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

All States

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

Background Check (Private)

Yes (handguns)

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 with the federal tax stamp.
•State Preemption: Yes — Local governments cannot enact their own firearm regulations that are more restrictive than state law.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Michigan Law Affects Your AR-15 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 federally-regulated NFA items — including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and short-barreled shotguns (SBS) — with the appropriate ATF tax stamp.

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 (handguns)). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

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