Non-Resident permit · AZ → MI
Is a Arizona Non-Resident Permit Valid in Michigan?
Not recognizedVerified 2026-08-08
No — this is one of the pairs where carrying is off the table. Michigan doesn't honor the permit and doesn't allow permitless carry for visitors, so there is no lawful concealed-carry path on this trip.
Why
- Michigan recognizes out-of-state permits only when the holder is a resident of the issuing state.
- A non-resident permit from Arizona therefore does not qualify — the holder is not an Arizona resident.
MSP: 'If you are a resident of another state who is licensed by that state to carry a concealed pistol, Michigan will recognize your permit,' subject to any license restrictions and Michigan carry law. Statutory basis MCL 750.231a(1)(a): the license must be 'issued by his or her state of residence' — a non-resident permit (e.g. a Utah non-resident permit held by a Florida resident) is NOT valid.
The permit (Arizona)
- Permit
- Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW)
- Issued by
- Arizona Department of Public Safety (Concealed Weapons Permit Unit)
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- Yes — AZDPS FAQ: non-residents may apply for an Arizona permit under the same requirements (A.R.S. § 13-3112 allows any qualifying US citizen or Arizona resident).
The destination (Michigan)
- Recognition policy
- Honors all states' permits, resident permits only
- Permitless carry
- No
- Duty to inform
- Yes — proactive
- Magazine limit
- No state limit
Carry rules in Michigan
Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Michigan, these rules replace the ones you know from Arizona.
- Michigan imposes a duty to inform: you must tell an officer you are carrying. MCL 28.425f(3): a licensee carrying a concealed pistol who is stopped by a peace officer must immediately disclose that they are carrying a pistol concealed on their person or in the vehicle; violations are civil infractions with fines and license suspension/revocation.
- Michigan sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- Michigan is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Michigan recognizes.
- A CPL or a recognized out-of-state resident license allows a loaded concealed pistol in a vehicle; without one, pistols must be transported unloaded in a closed case designed for firearms in the trunk (MCL 750.231a(1)(d)).
Off-limits places in Michigan
- Schools and school property, except a parent/guardian in a vehicle while dropping off or picking up (MCL 28.425o)
- Public or private day care centers and child caring agencies
- Sports arenas, stadiums and entertainment facilities seating 2,500+
- Bars (taverns whose primary income is on-premises alcohol sales)
- Places of worship, unless the presiding official allows
- Hospitals, casinos, and college/university dormitories or classrooms
Frequently asked questions
- Is a Arizona non-resident permit valid in Michigan?
- No — this is one of the pairs where carrying is off the table. Michigan doesn't honor the permit and doesn't allow permitless carry for visitors, so there is no lawful concealed-carry path on this trip.
- Do I have to tell police in Michigan that I am carrying?
- Michigan imposes a duty to inform: you must tell an officer you are carrying. MCL 28.425f(3): a licensee carrying a concealed pistol who is stopped by a peace officer must immediately disclose that they are carrying a pistol concealed on their person or in the vehicle; violations are civil infractions with fines and license suspension/revocation.
- Does Michigan limit magazine capacity?
- Michigan sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
- Where does Michigan publish its official reciprocity list?
- Michigan publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.
Official sources
- Michigan State Police — Reciprocity — accessed 2026-08-08
- Michigan State Police — Concealed Pistol License Requirements — accessed 2026-08-08
- Michigan State Police — Prohibited Premises (MCL 28.425o) — accessed 2026-08-08
- MCL 750.231a — exceptions incl. license issued by state of residence; vehicle transport — accessed 2026-08-08
- MCL 28.425f — duty to disclose to peace officer — accessed 2026-08-08
- Arizona DPS — Concealed Weapons and Permits (reciprocity, non-resident applications, age) — accessed 2026-08-08
- A.R.S. § 13-3112 (Arizona Legislature) — permit issuance and out-of-state permit recognition — accessed 2026-08-08
- A.R.S. § 13-3102 (Arizona Legislature) — misconduct involving weapons; permitless carry, duty to answer, prohibited places — accessed 2026-08-08