TriggerTalk Radio

Renewal of your Concealed Pistol License (CPL)

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is “How do I renew my CPL?”  The answer to this question has changed again recently as the Michigan Government and Michigan State Police (MSP) haved worked continuously to improve the process.

In recent years the MSP took over many CPL responsibilities from individual Counties and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. This shift is a positive move that has standardized and streamlined the process.

Late last year it was announced that existing CPL holders will be able to renew their CPL’s on line!. No longer will you need to check your license to remember when to renew on time.

The announcement states:

Online Renewal Now Available for Concealed Pistol Licenses

Contact: Kurt Kehoe, Concealed Pistol License Unit Manager, 517-284-3055

November 30, 2018

Effective today, Michigan residents with an existing concealed pistol license (CPL) can now renew their license online at www.michigan.gov/CPLrenewal.

Online renewal requires a personal identification number (PIN). If a CPL holder’s renewal notification letter does not contain a PIN, he/she may request a new renewal notification letter directly from the county clerk that issued the CPL.

In addition to online renewal, CPL holders may also renew their license in-person at their county clerk’s office or by mail with a completed application and payment. The application and instructions for renewing by mail are available at www.michigan.gov/firearms.

First-time CPL applicants must still apply in-person at their county clerk’s office.

Approximately 6 months before the expiration of your CPL you will receive the letter mentioned in the announcement as a reminder.  It will contain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that and a link to the website where you will fill out the required information.

Payment can be made online as well, but please note that you can still do all of  this in-person at the County Clerk’s Office if you prefer not or cannot do it online. The actual requirements for renewal remain the same as before.

You will need to certify that you have completed at least three hours of review of the required training and have had at least one hour of firing range time in the six months immediately preceding the renewal application.

You do not need a certificate from a range or class proving that you received training as you did when you inially got your CPL. You must either check the box to verify that you have completed the requirements or sign it if you are renewing in person.

Depending on your regularity of shooting activity this may be something you already qualify for, or you may need to plan a trip to the range to practice. I have come to learn that often a CPL holder may not have shot their firearm since their last renewal.  While some people plan a regular weekly or monthly range trip, it would be advisable to make trip to the range at least every 90 days to maintain a level of proficiency.

Additionally, Rules and Regulations governing CPL usage, Gun-Free Zones, Open Carry, etc…. change from time to time. So it would be advisable to study any legislative actions that have taken place since your last renewal. Books, Magazines, You-Tube Videos all can be sources of training for tactics and self-defense practices as well.

A quick check with your local range, gun store or gun club may discover they have offer periodic refresher courser for people look for a class or training to help keep informed.