Is the AR-15 legal in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.

Does Michigan require a permit to buy a firearm?

Yes (handguns + private long gun sales). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Michigan before purchasing a firearm.

Can I conceal carry in Michigan?

Michigan concealed carry status: Shall Issue (21+). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Michigan?

Michigan open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Does Michigan require background checks for private sales?

Yes (since Feb 2024). Background-check requirements in Michigan extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

English

Michigan Gun Laws

moderate

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Mag Capacity Limit

Permit to Purchase

Yes (handguns + private long gun sales)

Firearm Registration

Yes (handguns)

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue (21+)

Open Carry

Yes, no permit

Red Flag Law

Yes (since Feb 2024)

Background Check (Private)

Yes (since Feb 2024)

NFA Weapons

Unrestricted

State Preemption

Yes

Key Notes

License to purchase required for handguns and private long gun sales. Handgun sales registered with local law enforcement. CPL required to carry in vehicle.

•Yes (handguns + private long gun sales) Permit to Purchase — A License to Purchase is required for all handgun purchases and for private-party long gun sales. FFL long gun purchases do not require one.
•Yes (handguns) Firearm Registration — All handgun sales are registered with local law enforcement. Long gun sales are not registered.
•Shall Issue (21+) Concealed Carry — Michigan must issue a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to qualified applicants 21 and older. Training is required.
•Yes, no permit (Open Carry) — Open carry of handguns is legal without a permit for those 18+. However, a CPL is required to carry a handgun (openly or concealed) in a vehicle.
•Unrestricted (NFA) — All NFA items (SBRs, SBS, suppressors, machine guns) are legal under state law. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
•State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot enact their own firearm regulations that are more restrictive than state law.
•Yes (Red Flag Law) — Extreme Risk Protection Orders took effect February 13, 2024. Background checks now apply to private sales of all firearms, not just pistols.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Michigan Law Affects Your Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Standard AR-15 Configurations Allowed

Michigan does not restrict semi-automatic rifles by feature. Standard AR-15 configurations — including pistol grips, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and flash hiders — are legal for sale and ownership.

No Magazine Capacity Limit

Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines (and larger drums) are legal for sale and use in Michigan.

NFA Items Permitted

Michigan allows ownership of NFA items under state law, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS); machine guns still need an approved ATF transfer. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

Permit Required to Purchase

Michigan requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (handguns + private long gun sales)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Michigan extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes (since Feb 2024)). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

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Michigan Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Michigan?: Yes. Michigan does not have an assault weapon ban. Standard AR-15 rifles are legal to own, purchase, and build.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Michigan?: Michigan has no magazine capacity limit. Standard 30-round AR-15 magazines and larger capacities are legal.
Does Michigan require a permit to buy a firearm?: Yes (handguns + private long gun sales). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Michigan before purchasing a firearm.
Can I conceal carry in Michigan?: Michigan concealed carry status: Shall Issue (21+). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in Michigan?: Michigan open carry: Yes, no permit. Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Michigan?: Yes. Michigan allows suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns under state law. Taking an SBR or SBS across state lines still needs an approved ATF Form 5320.20. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Does Michigan require background checks for private sales?: Yes (since Feb 2024). Background-check requirements in Michigan extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Michigan firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.