Michigan State Law Summary

Last updated May 5, 2011

In its publication Gun Laws Matter: A Comparison of State Firearms Laws and Statistics, LCAV ranked each state based on a review of state laws in 25 different firearms-related policy areas. Michigan ranked 12 out of 50 – having enacted a modest amount of gun violence prevention laws.  Among other things, Michigan:

• Requires a background check to obtain a license, which is required for the purchase of a handgun from federally licensed sellers and transfers of guns between private parties;

• Gives courts the option of prohibiting the purchase or possession of guns by individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders;

• Imposes child access prevention requirements upon gun owners; and

• Requires firearm owners to report the theft of their firearms.

Michigan does not, however:

• Prohibit the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50 caliber rifles or large capacity ammunition magazines;

• Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time;

• Require the registration of firearms;

• Prohibit the open carrying of firearms in public;

• Prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from purchasing or possessing firearms;

• Impose a waiting period prior to the physical transfer of a firearm;

• Require firearms dealer licensing or significantly regulate dealers; or

• Regulate unsafe handguns.

Local governments in Michigan generally lack authority to regulate firearms and ammunition.

Michigan ranks 22nd among the states in number of gun deaths per capita. In 2007, 1,095 people died from firearm-related injuries in Michigan. In 2009, Michigan supplied the 42st highest number of crime guns to other states per capita, and the state imports more crime guns than it exports.

For details about specific firearms laws in Michigan, choose a topic below.

Overview State "Right to Bear Arms" Statistics Local Authority to Regulate Firearms
State Firearms Policies Persons Prohibited from Firearm Possession Prohibited Purchasers Generally Minimum Age to Purchase / Possess Domestic Violence & Firearms Disarming Prohibited Persons Sales & Transfers Background Checks Mental Health Reporting Multiple Purchases / Sales of Firearms Retention of Sales / Background Check Records Waiting Periods Gun Dealers & Other Sellers Dealer Regulations Private Sales Gun Shows Immunity Statutes Gun Owner Responsibilities Licensing of Gun Owners / Purchasers Registration of Firearms Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms	Firearms in Public Places Concealed Weapons Permitting Open Carrying Location Restrictions Guns in Vehicles Guns in Schools Other Location Restrictions Consumer & Child Safety Design Safety Standards for Handguns Locking Devices Personalized / Owner-Authorized Firearms Child Access Prevention Classes of Weapons / Ammunition Assault Weapons Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines Fifty Caliber Rifles Machine Guns / Automatic Firearms Non-Powder Guns Ammunition Regulation Investigating Gun Crimes Microstamping / Ballistic Identification Trafficking
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