Is a Kentucky Non-Resident Permit Valid in Michigan?

Why

• Kentucky does not issue carry permits to non-residents (kentucky residents (or us citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a kentucky posting) only - ksp ccdw qualifications).

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.

Carry rules in Michigan

Whatever your permit status, Michigan law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• 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 Kentucky non-resident permit valid in Michigan?

Kentucky does not sell permits to out-of-state applicants (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). For carry in Michigan, what matters is a permit you can actually hold — your resident permit, or a non-resident permit from a state that issues them.

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.

Does Kentucky issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Kentucky issues carry permits to residents only (kentucky residents (or US citizens / lawfully admitted persons on active military duty assigned to a Kentucky posting) only - KSP CCDW qualifications). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.