Non-Resident permit · WI → MI
Is a Wisconsin Non-Resident Permit Valid in Michigan?
You can't get this permit: Wisconsin doesn't offer one to non-residents (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). Check your own state's permit against Michigan's recognition rules instead.
Why
- Wisconsin does not issue carry permits to non-residents (issued only to wisconsin residents (valid wi driver's license or id required) or active-duty military stationed in wisconsin (wi doj ccw faq)).
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 (Wisconsin)
- Permit
- Wisconsin Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) License
- Issued by
- Wisconsin Department of Justice (Firearms Section)
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- No — Issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ).
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
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
- 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 Wisconsin non-resident permit valid in Michigan?
- You can't get this permit: Wisconsin doesn't offer one to non-residents (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). Check your own state's permit against Michigan's recognition rules instead.
- 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 Wisconsin issue non-resident carry permits?
- No. Wisconsin issues carry permits to residents only (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). 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.
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
- Wisconsin DOJ — CCW Reciprocity (Out-of-State Licenses Recognized in Wisconsin) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Wisconsin DOJ — Concealed Carry Weapon License — accessed 2026-08-08
- Wisconsin DOJ — CCW Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) — accessed 2026-08-08