Can You Gift A Pistol In Michigan? Revealed

Q: Can I sell a firearm to a friend in Michigan?

You can sell a rifle [ 2 ] or shotgun to a friend in Michigan without requiring a purchase permit. However, if you plan to sell a pistol privately to a friend, it's important to know that a license for the pistol is necessary unless the buyer already holds a concealed pistol license.

Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Kimberlee Johnson

As an individual who delights in adventure while also placing a high value on personal safety, I have often explored the domain of firearms.

And if you’re in Michigan, I understand the importance of staying informed about our state’s laws and regulations when giving a pistol as a gift.

So, can you gift a pistol in Michigan? Today, I’ll share my first-hand experience and shed light on whether it’s permissible to gift a pistol in Michigan. Keep reading.

Table of Contents

Is It Legal To Give A Pistol As A Gift In Michigan?

Yes, giving a pistol as a gift in Michigan is legal. But it’s crucial to be aware that both the giver and the recipient must possess a valid License to Purchase before the firearm’s transfer.

This license is necessary for any pistol acquisition, whether through a purchase, gift, or inheritance.

Ensuring compliance with this requirement is essential to stay within the bounds of the law and promote responsible firearm ownership in Michigan.

Find out if you can give someone a gun in Florida here.

Can You Use Another Person’s Gun In Michigan?

You can carry, transport, or use another person’s pistol in Michigan, but there’s a catch. It is only lawful if that individual possesses a valid license to own and use the firearm.

“I would feel horrible to think I had put my name on a pistol permit and allowed someone to carry around a gun, and they committed another crime.”
– Mike Rutherford, Guitarist

Using someone else’s gun without the necessary license is against the law.

So, always ensure that the person lending you the pistol is legally authorized to avoid any legal complications and ensure responsible gun handling in Michigan.

Is There A Need To Register A Handgun In Michigan?

In Michigan, there is no requirement to register handguns on an individual level. The state does not maintain a handgun registration system for private firearm owners.

However, it is essential to note that retail firearms dealers must keep a record of all firearms sales, including handguns [1], and are obligated to report these sales to law enforcement authorities.

What Happens If A Gun Is Not Registered In Michigan?

If a gun is not registered in Michigan, you must submit the “RI-60 Pistol Sale Record” to the Sheriff’s Office within ten days of purchasing the handgun; if not, it can result in a civil infraction ticket with a fine of up to $250.

It’s essential to adhere to this requirement to comply with the law and ensure responsible firearm ownership.

“In Michigan, giving a pistol should be accompanied by knowledge and respect for the state’s licensing laws, nurturing a culture where responsible gun owners gift both security and adherence to regulations.”
– Howkapow Gift Site

Registering your handgun promptly avoids potential penalties and helps maintain transparency and accountability in the state’s firearms transactions.

Also Read: Is It Okay To Give Someone A Gun As A Gift In Texas?

What Are The Requirements For Owning Firearms In Michigan?

1. Age Requirement

You must be at least 21 to be eligible for firearm ownership. This age restriction applies to both handguns and long guns. But can you give an 18-year-old a gun as a gift?

2. Citizenship & Legal Residency

You must be a citizen of the United States or an alien who has been granted permission to reside in the country legally to be eligible for this position.

Additionally, you must be a legal state resident to qualify for firearm ownership in Michigan.

3. Residency In Michigan

To establish legal residency, you must have resided in Michigan for at least six months before applying for firearm ownership.

An applicant is considered a resident of Michigan if any of the following applies:

Possesses a valid, lawfully obtained Michigan driver’s license or official Michigan personal identification card.
Is lawfully registered to vote in Michigan.
Is an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces stationed outside of Michigan but has Michigan as their home of record.
Is an active-duty United States Armed Forces member permanently stationed in Michigan, even if their home of record is in another state.

Read: How Can You Give A Car To Someone In Another State?

FAQs

Can you carry a concealed firearm in Michigan without a permit?

Michigan generally prohibits carrying a handgun concealed on or about your person without a concealed handgun license.

Exceptions include carrying on your residence, land, or place of business.

Can I sell a firearm to a friend in Michigan?

You can sell a rifle [2] or shotgun to a friend in Michigan without requiring a purchase permit.

However, if you plan to sell a pistol privately to a friend, it’s important to know that a license for the pistol is necessary unless the buyer already holds a concealed pistol license.

How many firearms can you possess legally in Michigan?

Michigan has no restrictions on the number of firearms you can legally possess. The state allows individuals to own multiple firearms without limitations on purchases or sales.

How long does it take to register a firearm in Michigan?

When you purchase a firearm in Michigan, you must submit the Michigan State Police/Registry copy of the firearm within ten days of making the purchase.

Can a wife possess a firearm registered to the husband in Michigan?

A wife cannot legally carry a pistol her husband owns, be it in an open or concealed manner unless she qualifies for one of the other exemptions outlined by the state’s firearm laws.

Let’s Sum It Up

To sum it up, in Michigan, you can gift someone a pistol. However, both the giver and the recipient must have a valid License to Purchase before the transfer takes place.

This license is mandatory for any pistol acquisition, whether through a purchase, gift, or inheritance.

Remember, you can use another person’s pistol in the state, but only if that individual is licensed to possess it.

Michigan does not require handgun registration for individual owners, but retailers must keep records of all firearm sales, including handguns, and report these sales to law enforcement.

So, when gifting or handling pistols, always prioritize responsible ownership and stay within legal boundaries.

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2023/05/14/americas-gun-violence-is-a-public-health-emergency-but-politics-and-the-courts-prevent-a-proper-response/
https://time.com/6278608/ar-15-rifle-assault-weapons-uvalde/

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Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].