Classes by state

Michigan CPL Class Requirements

In Michigan you must be 21 years of age to obtain a concealed pistol license.  You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal immigrant alien.  You must also be a resident of Michigan for at least 6 months.  This 6 month residency requirement may be waived for CCW holders of other states who have recently moved to Michigan.

A firearm safety course is required and you can read more about those requirements below.

You cannot have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors.  Most of the disqualifying misdemeanors are related to gun violations, violence, sexual crimes, drug and alcohol abuse, and fraud related crimes.  A complete list can be found at the Michigan State Police website.

You cannot be under a personal protection court order or an order involving mental or legal incapacitation.  Nor can you have a diagnosed mental illness when you apply for a CPL.

As of 2000 Michigan is a “shall issue” state.  This means that if you meet all the qualifications of the law, the county gun board must issue a license to you.  Before this change in the law the county gun boards had more discretion in who they issued a permit to.  A person had to show a need for a concealed pistol license.

CPL Classes Near You in Michigan

What will you learn in class?

CPL Classes in Michigan are required to be at least 8 hours long.  They must be certified by Michigan or a national or state firearms training organization.  The classroom training portion must be at least 5 hours and will cover the following topics:

• The safe storage and handling of a pistol including protecting children from accessing a weapon.
• Selecting the proper ammunition
• The fundamentals of pistol shooting
• Shooting positions
• Avoiding and controlling a violent attack
• Laws relating to concealed carry including the use of deadly force and civil liability issues (i.e. “What happens after you shoot”)

The remaining 3 hours of training must be conducted on the shooting range.  You will need to bring a minimum of 30 rounds of ammunition to the class.  Your instructor may want you to bring more than this.

At the completion of the class your instructor will give you a certificate of completion.  By law this certificate should have the wording, “This course complies with section 5j of 1927 PA 372”.  Your certificate of completion expires after 5 years, so don’t wait too long to apply.  The knowledge gained from this course will eventually fade from your mind so you should continue your education by reading current books on concealed carry laws and tactics.

How long does it take to get a license?

You must file your application with the county clerk in your county of residence.  The application should include your certificate of completion and a passport quality photo.  You will also need to be fingerprinted at your local sheriff’s office.  Your fingerprints will be forwarded to the Michigan State Police to be processed.  The county gun board will issue or deny your license within 45 days of receiving the fingerprint comparison report

How much does the license cost?

You must pay $100 to the county clerk when submitting your application.  There may be an additional fee for fingerprinting at your local sheriff’s office.

Is Open Carry Permitted in Michigan?

Yes, open carry is legal for Michigan residents without a permit.  Non-residents can open carry only if they have a valid permit from their home state.  

Can I Concealed Carry Other Weapons?

Yes, you may carry a concealed stun gun or Taser if you have a valid CPL.  You must also undergo training specifically for the use and risks of stun guns and Tasers.

You may carry pepper spray without a valid CPL in Michigan as long as you are not a minor.

Can Non-Residents Get A CPL?

Generally no, most non-residents can not get a CPL.  The exception is for active duty members of the military if Michigan is your home of record.

If you move to Michigan you generally have to be a resident for 6 months before applying for your CPL.  If you already have a permit from your previous home state the 6 month requirement will be waived.

Do I Have To Notify An Officer That I’m Carrying?

Yes, Michigan law says you have a duty to tell an officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon.  If you are pulled over, you should do the following things: 

• Turn on your overhead light.
• Put your hands on the steering wheel or the car door.
• Inform the officer immediately that you are a CPL holder and are carrying a concealed handgun or other weapon.
• Give the officer your CPL permit and other documents that are requested.

At that point the officer may want you to step out of the vehicle and secure the firearm before proceeding.  You should always comply with a police officer.

Are “No Weapons Allowed” Signs Enforced?

No, these signs are not enforced in Michigan.

Can I Carry While Using Alcohol Or Other Controlled Substances?

You are not allowed to carry while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.  Under the influence of alcohol is defined as a BAC of .02 or greater in Michigan.

Reciprocity with other states

Michigan CPL’s are recognized in many other states.  Check out this map before traveling to other states.

Note:  Always call the attorney general’s office of other states where you plan to travel to confirm that reciprocity laws have not changed.  Also remember that deadly force laws vary by state.  Understand the laws of the states you are traveling in.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

One interesting fact about Michigan is that you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon in a state park with a valid license.  Check the list below for areas where you are not allowed to carry in Michigan.

• Schools (A parent or legal guardian may carry in their vehicle while dropping off or picking up a student)
• Day care centers
• Sports arena or stadium
• A business whose primary source of income is sales of alcohol to be consumed on the premises.
• Churches or places of worship (Unless concealed weapons are allowed by the church)
• An entertainment facility with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more
• Hospitals
• Dormitory and classrooms of colleges and universities
• Casinos
• Courts (unless approved by a judge)

Another interesting fact about Michigan is that you are allowed to carry on the parking areas of these prohibited places.  This is a very sensible move by Michigan’s legislature and makes life easier for CPL holders.

In addition to the above “pistol free areas” you should also follow federal laws.  You can not carry into federal government buildings, meeting places, or places where federal government employees are present.

Find CPL classes near you with a zip code search

Requirements to qualify for a license

The first thing you need to know is that Delaware is a “may issue” state.  This means that the Attorney General or a judge can deny your license even if you have met all the qualifications.  To obtain a CCDW license you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Delaware.  You must also be able to legally own or possess a firearm. Follow the steps below to obtain your license.

Step one is to publish your intent to apply for a CCDW license with a newspaper in your county.  The newspaper must have a circulation of at least 35% of your zip code. The publication must state your full name and home address as well as your intent to apply for a CCDW license.  This publication must appear at least 10 days before you file an application with the court. The newspaper should provide you with a notarized affidavit stating that your ad was run.

Step two is getting fingerprinted.  You must set up an appointment for fingerprinting within 45 days of filing an application. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 6:30 pm at Delaware State Police Troop offices.  Call (302)739-2528 to set up an appointment.

Step three is to find five respectable citizens of the county where you live and have them complete a reference questionnaire.

Step four is to complete the CCDW application and have it notarized.  Use this application if you are a retired police officer.

Step five requires you to submit all your documents to the Prothonotary’s office in your county.  You must submit all original documents plus a copy of all documents.  In addition to the above you must also send your $65 fee and  2 copies of a  1.5 X 1.5 inch color photo taken in the last 6 months.  Make your check payable to “Prothonotary”.

At this point you will wait to hear if your application is approved or denied.  If approved you will need to complete a certified gun training course and submit a notarized certification of your training. Now you can sit back and wait for your new CCDW license to arrive.

Delaware Concealed Carry Classes

What will you learn in class?

Try to pick out the best instructor possible even if you already have much experience with handguns.  You may know how to shoot well but you might not know enough about the law.  A good instructor will teach you:

• General handgun knowledge
• Safe handling of firearms
• Safe storage of handguns and ammunition
• Child safety in homes where guns are present
• Basic shooting fundamentals
• Specific Federal and Delaware laws about owning and transporting a firearm
• Laws regarding the use of deadly force for self defense
• Conflict avoidance and conflict resolution

Delaware also requires live fire training.  Be prepared to shoot at least 100 rounds of ammo during training.

If you are new to handguns or nervous about firearms in general there are many great instructors that will teach you to shoot safely.  Check out the list of featured instructors below.

How long does it take to get a license?

Those who have already obtained a Delaware CCDW report the whole process takes about 2 months.  You can expect delays if any of your paperwork is not in order.  The initial license is good for 3 years and can be renewed for periods of 5 years after that.

 

How much does the license cost?

You should expect to spend approximately $400 total.  The state fee is $65 written to the Prothonotary.  Publication of your intent to apply will run $20 to $50 and a good training class will be $150 to $350.

Reciprocity with other states

Delaware honors several other states CCW licenses.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

• School buses
• State parks and forests
• National parks and forests
• Court houses
• Police stations
• Prisons
• Casinos
• Federal buildings

Featured Instructors

• Trinity Tactical USA
• Delaware Patriot
• Marino Tactical Solutions

Requirements to qualify for a license

As of November 12, 2014 it has become much easier in many California counties to obtain a CCW license.  The 9th Circuit Court issued an order denying motions to intervene in the Peruta vs County of San Diego case.

This comes straight from the motion:

The State of California’s Motion to Intervene is DENIED

The Brady Campaign’s Motion for Leave to Intervene is DENIED

If you have not heard about the Peruta case yet, here is a little background.  For years California has only issued CCW licenses to those who can show “good cause”.  Self defense was not a good enough cause to obtain a license unless you had documented threats against you. Generally you had to be a business owner who carried large sums of money on a regular basis, a private investigator, or a small number of other cases.

Peruta vs County of San Diego argued that California’s “good cause” requirement to obtain a license is unconstitutional.  In February of 2014 the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court sided with Peruta.  California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris immediately appealed the decision.

Many county sheriff’s decided not to change their licensing policies until the case was settled.  Sandra Hutchens, who is Sheriff of Orange County dropped the “good cause” requirement right away.  The number of CCW applications in Orange County skyrocketed and the sheriff’s office had to hire additional staff to handle the influx.

Now that the interventions have been denied, Californians can use “Self-Protection” as their good cause statement to obtain a CCW in many counties.  San Diego County is still waiting for a possible en banc review of the case before changing their rules.

After saying all that I will tell you the general guidelines to getting a CCW license in California.  Although each county sheriff can determine some of their own policies.

You must be:

• At least 21 years old.
• Of good moral character.
• Have a “good cause” (This rule is still in effect but the Sheriff must now accept your right to self protection as good enough cause to issue a CCW license)

You must apply to the sheriff or the police chief of the county or city where you are a resident.  You can also apply in a different city or county if you are employed there and spend a significant amount of time there.

The sheriff will run an NICS background check on you.  Anything that would disqualify you from purchasing or owning a handgun will disqualify you from getting your license.

If you have completed a training course (discussed below) and meet all the above requirements, the next step is getting your paperwork together.  You generally must show:

• 2 proofs of residency which could be utility bills from the past 30 days.
• Most California licenses are limited to 3 firearms and you must provide the Manufacturer, Serial Number, and Caliber of up to 3 weapons that you would like to carry.
• Certificate of training completion.
• Complete an application with your local sheriff.

Share your thoughts on Peruta vs County of San Diego in the comments below.

California Concealed Carry Classes

What will you learn in class?

California law allows individual sheriff’s to decide on an acceptable training course.  The maximum length of the course is usually set at 16 hours.  By law the sheriff can also decide to set a maximum of 24 hours of training if a community college course is required.  If the community college course is required it must be applied evenly to all applicants.  But remember, this is a maximum so your class may not take a full 16 hours.  That said, here is what you will learn in your class:

• General handgun safety, care and cleaning of your handgun, safely storing guns in your home
• California law regarding the “use of force”
• Ethical considerations
• Conflict avoidance
• Situational awareness

You will also be required to qualify with the firearm you want to carry.  You can list up to 3 firearms on your license and you must qualify with each of them.  Expect to bring at least 100 rounds of ammo for every firearm you desire to qualify with.  You will spend a good deal of time on the range.

How long does it take to get a license?

I expect there will be an influx of new applications after the Peruta ruling.  Sheriff’s offices will have a backlog of applications to review, so you should be prepared to wait awhile.  Hopefully most counties will hire additional staff to process the applications.

How much does the license cost?

There are several fees you should be prepared to pay:

• Up to $100 processing fees to your county sheriff or city police chief (Only 20% can be collected at application, the remaining 80% is payable upon issuance of the license)
• $75 to $100 processing fees to the Department of Justice
• $150 to $250 for your concealed carry class

Reciprocity with other states

California does not recognize any other states’ CCW permits.  However there are several states that will honor a California license.  Check out this reciprocity map.

When and where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

• Gun shows
• State capitol
• Legislative offices
• While picketing
• Courtrooms
• While wearing a mask
• While consuming alcoholic beverages
• Places with a primary purpose of dispensing alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption
• While under the influence of any medication or drug (This includes both prescription and non-prescription drugs)
• Secure areas of airports

Featured Instructors

• Northern Firearms Instruction
• Best Handgun Training

Share your thoughts on Peruta vs County of San Diego in the comments below.

Requirements to qualify for a license

You must be a Citizen of the U.S. and a resident of Arkansas for at least 90 days to apply for a CHL.  You must also be at least 21 years old and legally able to possess a firearm according to federal law. When your application is submitted, the Arkansas State Police will do a background check on you.  They will also order a background check from the NICS,

Your license will likely be denied if:

• You have a misdemeanor for a crime of violence or for carrying a weapon in the last 5 years.
• You are currently under a criminal investigation.
• You are determined to be a danger to yourself or others as evidenced by past behavior.
• You suffer from a mental or physical problem that prevents you from safely operating a handgun.
• You have threatened or attempted suicide.
• You have been convicted of a felony.
• You chronically or habitually abuse a controlled substance or alcohol. (This is determined if you have been committed to a rehab or treatment facility or have been convicted of a crime related to these drugs in the last 3 years.)
• You have been adjudicated mentally incompetent.
• You are a fugitive from justice.

You must also sign a statement of allegiance to the United States Constitution and the Arkansas constitution.

Finally, to obtain your Arkansas concealed handgun carry license you must complete a handgun training course.

Click here to visit the Arkansas State Police application website.

 Arkansas Concealed Carry Classes

What will you learn in class?

Arkansas requires a training class that lasts a minimum of 5 hours not including the live fire range time.  Your instructor will start with the basics of handling a firearm, cleaning and maintaining a firearm, and securing guns in your home.

You will then learn about the mental readiness it takes to avoid a criminal attack.  You should always be aware of your surroundings. Use common sense to stay away from unlit areas at night and take notice of the other people around you.

Your instructor should give you a firm understanding of the laws relating to the use of deadly force in self defense and defense of others.  You should take this section very seriously as it could be important to your freedom if you ever have to defend yourself.

Finally, you will have live fire range time.  During this portion of the class your instructor will observe your shooting skills and will determine if you are qualified to safely handle a firearm.

How long does it take to get a license?

The Arkansas State Police has 120 days to issue or deny your permit. If your permit is denied you can appeal the decision.  Your CHL will be good for 5 years.

How much does the license cost?

The current application fees are $147.25 or $95.25 if you are 65 or older.  You will also pay approximately $100 to $200 for your concealed carry class.

Reciprocity with other states

Arkansas honors all other states CCW licenses.  Click here for a map of states that honor Arkansas licenses.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

• Any law enforcement office or facility.
• AR State Highway and Transportation Department buildings or adjacent grounds. (Two exceptions are rest areas and weigh stations.)
• Correctional facilities.
• Courthouses (an exception is given for judges)
• Polling places.
• State offices.
• Meetings of the General Assembly.
• Athletic events not related to firearms.
• Places licensed to dispense liquor for consumption on the premises.
• Schools and Universities. (An exception applies to a private school owned and run by a church or place of worship)
• Airport passenger terminals. (Unless the firearm is being lawfully shipped as baggage)
• Churches or places of worship. (Unless authorized by the leadership)
• Places prohibited by federal law.
• Businesses or private property that place visible signs prohibiting carry.

Featured Instructors

• Little Rock Concealed Carry
• Shoothouse USA
• Thor Global Defense Group

Requirements to qualify for a license

To qualify for a New Mexico concealed handgun carry permit you must be a citizen of the U.S. and a resident of New Mexico.  You have to be at least 21 years old and not a fugitive from justice.  Here is a list of other qualifications:

• Not convicted of a felony.
• Not under indictment for a felony.
• Must be legally able to possess a firearm according to state and federal law.
• Not committed to a mental institution or adjudicated mentally incompetent.
• Not addicted to alcohol or controlled substances.
• Cannot have a conviction for a misdemeanor offense involving a crime of violence within the last 10 years (This includes a conditional discharge, a diversion or a deferment of charges, or pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to a crime of violence).
• Cannot have a DWI in the last 5 years.
• Cannot have a conviction for possession or abuse of a controlled substance within the last ten years.

Finally you must complete a firearms training course for the category and largest caliber of handgun you want to carry.

Click here for a checklist of things you will need to submit with your application.  You will need to register for a background check on the 3M Cogent site.

New Mexico Concealed Carry Classes

What will you learn in class?

New Mexico requires a 15 hour handgun training class.  Your instructors will teach you the basics of handling a revolver and a semi-automatic handgun.  They will go over safety rules for the range and the home.  Most will discuss how to secure a handgun safely in a home with children.

You will also learn how to react in stressful self defense situations. Many instructors will train you by acting out some possible scenarios.

Your instructor will teach you about the laws relating to the purchase and transportation of a firearm.  You will also learn about the laws relating to “use of force”.  Pay special attention to these laws so you understand when deadly force is allowed.  These laws vary from state to state and you need to be well versed in the laws of the state you are carrying in.

How long does it take to get a license?

The New Mexico Department of Public Safety has 30 days after receiving a completed application and after performing a background investigation to issue or deny your permit.  This could take more than 30 days because the clock does not start running until they have a completed background check. The NMDPS website states that 8 to 12 weeks is the average time is takes to get your license.

Once you obtain your CHL it is valid for 4 years with a requalification requirement at the 2 year point.  You will need to take a refresher course after 2 years.

How much does the license cost?

The current fee is $100.  This includes a $44 fingerprint fee and a $56 application fee.  You will also pay for a 15 hour training class which will range from $125 to $200.

Reciprocity with other states

New Mexico makes agreements with other states to recognize your New Mexico CHL.  Check the NMDPS website for a list of states that have agreements with New Mexico.

Always make sure when you are traveling to call the attorney general’s office in the states you will be visiting.  You need to determine if those states currently have an agreement with New Mexico to honor your CHL.  You should also understand and follow all gun laws and “use of force” laws in the states you are visiting.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

• Schools (An exception exists for having a weapon in your vehicle if you are older than 19)
• Universities (An exception exists for having a weapon in your vehicle if you are older than 19)
• Preschools
• Courts
• Tribal Land (Unless authorized by a tribal authority)
• Public buses
• Airport security zones
• Federal buildings including property owned or leased by the federal government (You are allowed to carry in National Parks and National Wildlife Management Areas if you have a license to carry that is valid in New Mexico)
• Private Property where the owner has posted signs prohibiting carry
• Cannot carry while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances

Featured Instructors

• Pro Defense

Requirements to qualify for a license

A license to carry a concealed firearm is not required in Alaska. Anyone 21 years of age and older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry it concealed.  Although, you may want to obtain a concealed carry permit if you will be traveling in states that recognize an Alaska permit.

If you decide to get an Alaska concealed handgun permit you must be 21 years of age and you must be an Alaska resident or have lived in Alaska for at least 90 days.  You must also be legally able to possess a firearm.  Alaska uses federal law to determine who is legally able to possess a firearm.

In addition to the above you cannot:

• Have been convicted of 2 or more class A misdemeanors of Alaska or similar laws within the last 6 years
• Have been under an order to complete an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program within the last 3 years

You must deliver your application in person to an office of the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, or a municipal police department that is authorized to receive applications.

Finally you must pass a handgun competency course within the 12 months prior to making your application.

Alaska Concealed Carry Classes

What will you learn in class?

Alaska requires a handgun safety class to be at least 12 hours long. This is more than most states but you will learn valuable information.  A good instructor will teach you basic safety rules and how to handle a firearm.  You will learn the mindset required to carry a concealed weapon.  You will also learn where you can legally carry and where not to carry

The most important section of your class is probably the discussion of Alaska law.  You must understand the “Use of Force” laws in Alaska or any state where you are carrying. Your life and freedom could depend on a good understanding of this section, do not take it lightly.

Finally you will have to pass a live fire qualification.  This test consists of firing a minimum of 36 rounds at distances of 3 yards, 7 yards, and 15 yards.

How long does it take to get a license?

Once a completed application is submitted it can take up to 30 days to get an approval or denial. When your permit is approved it is valid for up to 5 years.

How much does the license cost?

You must submit a fee of $91.50 with your application to an office of the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, or a municipal police department that is authorized to receive applications.

Reciprocity with other states

If you have a concealed handgun permit from Alaska there are 37 other states that will honor your permit.  Check with the Alaska Department of Public Safety for a list of states that recognize an Alaska permit.

Where can you not carry a concealed weapon?

• In someone’s home without their knowledge and permission
• Schools (You can leave an unloaded weapon locked in the trunk or in a locked container inside the car)
• Child care facilities (You can leave an unloaded weapon locked in the trunk or in a locked container inside the car)
• Any place where intoxicating liquor is sold (This does not include restaurants when you are not consuming alcoholic beverages)
• Courthouses or offices of the court system or justice system
• Domestic violence or sexual assault shelters
• Federal buildings and any federal property where concealed carry is not allowed
• Business owners and private property owners may also restrict carry on their premises

Featured Instructors

Here is a short list of instructors who teach the required Alaska concealed carry course:

• Alaska Tactical
• Gun Start
• Majority Arms