How to Get an FFL in Michigan

The type of FFL you apply for depends on your intended business activities. Most Michigan gun stores apply for a Type 01 license. Pawn shops with firearms choose Type 02.

• Type 01 Dealer in firearms other than destructive devices. The standard retail gun store license.
• Type 02 Pawnbroker dealing in firearms.
• Type 07 Manufacturer of firearms and ammunition.
• Type 06 Manufacturer of ammunition.

1. Prepare your business structure. Decide on your business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation). Register with Michigan LARA if forming an LLC or corporation, obtain an EIN from the IRS, register for a Michigan Sales Tax license, and confirm your premises meets local zoning requirements.

2. Choose your FFL type. Most retail gun stores choose Type 01 and pawn shops choose Type 02. If you plan to manufacture firearms or ammunition, you will need Type 07 or Type 06 respectively.

3. Complete ATF Form 7 / 7CR. Download ATF Form 7 (5310.12), or Form 7CR for C&R collectors. Provide complete details about your business, all responsible persons, and your premises. Errors are the number one cause of application delays, so double-check every field.

4. Complete fingerprint cards and photographs. Each responsible person must complete two FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) and provide two 2x2 passport-style photographs. In Michigan, fingerprinting services are available at local police departments, sheriff offices, and IdentoGO enrollment centers across the state.

5. Submit your application and fee. Mail the completed Form 7, fingerprint cards, photographs, and application fee to the ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center in Atlanta, GA. The correct mailing address is printed on the form instructions.

6. Notify your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO). Send a copy of your completed ATF Form 7 to the CLEO in your jurisdiction, typically your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. Michigan has 83 counties. This is a notification only; CLEO approval is not required.

7. Complete the ATF interview and inspection. An ATF Industry Operations Inspector will schedule a premises visit to verify your identity, inspect storage and security, and confirm your understanding of federal firearms laws. For Michigan FFLs, be prepared to demonstrate knowledge of the Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) requirement, since it comes up in every Michigan inspection. Michigan falls under the ATF Detroit Field Division.

8. Set up your compliance systems. Once your FFL is approved, establish your A&D Book, implement 4473 processing, and configure your background check workflow before your first transaction. Michigan FFLs must manage two parallel processes for handgun sales: the federal 4473/NICS and the Michigan Pistol Sales Record (RI-060). Starting with e4473 from day one handles the federal side digitally from the first sale.

A realistic Michigan FFL timeline runs about 8 to 12 weeks from submission to approval: 1 to 2 weeks to prepare your business and application, mailing and ATF intake, then the inspector interview, followed by final approval. There is no separate state dealer licensing step, so clean applications with no errors move fastest.

Michigan's compliance environment sits between simple (no state dealer license, no waiting period, no assault weapons ban) and complex (the Pistol Sales Record adds a parallel workflow for every handgun transfer). Here is what Michigan FFLs need to know.

State business requirements:

• Sales tax license required from the Michigan Department of Treasury. Michigan's state sales tax rate is 6%. Firearms and ammunition are taxable at the standard rate.
• Business registration: LLCs and corporations must register with Michigan LARA. Sole proprietors using a trade name should file with their county clerk.
• Local business licenses: check with your city, village, or township. Requirements vary significantly across Michigan's 83 counties and 1,700-plus municipalities.

Pistol Purchase Permit repeal and the Pistol Sales Record (RI-060):

• No Pistol Purchase Permit: the PPP was repealed August 22, 2023 under Public Act 17 of 2023. Buyers no longer visit the sheriff before purchasing a handgun.
• Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) is still required for every handgun transfer. It is separate from and in addition to the federal 4473.
• The seller (FFL) completes the RI-060 at the time of transfer, capturing buyer and firearm information.
• The seller must provide a copy to the purchaser and submit a copy to the local police agency or county sheriff within 10 days of the transfer.
• The seller retains a copy for their own records.
• The RI-060 applies to all handgun transfers, including retail sales, trade-ins, pawn redemptions, and private party transfers going through your FFL.

Michigan firearms laws relevant to FFLs:

• No state waiting period for firearm purchases.
• No state assault weapons ban.
• NFA items are legal with proper federal registration.
• No constitutional carry: Michigan requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry concealed. Open carry without a permit is generally allowed for legal firearm owners.
• Safe storage law (effective February 2024) requiring firearms to be stored safely when minors are present.
• Background checks: Michigan is a direct FBI NICS state, with no Michigan state point-of-contact system for dealer transfers.

Federal law requires you to provide a copy of your ATF Form 7 to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in your jurisdiction, typically your county sheriff or municipal chief of police. Michigan has 83 counties. This is a notification only; the CLEO cannot approve or deny your FFL application.

Separately, remember that the Michigan Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) must be submitted to the local police agency or county sheriff within 10 days of every handgun transfer. Build a consistent process so no submission slips past the deadline, since this is one of the most common compliance failures for Michigan FFLs.

Home-based FFLs are permitted in Michigan at the federal level. Viability depends heavily on your local jurisdiction. Key considerations:

• Zoning: Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and other urban areas often have home occupation ordinances that restrict commercial activity in residential zones, limit customer visits, or prohibit signage. Rural townships and unincorporated areas are generally far more permissive. Always verify with your local planning department before applying.
• Storage and security: the ATF inspector will verify secure firearms storage at your home premises. A quality gun safe or dedicated locked storage area is expected.
• HOA restrictions: many Michigan planned communities have CC&Rs that may conflict with home-based business activities. Review before applying.
• Michigan safe storage law: Michigan's 2024 safe storage requirement is especially relevant for home-based FFLs who may have children in the household.
• Insurance: standard homeowner's insurance does not cover commercial firearms inventory. A commercial dealer policy is essential before taking in any inventory.

Every firearm transfer from a Michigan FFL requires a completed ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check. For handgun transfers, the Michigan Pistol Sales Record (RI-060) must also be completed. The NICS check and 4473 do not replace the RI-060, and the RI-060 does not replace the 4473. For a full walkthrough of the form, see what questions are asked on a 4473 form.

• ATF Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC)
• ATF Form 7 (5310.12) application
• Michigan State Police Pistol Sales Record (RI-060)
• Michigan Department of Treasury (sales tax)
• Michigan LARA (business registration)
• FBI NICS for background checks