What follows is not professional legal advice. While we will do our best to regularly update this information, what you find on this page should be considered previously compiled information that is potentially out-of-date. If you have any questions, please refer to the State of Michigan's official instructions for applying for a CPL, a link to which has been provided for your convenience (and may also be out of date) just below this text.
The entire process of receiving your CPL can take up to 60 days, if not longer
This estimate does not include the time it takes to schedule the prerequisite class, and it assumes that you are able to easily make time for trips to the county clerk, in addition to getting fingerprinted.
We have produced a quick step-by-step guide to obtaining a Michigan CPL below.
Some people sign up for a class the day before; take the class, apply, get fingerprinted same-day; and then receive their licenses within a week. Some wait a full 60+ days.
The best time to start the process is right now.
While this step isn't officially required, you should consider it as such. The first time you pick up a gun should not be during the CPL training course. Consider this 100% required.
Online or in person at your county clerk. (Link to digital copy below)
NOTE: Some CPL courses provide a physical copy of the form at the end of the course.
Local classes fill up quickly, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. They often take place on the weekend and last more than five hours depending on instructor and class size. Sign-up and get on a list as soon as you feel ready.
This step must happen after step (4).
Have classifiable fingerprints taken by the county clerk, state police, sheriff’s office, local police agency, or other entity that provides fingerprinting services.
The state of Michigan requires that a license shall be issued within 45 days assuming the applicant is not statutorily disqualified. Assuming you are not a prohibited person, you will receive your license in the mail, often within a week or two.
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