17 Jun What Disqualifies You From a Michigan CPL?

Michigan is a shall-issue state, which means your county clerk must issue a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) once you meet every requirement in state law (MCL 28.425b). The flip side is that the law lists specific things that disqualify you. In 2026, the most common disqualifiers fall into four buckets: failing the age or residency rules, a felony conviction or pending felony charge, certain mental-health and protective-order situations, and recent disqualifying misdemeanors that trigger a 3-year or 8-year waiting period.

Below is a clear breakdown of who cannot get a Michigan CPL right now. This is educational information, not legal advice. Eligibility turns on the specific facts of your record, so always confirm your situation with your county clerk, the Michigan State Police (MSP), or a Michigan firearms attorney before you apply.

Age and residency requirements you have to clear first

Before any criminal-history questions come into play, you must meet the baseline criteria in MCL 28.425b(7):

• Be at least 21 years old. There is no Michigan CPL for 18-to-20-year-olds.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident.
• Have lived in Michigan for the 6 months before applying. There’s an important exception: if you already hold a valid CPL or concealed-carry license from another state at the time your Michigan residency begins, the 6-month wait can be waived. Keep in mind an out-of-state permit stops being valid for you once you become a Michigan resident, so new arrivals still need to get a Michigan CPL.
• Complete the required pistol-training course (the certified 8-hour class with classroom and live-fire components).
• Not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law (checked through NICS).

Permanent disqualifiers: felonies, mental health, and protective orders

Some disqualifiers don’t go away with time. Under MCL 28.425b(7), you generally cannot get a Michigan CPL if you:

• Have any felony conviction (in Michigan or anywhere), or have a felony charge currently pending.
• Were found guilty but mentally ill, or not guilty by reason of insanity, of any crime.
• Are subject to an order of involuntary commitment for mental illness, or have been adjudicated legally incapacitated.
• Have a diagnosed mental condition that makes you a danger to yourself or others.
• Are subject to a Personal Protection Order (PPO), an Extreme Risk Protection Order, or a bond or release condition that prohibits possessing firearms.
• Received a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

A pending felony charge is a temporary bar in the sense that the case may be resolved, but a felony conviction is treated as a long-term disqualifier. If your record is complicated, that’s a conversation for an attorney, not a blog post.

The 8-year waiting-period misdemeanors

Michigan law (MCL 28.425b(7)(h)) lists a long set of misdemeanors that disqualify you if you were convicted within the 8 years before applying. The good news: these are waiting periods that reset your eligibility, not permanent bans. Once 8 years pass after the conviction, that particular offense no longer disqualifies you.

Representative offenses on the 8-year list include domestic assault, aggravated assault or aggravated domestic assault, a second-offense OWI (operating while intoxicated), reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, brandishing a firearm, fourth-degree child abuse, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, stalking-related offenses, indecent exposure, breaking and entering, and various firearm-misuse misdemeanors. (Note that drug possession under MCL 333.7403 is on this 8-year list, not the shorter 3-year list below.) The full list lives in the statute, so check MCL 28.425b(7)(h) and ask your county clerk about a specific conviction.

The 3-year waiting-period misdemeanors

A separate group of misdemeanors (MCL 28.425b(7)(i)) carries a shorter 3-year wait. Again, these reset your eligibility once the three years have passed. Representative offenses include a general controlled-substance violation under Part 74 of the public health code (such as use of a controlled substance), first-offense-level drunk or impaired driving (operating while visibly impaired or a first-offense OWI), disorderly person, larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses or fraud, malicious destruction of property, receiving or concealing stolen property, and second-degree retail fraud. The complete list is in MCL 28.425b(7)(i).

Because both lists are long and the wait periods depend on your exact conviction date and charge, don’t try to self-diagnose a borderline case. Bring the specifics to your county clerk or a Michigan firearms attorney.

Not disqualified? Here’s your next step

If you’re 21 or older, meet the residency rule, and don’t fall into any of the categories above, you’re likely eligible. The path from here is straightforward: complete a certified class, then apply in person at your county clerk. For the full process, see our guide on how to get a CPL in Michigan, and budget with our breakdown of Michigan CPL costs for 2026. Already licensed and just need to keep it current? Start with our Michigan CPL renewal page. Planning to travel, or wondering whether your permit is honored elsewhere? Check Michigan CPL reciprocity before any trip, since other states change their rules often.

Ready to start? Find a Michigan CPL class near you and get your certified training scheduled. Whether you’re in Detroit or anywhere else in the state, you can take your first concrete step toward carrying legally.

This article is general educational information, not legal advice. CPL eligibility depends on your individual record and can change. Always verify your situation with your county clerk, the Michigan State Police (michigan.gov/msp), or a licensed Michigan attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Michigan CPL with a felony on my record?

Generally no. Any felony conviction (in Michigan or any other state) is a disqualifier under MCL 28.425b, and a felony charge that is currently pending also blocks you. Because some records can be complicated, confirm your specific situation with your county clerk or a Michigan firearms attorney rather than assuming.

How long do I have to wait after a misdemeanor to apply for a CPL?

It depends on the offense. Michigan law sets two waiting periods: 8 years for the misdemeanors listed in MCL 28.425b(7)(h) (such as domestic assault or a second OWI) and 3 years for those in MCL 28.425b(7)(i) (such as drug possession or first-offense impaired driving). These are waiting periods that reset your eligibility, not permanent bans. Verify the exact wait for your conviction with your county clerk.

Does a PPO disqualify me from a Michigan CPL?

Yes. If you are subject to a Personal Protection Order, an Extreme Risk Protection Order, or a bond or release condition that prohibits possessing firearms, you cannot be issued a CPL while that order is in effect (MCL 28.425b). Once the order is lifted, the bar tied to it no longer applies, but confirm your status with the court and your county clerk.

Can I get a Michigan CPL if I just moved to the state?

You normally need to have lived in Michigan for the 6 months before applying. However, that 6-month requirement can be waived if you already held a valid CPL or concealed-carry license from another state when your Michigan residency began. Note that your out-of-state permit stops being valid for you once you become a Michigan resident, so you still need to obtain a Michigan CPL.

Do mental-health issues automatically disqualify me?

Not automatically. Specific situations are disqualifiers under MCL 28.425b, including being found guilty but mentally ill or not guilty by reason of insanity, being subject to an order of involuntary commitment, being adjudicated legally incapacitated, or having a diagnosed condition that makes you a danger to yourself or others. A general history of seeking mental-health care is not the same thing. If you’re unsure how the law applies to you, consult the county clerk or a Michigan attorney.