Register a Pistol
How Do IMichigan requires pistols to be registered. Return the completed Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) to the Records Department within 10 days of acquiring the pistol.
Michigan law requires pistols to be registered. When you buy a pistol using a purchase permit issued by the Chesterfield Township Police Department, registration is completed as part of that transaction: the Pistol Sales Record (form RI-060) is filled out at the time of sale and a copy is returned to the department within 10 days. If you acquired a pistol another way, such as a private sale, you may need to register it separately.
Registration is handled at the Records window during public hours. The Records Department registered 4,631 pistols in 2025.
Step by Step
Obtain a Purchase Permit if You Need One
Unless you hold a valid CPL, FFL or MCOLES card, you need a license to purchase before buying a handgun. See the Handgun Purchase Permit page.
Complete the RI-060 at the Time of Sale
The Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) is completed by the buyer and seller when the pistol changes hands. Keep your copy.
Return It Within 10 Days
Bring the completed RI-060, your purchase permit and a photo ID to the Records window at 46525 Continental Drive, Chesterfield Township, MI 48047 within 10 days of acquiring the pistol.
Private Sales and Other Transfers
If you received a pistol through a private sale, inheritance or other transfer, call the Records Department at (586) 949-2112 for guidance on the correct registration process.
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
How long do I have to register a pistol?
The Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) must be submitted within 10 days of acquiring the pistol.
Is registration automatic when I buy from a dealer?
The RI-060 is completed at the sale, but a copy still has to reach the department within 10 days. Confirm with the dealer who is returning it.
What if I bought the pistol in a private sale?
Contact the Records Department at (586) 949-2112 for the correct process before the 10-day window closes.