Detroit Michigan CCW/CPL Training Classes - Firearm Reciprocity Agreements

Site Navigation: Home >> Articles >> Firearm Reciprocity Agreements

| | | | | | | | | | |

CCW/CPL Class Notification E-List

CCW/CPL Class Student Testimonials

The Following Are On File In Our Office:

"Rick, Sorry that it has taken me so long to thank you. Although the class alone can't protect me or my family from danger, it has improved our ability to defend ourselves. The techniques and information that we covered in the class have taught me to be more aware and prepared period. I am more confident and comfortable when I leave home, knowing that I'm better prepared to address potentially dangerous confrontational situations. Once again thank you and I look forward to Session II (Personal Protection Outside The Home Course)."
- Mr. A. L. Odell III, Auto Industry Employee, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48075

"Hello Rick. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Just to let you know, I've got my CCW license and I bought a 9mm S+W (M&P) semi-automatic. I had intentions of getting a revolver, but after seeing and shooting your semi-automatic, I changed my mind. As for your class, I found that you were not only knowledgeable but you were also enthusiastic. What really impressed me was the fact that when we went to the gun range, I was a little short on money, you were kind enough to let me use your gun. This is what convinced me to buy a 9mm. I appreciate your help and I would (and do) recommend your class to anyone wanting to get their permit. Thank you."
- Mr. C. W. Miller, Retiree, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48219

"Hey Rick! I want to thank you for providing such a vital service to the community. Everyone who cares about their safety and their freedom needs to be educated on how best to secure both, and I can't think of anyone better equipped to teach them than you. Your class was very informative, and as the instructor you were very knowledgeable on every aspect of gun ownership and usage and very patient with the many questions I asked - and had a ready answer for all of them! I would certainly - and have already - suggest anybody looking for a CPL go to you first."
- Mr. B. Tilley, Eastpointe, Macomb County, Michigan 48021

"As an attorney and just as a regular citizen of Michigan, I cannot say enough good things about Rick's Firearm Academy. Rick Ector and his other instructors provided excellent training and instruction and managed to make a normally dry subject interesting and entertaining. They were patient, knowledgeable, skilled, and talented in communicating important information about gun safety, personal protection, and security. I learned a lot from Rick Ector and his staff. The info is extremely useful to my every day life, as I try to protect myself. I was so impressed with Rick and his staff that I intend to take more courses from Rick's Firearm Academy. I am very lucky to have learned about Rick's Firearm Academy, which should be a must for all Michigan residents. Rick Ector and his staff know their stuff and turned a day of training and instruction on rules - regarding firearm safety and concealed pistol licenses - into an interesting experience that benefited me and my safety. I will take the valuable information they imparted to me into my everyday life as I try to make myself more secure from crime and threats. Well, worth the money. In fact, it's a bargain."
- Ms. D. Schlussel, Attorney-At-Law, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48034

"Hello Rick, I just wanted to inform you how insightful your CPL class was. Not only did you and Damian educate me better on the usage of a firearm but you also helped me with being aware of my surroundings and how I am approached by strangers as well. I am in the sales and marketing profession for an aluminum manufacturer. I am often in rural and industrial areas and I am much more comfortable after taking your class. I now have better firearm knowledge, know the difference of taking cover, and have knowledge of when it is illegal to shoot when you have been victimized. I have recommended your class to most of my friends who have an interest; some have handled firearms, but they will find that they too need to take your class. I have every intention to stay in contact for additional training and updates. Thanks again. Regards,"
- Mr. M. Jackson, Sales and Marketing Executive, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206

Michigan CPL: Firearm Reciprocity Agreements

Reciprocity agreements are formal accords - between two states - in which each state agrees to recognize and honor Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) of the other state. For example, Michigan and Ohio have CPL reciprocity. Thus, Michigan CPL licensees can carry a concealed firearm in Ohio. Accordingly, an Ohio CPL licensee can carry a concealed handgun in Michigan.

Currently, the state of Michigan has CPL reciprocity with 35 other states:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
Minnesota
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming

The official record of states that have CPL reciprocity with Michigan is maintained by the Michigan Attorney General.

Traveling Tip 1: Do Some Research Before Leaving
Before heading out of state with your loaded pistol, you need to first do some basic research. Make a list of all states that you will be traveling through on your way to your final destination. Visit the Michigan AG's Page to see if any, all, or none of the states have CPL reciprocity with Michigan.

If there are any states on your list that do not have CPL reciprocity with Michigan, you have two options. The first option is to plan another route to your final destination that does not require you to travel through states that do not have CPL reciprocity with Michigan.

If this is not possible or practical, you can follow the federal law which allows you to transport your properly secured handgun. In short, when you arrive at the state line of the non-reciprocal state you will need to unload the pistol, separate it from ammunition, and place it in your trunk. If and when you reach the state line of a reciprocal state, you may then reload and carry your loaded firearm.

Once you have planned your travel route, you will then need to visit each state's web site to research the specifics on their CPL laws. CPL laws can vary significantly from what a CPL licensee has to do to be in compliance in his home state. Pay particular attention to all of the following:

Pistol Free Zones
Police Stops
Castle Doctrine
Duty To Retreat
Lethal Force

Armed travelers are expected to know the firearm laws in the states they will be visiting. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and won't garner vacationers any leniency if they afoul of the rules because they didn't do their homework.

Traveling Tip 2: CPLs Are Limited To Home Privileges
A CPL licensee can only exercise concealed carry privileges recognized in his home state. For example, in Michigan a pistol is the only self-defense apparatus that a citizen can carry concealed in Michigan. Thus, if a Michigan licensee travels to a more "liberal" reciprocal state, he will only be allowed to carry a concealed pistol in that state.

Two years ago I visited the great state of Kentucky to attend the 2007 Gun Rights Policy Convention. Kentucky's version of our Michigan CPL Permit is called a CCDW (Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon). Their CCDW allows its residents to carry concealed devices - including pistols - that are illegal for Michigan residents to tote at home: batons, throwing stars, TASERs, stun guns, brass knuckles, and etc.

Thus, while in Kentucky I legally carried a concealed pistol. However, I could not carry the other "tools" that local state residents could carry. In a likewise fashion, a traveler from Kentucky with a CCDW could only carry a pistol in the state of Michigan. The limitation in this case is that those other devices - while legal in Kentucky - are not allowed in Michigan.

Bottom Line
As a gun rights activist, I believe that a person's right to carry a firearm should not be infringed simply because he crossed the state line. However, the law is the law and should be obeyed until we have the laws changed. There is a process for changing laws. We need to band together and get the laws amended. Until then, do your research before traveling outside of the state and stay in compliance of all firearm laws.

Be safe!

Return to our Articles & Essays Page