealers for handgun purchases.
Minimum Purchase Age (Dealer): 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns.
Minimum Purchase Age (Private Party): 18 for all firearms.

Table of Contents

What Is a Gun Background Check

A gun background check in Michigan works through the FBI NICS system for all licensed dealer sales — Michigan dealers contact the FBI directly, not a state agency. Checks typically complete in minutes. For private handgun transfers, Michigan requires a background check through the state permit system. Private long gun sales may proceed without a background check.

For any firearm purchase from a licensed FFL dealer in Michigan, the dealer contacts FBI NICS directly to initiate the background check. The buyer completes ATF Form 4473. Holders of a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) are exempt from the background check at the point of sale — A valid Michigan LTP qualifies as an alternative to the NICS check at licensed dealers for handgun purchases. Once approved, Michigan has no waiting period — the firearm may be transferred immediately.

Michigan requires a background check for private handgun transfers. Michigan requires a License to Purchase (LTP) or valid CPL for all private handgun transfers. The LTP is issued by local law enforcement after a background check through MSP. Private long gun sales do not require a background check. As of early 2024, all private handgun sales must involve an FFL or MSP-based check. Private long gun sales between individuals may proceed without a background check. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)) prohibits knowingly selling to a prohibited person. GunTransfer.com helps Michigan sellers document every transfer.

Felony convictions
Domestic violence convictions
Restraining orders
Mental health adjudications
Illegal drug use

All firearm purchases from licensed FFL dealers in Michigan require a federal NICS background check, unless the buyer holds a qualifying Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). A Michigan License to Purchase (LTP) is required for private handgun sales. Federal minimums apply for dealer purchases: 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns. Michigan has no waiting period Michigan has no firearm registration.

Who Must Pass a Gun Background Check

Individuals who may be prohibited from possessing firearms include:

If a background check returns a denial, the buyer may appeal through the appropriate agency. Michigan prohibits certain categories of persons from possessing firearms under state and federal law, including those convicted of felonies, those convicted of domestic violence offenses, and those subject to qualifying restraining orders — mirroring federal prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

Convicted felons
Individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses
Individuals subject to restraining orders
Unlawful users of controlled substances
Individuals adjudicated mentally incompetent

In Michigan, all firearm purchases from licensed FFL dealers require a NICS check through the FBI, or a qualifying Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) in lieu of the check. After approval, Michigan has no waiting period — the firearm may be transferred immediately. Michigan has no firearm registration and no requirement to submit any records of private sales to any government agency.

Gun Background Checks When Buying from Dealers

The process generally works as follows:

For dealer sales, once the background check is approved (or a qualifying Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is verified), the firearm may be transferred — Michigan has no waiting period. The FFL retains ATF Form 4473 per federal law. Michigan has no firearm registration and no requirement to report or submit any private sale records to any government agency.

The buyer selects a firearm from a licensed dealer.
The buyer completes ATF Form 4473.
The dealer submits the background check request through the FBI NICS system.
The background check is approved, delayed, or denied.

Licensed firearm dealers in Michigan must comply with federal FFL requirements. Dealers contact FBI NICS directly for every sale, or verify a qualifying Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) in lieu of the check. Michigan has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity limits beyond federal law, and no state-level dealer licensing beyond the federal FFL.

Michigan does not require background checks for private long gun sales — these may proceed between individuals without FFL involvement. For private handgun transfers, a background check is required through the state permit system.

Private Firearm Sales in Michigan

For a private firearm sale in Michigan, no background check is required by state law. Best practice is to verify the buyer appears eligible, ask direct questions about prohibited-person status, and complete a written bill of sale documenting the transfer date, firearm description (make, model, serial number), and both parties’ identification. GunTransfer.com provides tools to create a proper bill of sale and document every private transfer — protecting sellers from future liability.

Michigan’s firearm transfer framework requires private sales to be processed through a licensed dealer. Relevant statutes include: MCL § 28.422; MCL § 28.422a. Transfers between immediate family members may be exempt — consult the applicable statutes for details.

Because Michigan requires all private firearm sales to be processed through a licensed dealer, GunTransfer.com helps Michigan buyers and sellers connect, locate an FFL, and understand the transfer process. GunTransfer.com helps Michigan buyers and sellers in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren and statewide navigate every step of the transfer process.

Many Michigan firearm owners use GunTransfer.com to connect with buyers or sellers and navigate the state’s required dealer transfer process. GunTransfer.com helps Michigan residents find licensed dealers, understand the paperwork, and complete every transfer legally and efficiently.

The Michigan FBI NICS Background Check System

The FBI NICS system checks multiple databases, including:

When a dealer contacts FBI NICS, the system returns Proceed, Denied, or Delayed. For a Proceed, the dealer may transfer the firearm immediately — Michigan has no waiting period. For a Delay, the dealer must wait up to 3 business days before a default-proceed may apply. For a Denial, the transfer is prohibited and the buyer may appeal to the appropriate agency. Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders bypass this entire process at the dealer counter.

Criminal history records
Domestic violence records
Restraining order records
Mental health adjudications

Michigan has no waiting period for any firearm purchase — dealer or private sale. Once a background check returns Proceed (or a qualifying permit is verified), the dealer may immediately transfer the firearm. Private sales between individuals also have no waiting period. Michigan is one of the most streamlined states in the nation for law-abiding firearm transfers.

APPROVED

The buyer is legally eligible to purchase the firearm.

DELAYED

The background check requires additional review.

DENIED

The buyer is legally prohibited from purchasing the firearm.

Waiting Periods in Michigan

For Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders, the dealer transfer is immediate — no background check, no wait. For non-permit buyers, once the check returns Proceed, the transfer occurs immediately. The FFL retains ATF Form 4473 per federal law.

If the background check agency does not return a response within 3 business days of a dealer check, the dealer may proceed with the transfer at their discretion under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(1)). Michigan trusts its dealers and respects the federal framework. Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders bypass the check entirely and experience the fastest possible dealer transfer.

Firearms purchased online by Michigan residents must be shipped to a licensed Michigan FFL dealer. The receiving FFL contacts FBI NICS for a background check (or verifies a qualifying Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL)). Michigan has no assault weapons ban, no magazine capacity restrictions, and no firearm registration. The federal minimum age of 21 for handguns and 18 for long guns applies to dealer transfers. Buyers should confirm the receiving dealer’s transfer fee before completing an online purchase.

Online Gun Purchases and Background Checks in Michigan

When purchasing a firearm online:

For Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders, the Michigan FFL dealer may immediately release the firearm with no separate background check required. For standard buyers, immediate release follows a Proceed result. Buyers should confirm the receiving dealer’s transfer fee before completing an online purchase.

The firearm is shipped to a licensed firearm dealer.
The buyer completes the required paperwork.
The buyer must pass the background check.

Federal law regulates firearm purchases across state lines.

Interstate Firearm Purchases in Michigan

Michigan residents purchasing firearms from out-of-state sellers must have the firearm shipped to a licensed Michigan FFL dealer. The receiving FFL contacts FBI NICS for the background check (or verifies a qualifying Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL)). Michigan residents may purchase long guns from dealers in other states if eligible under both states’ laws. Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders may use their permit for reciprocity when traveling to states that honor Michigan permits.

Certain firearm purchases are illegal under federal law.

Illegal Firearm Purchases and Straw Purchases

Examples of illegal firearm transactions include:

These types of illegal purchases are commonly known as straw purchases and can result in serious criminal penalties.

Purchasing a firearm for someone who is prohibited from owning one
Falsifying information on firearm purchase forms
Attempting to bypass required background checks

Michigan firearm owners use GunTransfer.com to document private transfers and understand their federal obligations. Michigan’s gun laws — no registration, no waiting period — reflect the state’s commitment to Second Amendment rights. GunTransfer.com keeps Michigan residents in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Lansing informed and protected with every private transfer.

Why Michigan Residents Use Gun Transfer

GunTransfer provides a secure system that helps:

Proper documentation is important for every firearm transfer in Michigan. GunTransfer.com makes it easy for Michigan residents from Detroit to Lansing and everywhere across the Great Lakes State to connect with licensed dealers, document their transfers, and stay protected under both state and federal law.

Document firearm ownership transfers
Record firearm serial numbers
Maintain firearm transaction history
Create proof of private firearm transactions
Promote responsible firearm ownership

Transfers Stopped For Safety Thanks To Gun Transfer!

Responsible Firearm Ownership in Michigan

GunTransfer.com helps Michigan firearm owners navigate the state’s background check requirements for private sales. Whether you are buying or selling in Michigan, GunTransfer.com is the smart choice for every responsible transfer — connecting you with licensed dealers and keeping your documentation complete.

Understanding firearm laws
Ensuring legal firearm transfers
Storing firearms safely
Maintaining documentation of firearm ownership

Frequently Asked
Questions

Do private gun sales require background checks in Michigan?

It depends. Michigan requires a background check for private handgun transfers — these must go through the state permit system. Private long gun sales (rifles, shotguns) between individuals do not require a background check. GunTransfer.com helps document both types of transfers.

Do gun stores require background checks in Michigan?

Yes. Licensed dealers must run a NICS background check through the FBI before completing any sale. If you hold a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL), you can skip the background check at the dealer.

Are there waiting periods for gun purchases in Michigan?

No. Michigan has no waiting period. Once your background check clears, the dealer can transfer the firearm immediately. Private sales also have no waiting period.

Do online gun purchases require background checks?

Yes, but only through a licensed dealer. Online purchases must be shipped to a licensed Michigan FFL dealer who will run a background check through FBI NICS before releasing the firearm to you. Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders can skip the background check at the dealer.

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Michigan Gun Law Resources: Michigan State Police — Firearms | Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.422 — License to Purchase Pistol | Michigan State Police — Concealed Pistol License | FBI NICS — National Instant Criminal Background Check System

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