Firearms Registration

Requirements for Firearms Purchase

You must be 18 years of age to legally obtain (purchase or inherit) a firearm from a private individual and 21 years of age to purchase from a Federal Firearms Dealer. You will be disqualified if you:

  • Are currently on probation or parole
  • Have any pending criminal cases or old cases without court dispositions
  • Have any felony conviction or certain misdemeanor convictions
  • Have been found mentally incompetent
  • Participate in any medical marijuana program
  • Have an 8-year disqualifier for Domestic Violence misdemeanor convictions
  • Meet any other State or Federal disqualifier

You will also not be eligible if there are currently any active Personal Protection Orders against you in Manistee County or any other county. You must also possess a valid Michigan Drivers License or State Identification card with your current address.

Firearms Purchases Without a Valid Concealed Pistol License

A License to Purchase is required for anyone wishing to purchase a firearm. Our office will only issue permits for residents of Manistee County.

To apply for a license to purchase, you will need to come to the Sheriff’s Office Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, and complete the following steps:

  • Complete and sign the License to Purchase application.
  • Pass background / criminal history check.

Do not bring any firearm to the Sheriff’s Office for the registration with either type of purchase.

The process usually takes about 15 minutes to complete. License to Purchase are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The seller will have 10 days from the date of purchase to return the completed "Licensing Authority Copy" to the Sheriff’s Office either by dropping it off or mailing it to:

Manistee County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Pistol Records
1525 E Parkdale Avenue
Manistee MI 49660

Firearm Purchases with a Valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL)

A License to Purchase is not required if you have a valid Concealed Pistol License. The Form RI-060 for CPL holders can be completed online and printed at the Michigan State Police website.

Obtain a Concealed Pistol License

If you are interested in obtaining a Concealed Pistol License please contact the Manistee County Clerk’s Office at 231-723-3331.