Can I Buy a Gun Without a Permit in Michigan?
Direct Answer:
In Michigan, you cannot buy a gun without a permit. To purchase a firearm in the state, you need to obtain a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) Card and a Purchaser’s Identification Card (PIC) from the Michigan State Police (MSP).
Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) Card:
The FOID Card is a requirement for anyone who wants to purchase, own, or possess a firearm in Michigan. To apply for a FOID Card, you need to meet the following requirements:
• Be at least 21 years old (18 years old for active-duty military personnel)
• Be a resident of Michigan
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
• Not have been adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
• Not have been dishonorably discharged from the military
• Not have been the subject of a protective order or injunction
The FOID Card application process involves submitting fingerprints, passing a background check, and paying a fee. Once approved, the FOID Card is valid for five years.
Purchaser’s Identification Card (PIC):
The PIC is a separate card required for anyone who wants to purchase a firearm in Michigan. To apply for a PIC, you need to meet the following requirements:
• Be at least 21 years old
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
• Not have been adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
• Not have been dishonorably discharged from the military
• Not have been the subject of a protective order or injunction
The PIC application process involves submitting fingerprints, passing a background check, and paying a fee. Once approved, the PIC is valid for three years.
How to Obtain a FOID Card and PIC:
To obtain a FOID Card and PIC, you can follow these steps:
- Fill out the application: You can download and print the application forms from the Michigan State Police website or pick them up in person from a licensed firearms dealer.
- Submit fingerprints: You need to submit fingerprints as part of the application process. You can do this at a local law enforcement agency or a licensed firearms dealer.
- Pay the fee: The application fee for a FOID Card is currently $115, and the fee for a PIC is $20.
- Pass a background check: The Michigan State Police will conduct a background check to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Wait for approval: Once your application is processed, you will receive your FOID Card and PIC in the mail.
Important Notes:
- Background checks: All firearm purchases in Michigan are subject to a background check. The check is conducted by the Michigan State Police.
- Firearm transfer: A licensed firearms dealer is required to conduct a background check on the purchaser before transferring ownership of a firearm.
- Federal requirements: While Michigan requires a FOID Card and PIC to purchase a firearm, federal law also requires a background check and a licensed firearms dealer to be involved in the transfer process.
Table: Michigan Firearm Permit Requirements
| Requirement | FOID Card | PIC |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 21+ (18+ for active-duty military personnel) | 21+ |
| Residency | Michigan resident | N/A |
| Felony conviction | No | No |
| Mental health | No | No |
| Dishonorable discharge | No | No |
| Protective order | No | No |
| Fee | $115 | $20 |
| Validity | 5 years | 3 years |
In conclusion, to buy a gun in Michigan, you need to obtain a FOID Card and a PIC from the Michigan State Police. The FOID Card is a requirement for anyone who wants to purchase, own, or possess a firearm in the state, while the PIC is required for purchasing a firearm. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are in compliance with Michigan’s firearm permit requirements.
