Can a felon own a gun in Michigan?

Michigan prohibits firearm possession for all felony convictions for a minimum of 3 years after completion of all conditions (prison, probation, parole, and payment of fines). After 3 years for non-'specified felonies,' rights are automatically restored for long guns; for handguns, a concealed pistol license application may be pursued. For 'specified felonies' (violent offenses), the prohibition is permanent unless expunged.

How can a felon restore gun rights in Michigan?

Automatic restoration of long gun rights after 3 years for non-specified felonies. Specified felonies require court petition for expungement/set-aside.

What is the waiting period for gun rights restoration in Michigan?

3 years after completion of all sentence conditions for non-specified felonies. Permanent prohibition for specified (violent) felonies unless expunged.

Are there exceptions to gun rights restoration in Michigan?

Persons convicted of a 'specified felony' (approximately 30 serious offenses including murder, CSC, robbery, kidnapping) face a lifetime ban unless the conviction is expunged or set aside. Handgun rights have additional restrictions even for non-specified felonies.

Can a felon own a gun in Michigan?

It depends on the type of felony and how much time has passed. For non-specified (non-violent) felonies, the right to possess long guns is automatically restored 3 years after completing all sentence conditions. For specified felonies (violent crimes, drug offenses, weapon offenses, burglary, arson), you must wait 5 years and petition the court for restoration. Expungement of either type removes the prohibition. However, federal law under 18 USC 922(g)(1) independently prohibits felons from possessing firearms and is not automatically lifted by Michigan state restoration.

What is a 'specified felony' under Michigan law?

Under MCL 750.224f, a 'specified felony' is a felony where one or more of these elements exist: (1) the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person or property, (2) unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance, (3) unlawful possession or distribution of a firearm, (4) unlawful use of an explosive, or (5) the felony is burglary of an occupied dwelling, breaking and entering an occupied dwelling, or arson. Common examples include assault, robbery, drug trafficking, and weapons charges.

How long do I have to wait to get my gun rights back in Michigan?

For non-specified felonies: 3 years after completing all sentence conditions (imprisonment, probation/parole, fines). For specified felonies: 5 years after completing all sentence conditions, plus you must petition the court. For misdemeanor domestic violence (added 2024): 8 years. If your conviction is expunged or you receive a pardon, there is no waiting period — the disability is immediately removed.

Does Michigan's Clean Slate law help restore gun rights?

Yes. Michigan's Clean Slate law (2020, expanded 2022) allows expungement of many felony convictions. Under MCL 750.224f, if a conviction is expunged or set aside, the firearm prohibition is removed unless the court's order expressly states you cannot possess a firearm. Automatic expungement applies to certain eligible offenses after 7-10 years with no new convictions. Manual petition-based expungement is available for a broader range of offenses.

Do I need to file paperwork for the 3-year automatic restoration?

No formal petition or application is required for the automatic 3-year restoration of long gun rights after a non-specified felony. The right is restored by operation of law once 3 years have passed since completion of all sentence conditions. However, you should be prepared to demonstrate your eligibility if questioned by law enforcement, and keeping copies of your sentencing documents and discharge papers is strongly recommended.

Can I buy a gun from a licensed dealer in Michigan after my rights are restored?

This is where the federal-state distinction matters most. Michigan state restoration allows you to possess firearms under state law, but when you purchase from a federally licensed dealer (FFL), the NICS background check runs against federal records. If your federal disability has not been independently lifted (through expungement, pardon, or full civil rights restoration), the background check may result in a denial. Expungement is the most reliable path to clear both state and federal records.

What happens if I possess a gun before my rights are restored?

Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is a serious crime. Under Michigan law (MCL 750.224f), it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)), it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Do not possess, purchase, or transport any firearm until you are certain your rights have been restored under both state and federal law.

What is the federal 925(c) petition process and can Michigan felons use it?

The DOJ reactivated the 18 USC 925(c) process in 2025-2026, which allows individuals to petition the ATF for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This provides a federal pathway separate from state restoration. Michigan felons whose state rights have been restored but who remain federally prohibited may be able to use this process. The petition is filed with the ATF and requires demonstrating that the applicant is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that granting relief is not contrary to the public interest.

Felon Gun Rights in Michigan

Must petition for restoration

It depends. If you were convicted of a non-specified (non-violent) felony in Michigan, your state-level gun rights are automatically restored 3 years after completing your entire sentence, including fines and probation. If your conviction was for a specified felony (violent crime, drug offense, weapon offense, or burglary), you must wait 5 years and then petition the court for restoration. Expungement of either type of felony also removes the state firearm disability. However, the federal prohibition under 18 USC 922(g)(1) still applies independently and may not be lifted by state restoration alone.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Michigan uses a tiered system for felon firearm rights restoration that distinguishes between 'specified felonies' (violent, weapon, drug, and burglary-related offenses) and non-specified felonies. For non-specified felonies, state-level firearm rights are automatically restored 3 years after completion of all sentence conditions including fines, imprisonment, probation, and parole. For specified felonies, a 5-year waiting period applies and the person must also obtain a court order restoring firearm rights under MCL 28.424. Michigan's 2020 Clean Slate expungement law, expanded in 2022, provides an additional pathway: if a felony conviction is expunged or set aside, the firearm disability is removed unless the expungement order expressly states otherwise.

Quick Answer

Federal Law — 18 USC 922(g)

Under 18 USC 922(g)(1), any person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, regardless of Michigan state law. Michigan's automatic 3-year or 5-year restoration of state gun rights does not automatically lift this federal prohibition. The federal ban may be lifted if the conviction is expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or if civil rights (including voting, jury service, and holding office) have been fully restored under Michigan law AND the restoration does not expressly exclude firearms. Michigan does automatically restore voting rights upon release from incarceration and jury rights upon completion of sentence, which can support an argument that the federal disability is also lifted. The revived 18 USC 925(c) federal petition process, reactivated by the DOJ in 2025-2026, provides an additional federal pathway for relief from firearms disabilities.

Can restore gun rights

✓Persons convicted of a non-specified felony who have completed all sentence conditions (fines, imprisonment, probation, parole) at least 3 years ago — automatic restoration for long guns
✓Persons convicted of a specified felony who have completed all sentence conditions at least 5 years ago — may petition the court under MCL 28.424
✓Persons whose felony conviction has been expunged or set aside under Michigan's Clean Slate law or by court petition — firearm disability is removed unless the order expressly prohibits firearms
✓Persons who have received a gubernatorial pardon — firearm disability is lifted unless the pardon expressly excludes firearms
✓Persons convicted of a felony in another state whose rights have been restored under that state's law, now residing in Michigan

Cannot restore gun rights

✗Persons convicted of a specified felony who have not yet completed the 5-year waiting period
✗Persons convicted of a non-specified felony who have not yet completed the 3-year waiting period
✗Persons convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence — prohibited for 8 years after completion of sentence (2024 amendment)
✗Persons whose expungement or pardon order expressly states they shall not possess a firearm
✗Persons subject to an active personal protection order (PPO) — prohibited regardless of felony status
✗Persons adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed — separate prohibition under MCL 750.224f
✗Persons prohibited under federal law (18 USC 922(g)) whose federal disability has not been independently lifted

Step-by-Step Process

Determine your felony classification

Identify whether your conviction is a 'specified felony' or a non-specified felony under MCL 750.224f. Specified felonies include offenses involving the use or threatened use of physical force, controlled substances, firearms, explosives, burglary of an occupied dwelling, or arson. If you are unsure, consult your sentencing documents or a criminal defense attorney. The classification determines your waiting period (3 years vs. 5 years) and whether you need a court petition.

Complete all sentence conditions

You must have fully completed all conditions of your sentence: served all imprisonment, completed all probation or parole, and paid all fines imposed for the conviction. The waiting period clock does not begin until ALL conditions are satisfied. Restitution obligations should also be addressed, though outstanding restitution may not always prevent the clock from starting — consult an attorney.

Wait the required period

For non-specified felonies, wait 3 years after completing all sentence conditions. Your right to possess long guns (rifles, shotguns) is automatically restored at the 3-year mark under state law — no application is needed. For specified felonies, wait 5 years after completing all sentence conditions, then proceed to the next step.

Petition the court for restoration (specified felonies only)

If your conviction was a specified felony, after the 5-year waiting period you must petition the court to restore your right to possess, use, transport, sell, purchase, carry, ship, receive, or distribute a firearm under MCL 28.424. File the petition in the county concealed weapon licensing board or circuit court. You may need to demonstrate rehabilitation, provide character references, and show you have been law-abiding during the waiting period.

Consider expungement as an alternative or supplementary path

Under Michigan's expanded Clean Slate law, many felony convictions are eligible for expungement after waiting periods of 7 years (most felonies) or 10 years (certain offenses). Automatic expungement applies to eligible misdemeanors and up to one felony conviction after 7-10 years with no new convictions. If your conviction is expunged or set aside, the firearm disability under MCL 750.224f is removed unless the court's order expressly provides otherwise. Expungement may also help with the federal disability.

Address the federal firearms prohibition

Even after state rights are restored, 18 USC 922(g)(1) may still prohibit you from possessing firearms. Consult a federal firearms attorney to determine whether your state-level restoration lifts the federal ban (which depends on whether Michigan has fully restored your civil rights). If not, you may petition for federal relief under the revived 18 USC 925(c) process through the DOJ or ATF.

Waiting Period

3 years after completion of all sentence conditions (fines, imprisonment, probation, parole) for non-specified felonies — automatic restoration for long guns. 5 years after completion of all sentence conditions for specified felonies (violent, drug, weapon, arson, burglary offenses), plus a court petition is required. 8 years for misdemeanor domestic violence convictions (added by 2024 amendment). No waiting period if the conviction is expunged, set aside, or pardoned (unless the order expressly excludes firearms).

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
MCL 750.224f — Possession of Firearm by Person Convicted of Felony	Originally enacted; amended 2024	The primary statute prohibiting felons from possessing firearms in Michigan. Establishes the 3-year waiting period for non-specified felonies and the 5-year waiting period plus court restoration requirement for specified felonies. Amended in 2024 (PA 201 of 2023) to expand the definition of prohibited persons to include those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence (8-year prohibition) and to broaden the definition of 'felony' from offenses punishable by 4+ years to offenses punishable by more than 1 year.
MCL 28.424 — Application for Restoration of Concealed Pistol License / Firearm Rights	Part of 1927 PA 372	Provides the mechanism by which persons convicted of a specified felony may petition for restoration of firearm rights after the 5-year waiting period. The county concealed weapon licensing board or circuit court reviews the petition.
Michigan Clean Slate Law (2020 PA 187-193, expanded 2022)	2020, expanded 2022	Established automatic expungement for eligible convictions and expanded manual petition-based expungement. Under MCL 750.224f, an expunged or set-aside conviction removes the firearm disability unless the court's order expressly states the person shall not possess a firearm. The 2022 expansion broadened eligibility and added automatic expungement provisions.
Public Act 201 of 2023 (MCL 750.224f Amendment)	2023 (effective February 2024)	Amended MCL 750.224f effective February 2024 to add misdemeanor domestic violence convictions to the list of disqualifying offenses (8-year prohibition), expand the definition of 'felony' to match the federal standard (punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment), and add 'crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year' as a disqualifying category.
18 USC 922(g)(1) — Federal Felon-in-Possession Prohibition	1968 (Gun Control Act)	Federal law prohibiting any person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing firearms or ammunition. Applies in Michigan regardless of state-level restoration. May be lifted by expungement, pardon, or full restoration of civil rights under state law.

Edge Cases

Does Michigan expungement restore gun rights?

Yes, in most cases. Under MCL 750.224f, the firearm prohibition does not apply to a conviction 'that has been expunged or set aside, or for which the person has been pardoned, unless the expunction, order, or pardon expressly provides that the person shall not possess a firearm.' This means expungement generally removes the state-level firearm disability. It may also help lift the federal disability, since an expunged conviction is typically treated as if it did not occur for federal firearms purposes.

Are handgun and long gun rights restored differently in Michigan?

Yes. For non-specified felonies, the right to possess long guns (rifles, shotguns) is automatically restored 3 years after completion of all sentence conditions. However, handgun rights have additional restrictions: a concealed pistol license (CPL) is permanently unavailable to convicted felons even if other firearm rights are restored, unless the conviction is expunged. Handgun purchase permits may also be affected. For specified felonies, a court petition is required for restoration of any firearm rights.

What if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Michigan?

Michigan law under MCL 750.224f applies to persons convicted of felonies in any jurisdiction, not just Michigan. If your out-of-state conviction has been expunged or your rights have been restored under the law of the state where you were convicted, Michigan should recognize that restoration. However, federal law still applies independently. Consult a Michigan firearms attorney to determine how your out-of-state restoration interacts with Michigan law.

Does the 2024 domestic violence amendment affect felony gun rights?

The 2024 amendment to MCL 750.224f added a new category: persons convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence are now prohibited from possessing firearms for 8 years after completion of their sentence. This is separate from the felony provisions. If you have both a felony conviction and a domestic violence misdemeanor, the longer prohibition period applies. The domestic violence prohibition cannot be shortened by petition — it runs the full 8 years.

Can I get a concealed pistol license (CPL) after my gun rights are restored?

Generally no. Michigan law disqualifies convicted felons from obtaining a concealed pistol license even after firearm rights are restored through the 3-year or 5-year process. The only exception is if the felony conviction is expunged or set aside — expungement removes the CPL disqualification. This means a person with a restored right to possess firearms may legally own long guns and handguns at home but cannot carry concealed without expungement.

What counts as 'completion of all sentence conditions' for starting the waiting period?

The waiting period begins only after ALL of the following are satisfied: (1) all terms of imprisonment have been served, (2) all probation or parole has been successfully completed, and (3) all fines imposed for the violation have been paid. If any condition remains outstanding — even a small unpaid fine — the clock has not started. Restitution is debated; consult an attorney about whether outstanding restitution prevents the clock from starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felon own a gun in Michigan?: It depends on the type of felony and how much time has passed. For non-specified (non-violent) felonies, the right to possess long guns is automatically restored 3 years after completing all sentence conditions. For specified felonies (violent crimes, drug offenses, weapon offenses, burglary, arson), you must wait 5 years and petition the court for restoration. Expungement of either type removes the prohibition. However, federal law under 18 USC 922(g)(1) independently prohibits felons from possessing firearms and is not automatically lifted by Michigan state restoration.
What is a 'specified felony' under Michigan law?: Under MCL 750.224f, a 'specified felony' is a felony where one or more of these elements exist: (1) the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person or property, (2) unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance, (3) unlawful possession or distribution of a firearm, (4) unlawful use of an explosive, or (5) the felony is burglary of an occupied dwelling, breaking and entering an occupied dwelling, or arson. Common examples include assault, robbery, drug trafficking, and weapons charges.
How long do I have to wait to get my gun rights back in Michigan?: For non-specified felonies: 3 years after completing all sentence conditions (imprisonment, probation/parole, fines). For specified felonies: 5 years after completing all sentence conditions, plus you must petition the court. For misdemeanor domestic violence (added 2024): 8 years. If your conviction is expunged or you receive a pardon, there is no waiting period — the disability is immediately removed.
Does Michigan's Clean Slate law help restore gun rights?: Yes. Michigan's Clean Slate law (2020, expanded 2022) allows expungement of many felony convictions. Under MCL 750.224f, if a conviction is expunged or set aside, the firearm prohibition is removed unless the court's order expressly states you cannot possess a firearm. Automatic expungement applies to certain eligible offenses after 7-10 years with no new convictions. Manual petition-based expungement is available for a broader range of offenses.
Do I need to file paperwork for the 3-year automatic restoration?: No formal petition or application is required for the automatic 3-year restoration of long gun rights after a non-specified felony. The right is restored by operation of law once 3 years have passed since completion of all sentence conditions. However, you should be prepared to demonstrate your eligibility if questioned by law enforcement, and keeping copies of your sentencing documents and discharge papers is strongly recommended.
Can I buy a gun from a licensed dealer in Michigan after my rights are restored?: This is where the federal-state distinction matters most. Michigan state restoration allows you to possess firearms under state law, but when you purchase from a federally licensed dealer (FFL), the NICS background check runs against federal records. If your federal disability has not been independently lifted (through expungement, pardon, or full civil rights restoration), the background check may result in a denial. Expungement is the most reliable path to clear both state and federal records.
What happens if I possess a gun before my rights are restored?: Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is a serious crime. Under Michigan law (MCL 750.224f), it is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Under federal law (18 USC 922(g)(1)), it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Do not possess, purchase, or transport any firearm until you are certain your rights have been restored under both state and federal law.
What is the federal 925(c) petition process and can Michigan felons use it?: The DOJ reactivated the 18 USC 925(c) process in 2025-2026, which allows individuals to petition the ATF for relief from federal firearms disabilities. This provides a federal pathway separate from state restoration. Michigan felons whose state rights have been restored but who remain federally prohibited may be able to use this process. The petition is filed with the ATF and requires demonstrating that the applicant is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that granting relief is not contrary to the public interest.

Take Action — Direct Links

Michigan State Police — Concealed Pistol License Requirements
Official MSP page with details on concealed pistol license eligibility, including disqualifying convictions and the restoration process.
Michigan Legislature — MCL 750.224f (Full Statute Text)
The full text of the statute governing firearm possession by persons convicted of felonies, including definitions of specified felonies and waiting periods.
Michigan Courts — Firearms Restrictions Benchbook
Judicial reference guide explaining how Michigan courts apply firearm restrictions for felony convictions, including the specified vs. non-specified felony distinction.
Michigan Legal Help — Expungement (Setting Aside a Conviction)
Free self-help guide for petitioning to expunge a felony conviction in Michigan, which can restore firearm rights.
CCRC — Michigan Restoration of Rights & Record Relief
Comprehensive overview of all rights restoration mechanisms in Michigan, including firearm rights, voting rights, and record relief options.
ATF — State Laws and Published Ordinances (Michigan)
Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives guide to Michigan firearm statutes, useful for understanding how federal and state laws interact.
Michigan State Police — Legal Updates
MSP legal updates covering recent changes to Michigan firearms law, including the 2024 amendments to MCL 750.224f.