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

Michigan bans carry in 6 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• 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

See all 6 places you can't carry in Michigan →

Kentucky vs Michigan: what changes at the state line

Crossing from Kentucky into Michigan changes 3 rules: permitless carry (Yes (21+) → No); duty to inform police (No → Yes); out-of-state permits honored (All states → All (resident permits only)).

Going the other way, a Michigan non-resident permit in Kentucky: no such permit issued.

Driving on from Michigan

How a Kentucky non-resident permit fares in the states bordering Michigan:

• Indiana — No such permit issued
• Ohio — No such permit issued
• Wisconsin — No such permit issued

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Michigan honor a Kentucky resident permit?

Recognized — carry with your permit. That differs from the non-resident permit on this page, because Michigan treats the two permit types differently.

Can a Michigan non-resident permit holder carry in Kentucky?

Michigan does not issue non-resident carry permits, so there is no such permit to carry in Kentucky.

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.