Application Steps for Michigan CPL
You must complete several key steps to get your Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). These include filling out the right forms, submitting them to your county clerk, paying the required fees, and having your fingerprints taken for background checks.
Required Forms and Documentation
You start by completing the RI-012 Concealed Pistol License Application, available from your county clerk or the Michigan State Police website. This form must be signed under oath before the county clerk or an authorized representative.
Include a certificate of completion from an approved pistol safety training course. If you don’t have a digitized photo on file with the Secretary of State, attach a passport-quality photograph.
You also need to show valid identification, such as a Michigan driver’s license or state ID. Keep copies of all documents for your records. The county clerk will review your application for completeness before accepting it.
Submitting Your Application to the County Clerk
You must file your completed application with the county clerk in the county where you live. The clerk will verify your identity and administer the required oath. Make sure all sections of the form are filled out accurately.
If you’re renewing a license, the process is similar, but you must confirm that your previous CPL hasn’t been expired for more than one year. The Michigan CPL Guide explains how renewals differ from new applications.
After submission, the clerk will give you a receipt confirming payment and submission. This receipt is important because, under MCL 28.425b, it can serve as a temporary CPL if the county clerk doesn’t issue your license or a denial within 45 days.
Payment of CPL Fees
You must pay a $100 application and licensing fee when you file your application. This payment goes to the county clerk’s office. The clerk will issue a receipt showing the amount paid, the date, and your identifying information.
Keep this receipt with your records. If your CPL is delayed beyond 45 days, the receipt allows you to legally carry a concealed pistol when paired with your valid state ID, as stated in MCL 28.425b.
Some counties accept payment by cash, check, or credit card, but methods vary. Contact your county clerk’s office before visiting to confirm accepted forms of payment.
Fingerprinting Procedures
After paying your fees and filing your application, you must have classifiable fingerprints taken. You can do this through the county clerk, Michigan State Police, sheriff’s office, or a local police agency that offers fingerprinting services.
The fingerprinting agency will issue a receipt showing your name, date, time, amount paid, and the name of the agency. This receipt must also include the statement required by MCL 28.425b confirming its temporary validity as a CPL if processing exceeds 45 days.
Your fingerprints are sent to the Michigan State Police for processing and background checks. Once your record clears, the county clerk will issue your CPL or a notice of disqualification within the legal timeframe.
Firearms Training and Safety Certificate
You must complete a state-approved pistol safety course before applying for your Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). This training ensures you understand firearm safety, handling, and laws related to carrying a concealed weapon in Michigan. It also confirms your ability to safely operate and maintain a pistol.
Approved Firearms Training Organizations
Michigan accepts training from instructors or programs certified by the state or by a recognized national or state firearms training organization. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) sets the standards for these programs.
Approved organizations often include:
- National Rifle Association (NRA)
- MCOLES-certified law enforcement agencies
- State-approved firearm training academies
These organizations must follow the state’s curriculum and maintain instructor certification. You should confirm that your instructor’s credentials are valid before enrolling.
Some local law enforcement agencies also hold certified classes that meet Michigan’s legal requirements. Always ask for proof of certification to ensure your course qualifies for the CPL application.
Pistol Safety Training Course Requirements
The pistol safety training course must include at least eight hours of instruction. This includes both classroom and live-fire training.
The course must cover:
- Firearm operation and handling
- Safe storage and transportation
- Michigan firearm laws and use of deadly force
- Ammunition knowledge and maintenance
At least three hours of the training must take place on a firing range. You must fire a minimum of 30 rounds of ammunition during the live-fire portion.
The class focuses on teaching you how to safely load, unload, and carry a pistol. It also helps you understand the legal responsibilities of gun ownership and concealed carry.
Certificate of Completion Details
After finishing the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion that proves you met Michigan’s CPL training requirement.
The certificate must list:
- Instructor’s name, phone number, and certification number (if any)
- Name and contact of the certifying organization
- Date of course completion
- Expiration date of the instructor’s certification
You’ll need to submit this certificate with your CPL application. The certificate remains valid indefinitely unless the law changes, but it’s best to complete your application soon after training to avoid delays.
Keep a copy of your certificate for your records. If you lose it, contact your instructor or training organization for a replacement.
Ammunition Knowledge and Range Instruction
During the range portion, you’ll apply what you learned in the classroom. You’ll practice loading, aiming, and firing your pistol under supervision.
The training includes at least 30 live rounds, focusing on accuracy, control, and safety. You’ll also review ammunition types, proper storage, and how to handle misfires or malfunctions.
Instructors emphasize muzzle control, trigger discipline, and awareness of your surroundings. They’ll check your grip, stance, and follow-through to ensure safe habits.
By the end of this section, you should feel confident handling ammunition and operating your firearm safely in real-world conditions.
CPL Renewal and Reapplication Process
You can renew your Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) online, by mail, or in person. The process involves submitting a renewal application, paying the required fee, and confirming your continued training and eligibility. Renewal timing and documentation affect whether you can keep carrying while waiting for your new license.
Renewal Application Procedures
You may submit a renewal application up to six months before your current CPL expires and within one year after expiration. The county clerk sends you a renewal notice by mail that includes a PIN if you qualify to renew online. You can then complete your renewal through the Michigan State Police renewal portal.
If you don’t receive a PIN, you can renew in person at your county clerk’s office or by mailing your completed form to the MSP CPL Unit, P.O. Box 30634, Lansing, MI 48909.
You must also confirm that you’ve completed at least three hours of review training and one hour of range time within the six months before applying. Be sure to sign the statement on your application certifying this requirement.
If you apply before your license expires, the county clerk issues a receipt that, when carried with your expired CPL, acts as a valid license until your new one or a notice of disqualification arrives.
Fee Structure for Renewals
The renewal fee is $115, which you pay to the county clerk when submitting your application. This payment covers processing and background checks.
If you renew in person, you can usually pay by cash, check, or card, depending on your county’s accepted methods. When renewing by mail, include a check or money order made payable to the Michigan State Police.
After payment, keep the receipt with your expired CPL. This combination allows you to continue carrying legally until you receive your renewed license.
| Renewal Method | Payment Recipient | Accepted Forms of Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Michigan State Police | Credit/Debit Card |
| In Person | County Clerk | Cash, Check, Card |
| Michigan State Police | Check or Money Order |
Reapplication After Expiration
If your CPL has been expired for more than one year, you can’t renew it—you must reapply as a new applicant. This means submitting new fingerprints, completing the full training course again, and following the same steps as a first-time applicant.
You’ll need to meet all eligibility requirements, including background checks and training certification. The county clerk and Michigan State Police will process your new application just as they would for an initial license.
If your license has been expired for less than a year, you can still renew instead of reapplying. However, you cannot carry concealed until your renewal is approved and your new CPL is issued.
Jason Huskey
Owner of CCWClasses.net
Jason Huskey is a family man with three kids and a wonderful wife. He’s always starting new hobbies, but his true passion lies in shooting sports. Jason has been a CCW license holder for over 10 years and carries every day. In addition to firearms, he also enjoys playing guitar and writing songs. He tries to live by the Christian values he believes in.
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