Michigan Gun Control Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
Laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and access of firearms vary widely from state to state. Generally, states with higher rural populations tend to be the less restrictive than those with more significant urban populations. Michigan gun control laws are somewhere in the middle. While the state requires prospective gun purchasers to score at least 70 percent on a gun safety questionnaire, there are no waiting periods for purchasing a gun in Michigan.
The finer points of Michigan's gun control laws are highlighted in the following chart. For more articles and resources, see the links a the end of this article.
Code Section |
Michigan gun regulations are governed by Michigan Penal Code Chapter 750, sections 222 through 239 and Michigan Complied Laws Chapter 28, section 422. |
Illegal Firearms |
The following firearms are banned in Michigan:
A person who possesses an illegal firearm may face felony prosecution resulting in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $2,500 or both. |
Waiting Period |
There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in Michigan. |
Who is Prohibited from Owning a Firearm? |
The following individuals are prohibited from owning a firearm in Michigan: 1. Persons under the age of eighteen; 2. Convicted felons (individuals may have their gun ownership rights restored after certain conditions are met); 3. Individuals who have been declared insane and their sanity has not been restored by court order; 4. Individuals under order for commitment due to mental illness; and 5. Persons who failed to answer seventy percent of answers correctly on Basic Pistol Safety Questionnaire needed to purchase a gun. |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | It is a misdemeanor to possess a firearm on or near school property (Michigan Penal Code Chapter 750, section 237a) |
| Other Prohibited Activities Related to Firearms | Purchasing, carrying, possessing, or transporting a pistol without a license. |
If you have questions about your legal rights to own a firearm or you have been charged with a firearms violation, you may consider contacting contacting an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney. Individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney may be eligible for representation by the local public defender’s office.
Research the Law
- Michigan Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Michigan Gun Control Laws: Related Resources
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
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