Get Your Michigan CPL Today: FAQs About the Concealed Pistol License Process

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a beginner, can I take the CCW/CPL course?

Yes you can. Our instruction is designed to accommodate the beginning student as well as the advanced student. This is a basic pistol course, and all students will experience hands on with the firearm on how to properly grip the firearm. And most importantly how to load and unload with dummy ammunition in the class before you fire live rounds on the Pistol Range.

Do I have to have shooting experience to attend your shooting to attend your CCW/CPL Class?

No. We have taught many students with no experience how to shoot as well as the proper handling of a pistol.

How old must I be to take the CCW/CPL Class?

We require all participants to be 13 when you attend our classes. The minimum age to purchase and own a pistol is 21.

Is there a dress code for your CCW / CPL class?

In general terms, there is no dress code. However, you need to ensure that you are comfortable. If possible, wear jeans or jogging pants a long-sleeved shirt and avoid tops with a low neckline — hot shell casings may cause you some discomfort if they come in contact with your skin. Also, avoid wearing open-toed shoes

Do I have to own a gun before I take your CCW / CPL class?

No. If you don’t have your own firearm, we can make one available for you for free. If you don’t have a pressing need to buy a gun before the class, wait until after you complete class before you make a gun purchase. We extensively cover the things that you need to be aware of to ensure that you buy the right gun for you and your needs

How do I legally transport my gun to the CCW / CPL class?

The proper way to transport a gun in your car, without a CCW / CPL, is to have the gun unloaded, separated from ammunition and locked in a gun case in your car’s trunk. If you are bringing your gun to our training class, do not bring live ammunition inside to the classroom

I don’t live in the same county where your class is being given. Is this O.K.?

Yes. The class that you are taking is called the NRA Basic CCW\CPL class. As a NRA Training Instructor, I am certified to teach this course all over the United States. This course meets the State of Michigan training requirements that you must meet in order to apply for your concealed pistol license (CPL).

How do I apply for my CPL?

First you must take you completed application along with your course completion certificate to the County Clerks Office of the county in which you reside. There, you will submit your application and pay the application fee ($105.00). The county clerk will then provide you with a receipt that you will take to your local police or Sheriff’s department. There, your fingerprints will be taken and your background check will begin. Once the county gun board receives the fingerprint comparison report, they will issue or deny the license within 45 days.

How long will it take me to get my CPL?

Depending on the county in which you are applying, it will take from one to three months to receive your CPL.

What are Pistol-Free Zones?

Pistol-Free Zones are places where people with restricted CCW / CPL licenses are not legally able to visit while armed with a pistol.

They include:
Casinos
Courtrooms
Hospitals
Daycare centers & schools
University classrooms & dormitories
Sports arenas
Entertainment facilities seating 2,500 or more
Churches (unless you have permission)
Establishments that earn over 50% of their income from the sale of alcohol-by-the-glass to be served on the premises

Note: Retired law enforcement officers with a CCW / CPL and Michigan licensed private investigators are exempt.

Note: The parking lots of the aforementioned Pistol-Free Zones are exempt.

What must a CCW permit holder do when “stopped” by police?

An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol who is stopped by a police officer (traffic stop or otherwise) while in possession of a pistol shall immediately disclose to the police officer that he or she is carrying a concealed pistol either on their person or in their motor vehicle.

Failure to disclose this information to a police officer carries the following penalties:

First offense = State Civil Infraction – $500 fine and 6-month CCW license suspension.

Second offense = State Civil Infraction – $1000 fine and CCW license revocation.

An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall have the license in his or her possession at all times he or she is carrying a concealed pistol.

Failure to possess CCW license when carrying a concealed pistol is a State Civil Infraction and a $100.00 fine.

Upon request, an individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall show both of the following to a police officer:

His or her license to carry a concealed pistol

His or her driver license or personal identification card

Failure to show CCW license and Michigan driver license or Michigan personal identification card when carrying a concealed pistol is a State Civil Infraction and $100.00 fine.

A pistol carried in violation of numbers 1, 2, or 3 is subject to immediate seizure by a police officer.

If a weapon is seized for failure to possess a CCW license while carrying a concealed pistol:

Individual has 45 days in which to display their license to carry a concealed pistol to the law enforcement agency that seized the pistol and the pistol shall be returned.

If the individual does not display their license to carry a concealed pistol within 45 days the pistol is subject to forfeiture.

To Ensure Safety During Police Encounters

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer you should:

Keep your hands where an officer can see them.

Cooperate fully with the police officer.

If you have a gun with you, tell the police officer as soon as possible.

Do not make any quick movements, especially toward the weapon.

If in a vehicle at night, turn on your vehicle’s dome light.

In certain circumstances, a law enforcement officer may take temporary possession of the weapon during interaction with the individual to ensure the safety of the officer and others. The police officer will return the pistol at the end of the stop unless the individual is being charged with a violation of the act or any other law that allows for the weapon to be seized.

Does my valid Concealed Pistol License allow me to carry a concealed pistol in a state park?

Yes. MCL 324.504 states that the DNR cannot promulgate or enforce a rule that prohibits a ccw holder from carrying on property under the control of the DNR.