Is a West Virginia Non-Resident Permit Valid in Michigan?

Why

• Michigan recognizes out-of-state permits only when the holder is a resident of the issuing state.
• A non-resident permit from West Virginia therefore does not qualify — the holder is not a West Virginia 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.

Carry rules in Michigan

Crossing into Michigan swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.

• 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 →

West Virginia vs Michigan: what changes at the state line

Crossing from West Virginia into Michigan changes 3 rules: permitless carry (Yes (18+) → No); duty to inform police (No → Yes); out-of-state permits honored (36 states → All (resident permits only)).

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

Driving on from Michigan

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

• Indiana — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Ohio — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Wisconsin — Recognized — carry with your permit

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Michigan honor a West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

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

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.