Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
-
Applying for a New CPL
- Complete a Michigan Pistol Safety Training Course
- Complete the online CPL application form.
- Visit the Ottawa County Clerk’s office to finalize the application. NOTE: you must bring the
following materials to finalize your application:
- Original Michigan Pistol Safety Training Course Completion Certificate
- Online CPL application email receipt
- Valid government issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID- you MUST be a resident of Ottawa County)
- $100 cash/check/credit
- The Clerk/Register of Deeds office is now offering fingerprint services. For more information on fingerprinting please see Fingerprinting Information below. You will receive either your CPL or a Letter of Explanation in the mail within 45 days from the day you get your fingerprints done.
-
Applying for a Renewal/Reapplication CPL
Online
- Visit www.michigan.gov/cplrenewal
- Follow instructions on Michigan State Police Website
NOTE: You must have a pin number to process your renewal with MSP. Pin numbers can be found on your renewal letter.
By Mail
- Complete the application form.
- Mail completed application and $115 check payable to “State of Michigan” to:
Michigan State Police
Attn: Concealed Pistol License Unit
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, MI 48909In Person
- Complete the online CPL application form.
- Visit the Ottawa County Clerk’s office to finalize the application. NOTE: you must bring the following materials to finalize your application:
- Online CPL application email receipt
- Valid government issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID- you MUST be a resident of Ottawa County)
- Current CPL card
- $115 cash/check/credit
Reapplications
Reapplications for CPLs are designed for individuals who have had a Michigan CPL in the past and it has either:
- Been expired for more than 1 year
- Was revoked
All Reapplications must be done in person at the County Clerk’s office in which you permanently reside.
Steps
- Complete a Pistol Safety Training Course
- Complete the online CPL application form.
- Visit the Ottawa County Clerk’s office to finalize the application. NOTE: you must bring the
following materials to finalize your application:
- Original Pistol Safety Training Course Completion Certificate
- Online CPL application email receipt
- Valid government issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID- you MUST be a resident of Ottawa County)
- $100 cash/check/credit
- The Clerk/Register of Deeds office is now offering fingerprint services. For more information on fingerprinting please see Fingerprinting Information below. You will receive either your CPL or a Letter of Explanation in the mail within 45 days from the day you get your fingerprints done.
-
Emergency CPL
Emergency PPO CPLs are approved and issued out of the Clerk’s office if the applicant has obtained a personal protection order issued under MCL 600.2950 or 600.2950a.
Emergency Sheriff CPLs are approved by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s office and issued out of the Clerk’s office. These are only issued if a county sheriff determines there is clear and convincing evidence to believe the safety of the applicant or the safety of a member of the applicant’s family or household is endangered by the applicant’s inability to immediately obtain a license to carry a concealed pistol.
Please note that although our offices work as quickly as possible, it is not guaranteed that the applicant will leave with a CPL in hand.
- Complete the online CPL application form
- Visit the Ottawa County Clerk’s office to finalize the application. NOTE: you must bring the
following materials to finalize your application:
- PPO Paperwork/Supporting Documentation
- Online CPL application email receipt
- Valid government issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID- you MUST be a resident of Ottawa County)
- Although the Course Completion Certificate is not required at the time of application, the applicant must complete the 8-hour Pistol Safety Training Course within 10 days of application and submit it to the County Clerk’s office along with completing the steps of applying for a New CPL.
- Further instruction will be given upon arrival and final approval of the emergency CPL.
-
Process
If your CPL has been Denied or Revoked, you may submit a Claim of Appeal on Application for Concealed Weapon License to:
20th Circuit Court
414 Washington Avenue
Grand Haven, MI 49417If your CPL has been suspended due to a PPO or pending misdemeanor/felony charges and the PPO has been terminated or the charges have been cleared, the applicant may submit, in person, a Request For Concealed Pistol License Reinstatement . To submit this request, please bring:
- Driver’s License/State ID
- All supporting court documentation* (ex. PPO Termination, final judgement, etc.)
There is no charge for this service however, please be advised that this is not an immediate process. Michigan State Police will review the applicants file and issue a decision. Either your CPL or a Letter of Explanation will be mailed to your address.
*Please note that a request will not be accepted without any and all supporting documentation.
-
Fingerprint Information
Fingerprinting for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) is offered at the Fillmore Street Complex, Administration Building at the Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds office.
Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49464
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:30pm- Valid Picture ID with current address (Michigan Driver's License or Michigan ID Card)
- Receipt from the County Clerk’s Office
- CPL License (if renewing)
You will receive either your CPL or a Letter of Explanation in the mail within 45 days from the day you get your fingerprints done.
-
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not live in Ottawa County; can I apply at your office?
No, you must apply with the County Clerk in the county you reside.
I have an Ottawa County issued CPL and have moved to another county. Do I need to reapply in the new county?
No. If you move to another county, your CPL is still valid until it expires or is otherwise suspended/revoked. You may let us know, in person, that you have moved and we can update your address so you still receive a notice of expiration. When it comes time to renew, you will go to the County Clerk in the county you reside.
Where can I get my fingerprints done?
As a courtesy, the Ottawa County Clerk/Register of Deeds office does offer this service for $15. By law, you are entitled to get your fingerprints taken by any LiveScan fingerprint vendor in the State of Michigan. For a list of private LiveScan vendors check the Michigan State Police website.
Do I need to bring a passport quality photo with me to apply?
No. Beginning December 1, 2015 applicants do not need to bring a passport quality photo with them to apply. All photos are now pulled directly from the Secretary of State’s database.
How long is my CPL valid?
A CPL is valid for up to 5 years and no less than 4 years but must expire on the applicant’s birthday. For example, if a CPL holder whose birthday is 7/20 was issued a CPL on 5/25/2011 the CPL would have to expire on 7/20/2015.
I applied for my CPL but I have not received it yet, what do I do?
Remember, we have 45 days from the date you get fingerprinted for new applicants and 30 days for renewal applicants to get either your CPL or a letter of explanation to you. If that period of time has passed, you may stop by any of our offices to inquire about the status of your CPL.
I applied for my CPL with a friend and they have already received their CPL but I have not received mine – Is something wrong with my application?
This happens quite frequently and is not a reflection on your application. Remember, we have 45 days for new and 30 days for renewal applicants to get you a CPL or a letter of explanation. If you are concerned about the status of your CPL, we encourage you to come in person to any of our offices to speak with us about it.
Can I call and check the status of my CPL?
No. In an effort to protect your privacy, state law prohibits us from discussing the status of your CPL over the phone, or by email. We can only check the status of your CPL in person, with a valid government issued ID.
I lost my CPL/ my CPL was stolen. How do I replace it?
You may come, in person, to our Fillmore location with a valid, government issued photo ID and request a duplicate license. There is a $10.00 fee that can be paid with cash/credit/check.
My name has legally changed since my CPL was issued. How do I change my name on my CPL?
You may come, in person, to our Fillmore location with a valid, updated government issued photo ID and any legal paperwork (finalized judgement of divorce, marriage license, etc) that proves the name change. Our office will contact Michigan State Police to have your name changed in the system and will mail out your new CPL. There is a $10.00 charge for this service.
I have a Pistol Purchase Permit. Do I submit that to your office?
No. All Pistol Purchase Permits must be submitted to the Sheriff’s Office. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s office is located at:
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460My CPL was suspended because I had a PPO out against me but it has been terminated. How do I get my CPL back?
You may stop by our office and fill out a Request for Concealed Pistol License Reinstatement. At the time of the request you must also submit all supporting court documentation or your request will not be considered. There is no charge to request reinstatement. Please note that this request will take time to process and you will not receive your CPL back immediately.
I still have questions that were not answered here. What other resources would you suggest I take a look at?
Our office is always ready and willing to assist with finding answers to questions you might have. Some of our go-to resources are:
Michigan State Police – Firearms Unit
Michigan State Police – Reciprocity
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
National Rifle Association – Training Course Near You
