Firearm Permits & Concealed Carry Weapons

Purchasing a Firearm

If an individual is planning to purchase a firearm and does not possess a CPL, MCOLES or Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL), a background check is required. Residents are required to obtain a License to Purchase before they can purchase any firearm from an FFL Dealer or private seller. It is the duty of the seller to return Firearms Sales Record to the local police or sheriff where the seller resides within 10 days of purchase. 

License to Purchase a Firearm (LTP)

An individual may apply for a LTP at any police agency in Michigan, regardless of where they live, however, it is highly recommended you apply to the city in which you live to avoid delays in processing your LTP. You must be at least 18 years old. 

To obtain a LTP from the Sterling Heights Police Department, you must go to the Records Bureau counter between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring your state issued ID or driver's license along with proof of citizenship (birth certificate, current valid passport, or enhanced driver's license). To obtain a LTP, you will be obligated to complete an application.

A License to Purchase will only be granted once a criminal history inquiry is completed and there are no felony convictions, other state disqualifiers, or criminal matters/cases pending. The permit must be used within 30 days of the date issued. The application will be notarized before the License to Purchase can be processed. The cost of this fee is $10.

Return to the Police Department/Sheriff's Office copy to the Sterling Heights  Police Department within 10 days of the date of purchase. It may be sent back by mail or dropped in the Firearm Permit Dropbox located inside the Sterling Heights Police Department. "Police Department/Sheriff's Office Copy" copies of completed Firearm Sales Records or License to Purchase  can be mailed to:

Sterling Heights Police Department
Attn: Records
40333 Dodge Park Rd.
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Firearm Permit

To register a firearm that has been inherited, a License to Purchase must be obtained at the Records Bureau counter or a Firearm Sales Record for valid CPL/MCOLES holders. The executor of the estate will sign off as the seller by signing their own name and writing "In the estate of" and the deceased person's name in parenthesis. The Police Department/Sherriff's Office copy must then be returned to the Records Bureau in order to get the firearm registered.

Concealed Carry Weapon & Concealed Pistol Licenses

Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) and Concealed Pistol License (CPL) packets are available on the county's website and processing is completed at the Macomb County Clerk’s Office in Mt. Clemens. Please call 586-469-5120 for more information.