Get a Handgun Purchase Permit
How Do IApply in person at the Records Department for a Michigan license to purchase a firearm. A $5.00 notary fee applies and the permit is valid for 30 days.
Michigan law requires a license to purchase a handgun unless you hold a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL), Federal Firearms License (FFL) or MCOLES card. Permits are issued by the Chesterfield Township Police Department Records Department and are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Applications are accepted in person only; there is no mail-in or online option.
Plan for the visit to take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, and note that same-day processing is not guaranteed. A $5.00 notary fee is due at the time of processing, payable by cash, check or credit card (a small processing fee applies to cards). The Records Department issued 974 pistol purchase permits in 2025.
Step by Step
Download and Review the Application
Read the Application for a License to Purchase a Firearm before your visit. You may fill it in ahead of time, but do not sign it until you are in front of the notary at the department.
Confirm You Are Eligible
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident legal alien, a Michigan resident, and 18 or older, with no felony indictments, pending charges or convictions, no disqualifying mental health adjudications or court orders, and no unlawful controlled substance use in the past year.
Visit the Records Department in Person
Bring a valid photo ID to 46525 Continental Drive, Chesterfield Township, MI 48047. Applications are taken Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Wednesday until 4:00 PM.
Pay the Notary Fee and Complete the Background Check
Pay the $5.00 notary fee, sign the application in front of the notary, and allow time for the required background check to be completed.
Use the Permit Within 30 Days
Once issued, the license to purchase is valid for 30 days. After buying the pistol, the sale record must be returned for registration within 10 days.
Changes to Michigan Law Regarding Sales of Firearms
(PA 19 of 2023 — Goes into effect February 13, 2024)
| NON-FFL SellerPrivate BuyerBuyer HAS a CPL | NON-FFL SellerPrivate BuyerBuyer does NOT have a CPL | FFL SellerPrivate BuyerBuyer HAS a CPL | FFL SellerPrivate BuyerBuyer does NOT have a CPL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PISTOL | SELLER is responsible to complete and submit the Firearm Sales Record (RI-060) to their local Police Dept. or Sheriff's Office within 10 days. | BUYER must first obtain LTP (RI-010a) and present to seller. SELLER is responsible to complete and submit the License to Purchase (RI-010a) to the Licensing Authority within 10 days. | SELLER is responsible to complete and submit the Firearm Sales Record (RI-060) to their local Police Dept. or Sheriff's Office within 10 days. FFL STILL must run a NICS background check. | BUYER must first obtain LTP (RI-010a) and present to Seller (FFL). FFL does not have to run a NICS background check (but is not prohibited from doing so) but CANNOT complete the sale until the buyer provides an LTP (RI-010a). Seller completes and returns the LTP to the Licensing Authority within 10 days. |
| LONG GUNS | Firearm Sales Record (RI-060) must be completed by seller, including buyer's CPL number. No paperwork submission required after the sale. | BUYER must first obtain LTP (RI-010a) from PD/SO. Seller to complete the LTP and provide a copy to purchaser. No paperwork submission required after the sale. | FFL STILL must run a NICS background check (unless buyer has first obtained an LTP (RI-010a), which is NOT required for long guns purchased from an FFL). Firearm Sales Record (RI-060) must be completed by Seller (FFL) but is NOT required to be submitted to law enforcement after the sale. | |
- CPL
- Concealed Pistol License
- FFL
- Federal Firearms Licensee (a licensed dealer)
- LTP (RI-010a)
- License to Purchase a Firearm
- PD/SO
- Police Department or Sheriff's Office
- RI-060
- Firearm Sales Record
- NICS
- National Instant Criminal Background Check System
Questions about a sale or the forms? Call the Records Department at (586) 949-2112.
Ways to Get This Done
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does not need a purchase permit?
Holders of a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License, a Federal Firearms License or an MCOLES card are exempt. Everyone else needs a license to purchase before buying a handgun.
How long is the permit good for?
Thirty days from the date it is issued.
Can I apply by mail or online?
No. The application must be submitted and notarized in person at the Records Department.
Will I get the permit the same day?
Not always. Plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour, and understand that same-day processing is not guaranteed.