Michigan FFL Transfer Guide: Laws, Fees & Finding a Local FFL

Michigan’s FFL transfer process has one big wrinkle that catches first-time online buyers off guard: handgun purchases require a Pistol Purchase Permit — or a valid Michigan CPL — before the FFL can complete the transfer. If you’re buying a rifle or shotgun, the process is simpler. Here’s what you need to know for both.

Michigan Pistol Purchase Permit: Handgun Buyers Read This First

Michigan is one of the few remaining states that still requires a Pistol Purchase Permit (PPP) for handgun purchases through licensed dealers. To obtain one:

1. Visit your local police department or county sheriff’s office
2. Present a valid Michigan ID and pass an instant background check
3. Receive a Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) — valid for 30 days
4. Present the permit to your FFL dealer at the time of transfer

If you hold a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL), you can skip the permit — your CPL serves as the purchase authorization and satisfies the background check requirement under state law (though dealers still run NICS).

Important: Get your PPP before your online seller ships the firearm. The permit expires in 30 days, and you don’t want it to lapse while the gun is in transit.

How Michigan FFL Transfers Work

The general process for any firearm purchased online:

1. Find a Michigan FFL dealer willing to accept transfers and get their license information
2. Provide the dealer’s FFL details to your online seller
3. The seller ships the firearm to the FFL (never directly to your home)
4. The FFL contacts you when the firearm arrives
5. For handguns: bring your PPP or valid CPL
6. Complete ATF Form 4473 and pass the background check
7. Take possession of the firearm

Michigan Waiting Period

Michigan does not impose a mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases. Once your background check clears and you have the required documentation (PPP or CPL for handguns), you can take immediate possession.

FFL Transfer Fees in Michigan

Michigan FFL dealers charge between $20 and $60 for transfers, with most shops landing in the $25–$40 range. Prices tend to be slightly lower in rural areas and higher in metro Detroit and Grand Rapids. When calling ahead, ask:

• What is the transfer fee for pistols vs. long guns?
• Do you charge separately for the background check fee?
• How long will you hold the firearm after arrival?
• Is there a storage fee if I can’t pick up immediately?

Michigan Background Check: Pistol Registration

When you purchase a handgun in Michigan, the dealer completes a Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) in addition to the federal Form 4473. This creates a state registry entry for the handgun. The dealer sends a copy to the Michigan State Police — you keep one copy. This applies to both new purchases and private sales.

Long guns (rifles and shotguns) do not require the RI-060 form and are not subject to state registration.

Michigan-Specific Restrictions

• No magazine capacity limit: Michigan has no statewide restriction on magazine capacity
• No assault weapons ban: Michigan does not prohibit so-called “assault weapons” at the state level
• Suppressor legal: NFA items including suppressors and short-barreled rifles are legal with proper federal paperwork
• Local ordinances: Some Michigan cities have local firearm ordinances — Detroit in particular has additional regulations; verify with your local FFL
• Universal background checks: Michigan does not require background checks for private sales of long guns, but handgun private sales require a PPP and the RI-060 process

Finding an FFL Dealer in Michigan

Michigan has a solid network of independent gun shops and sporting goods stores that accept transfers. When evaluating a dealer, confirm they’re familiar with the RI-060 process for handguns and have experience processing online transfers from major retailers like GunBroker, Guns.com, or direct manufacturer sales.

Use a directory to find dealers near you, call ahead to confirm transfer fees, and ask about typical turnaround time from arrival to pickup notification.

Find an FFL Dealer Near You →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PPP if I have a Michigan CPL?

No. A valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License satisfies the PPP requirement. You still complete ATF Form 4473, but you skip the county permit step.

Can I buy a long gun in Michigan without a permit?

Yes. Rifles and shotguns do not require a Pistol Purchase Permit in Michigan. You complete ATF Form 4473 and pass the federal NICS background check — no additional state documentation required.

How long does a Michigan FFL transfer take?

There is no mandatory waiting period in Michigan. Once your background check clears, you can pick up the firearm the same day. Most transfers are same-day if you have your documentation ready.

What if I buy a handgun from a private seller in another state?

It must ship through an FFL. The FFL still completes the RI-060 Pistol Sales Record and runs the background check — private party origin doesn’t change the process once an out-of-state transfer is involved.

Are NFA items like suppressors legal in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan law does not restrict NFA items. You follow the standard federal process: Form 4, $200 tax stamp, ATF approval (typically 8–14 months), then pick up from your FFL.

Does Michigan have a gun registry?

Michigan maintains a handgun registry through the RI-060 Pistol Sales Record system. Long guns are not registered at the state level.

Michigan’s FFL transfer process is straightforward for long gun buyers and manageable for handgun buyers who plan ahead. Get your PPP (or use your CPL), find a dealer with reasonable transfer fees, and you’ll be picking up your firearm the same day your background check clears.