How to Apply for Your Concealed Pistol License the Right Way

Want to Carry Legally in Michigan? Here’s What You Need to Know

In Michigan, carrying a concealed pistol legally requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL). Whether you're looking for personal protection or simply exercising your Second Amendment rights, it’s important to follow the process correctly from the beginning.

The good news? If you live in Southwest Michigan, you have access to high-quality instructors and straightforward paths to getting your CPL. This guide walks you through the entire application process—step-by-step—and introduces you to some of the top CPL instructors in your area.

Step-by-Step: How to Submit Your CPL Application in Southwest Michigan

Applying for your CPL is similar across counties, but each has slight differences in how fingerprints are taken and appointments are scheduled. Below is the general process, followed by county-specific tips.

1. Gather Your Documents

Before visiting your county clerk’s office, make sure you have:

• A valid Michigan photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)

• A training certificate from a certified CPL course (must be dated within the past 5 years)
  
  
  

2. Go to the County Clerk’s Office

You can get a CPL application in person at the clerk’s office, or download it ahead of time from most county websites.

🔒 Important: Do not sign your CPL application until you are in front of the clerk.

3. Pay the Application Fee

Most counties charge:

• $100 application fee (payable at the Clerk’s office)

• $15 fingerprinting fee
  
  
  

Some counties require you to pay for fingerprints at a separate location, so call ahead or check their website.

4. Get Your Fingerprints Taken

This varies by county:

• Some take fingerprints right after you submit your application

• Others require you to schedule an appointment with the sheriff’s department or a third-party location
  
  
  

5. Wait for Processing

• The County Clerk sends your application to the Michigan State Police

• The State Police run a background check

• If you pass, the Clerk will mail your CPL to your home

• Processing Time: 7 to 45 days, depending on the county
  
  
  

County-Specific CPL Application Notes

Cass County

• Fingerprints are scheduled separately at the Sheriff’s Office.

• Walk-ins accepted for CPL applications during normal business hours.

🕒 Processing Time: Approx. 2–4 weeks

Berrien County

• Fingerprinting must be scheduled with L1 Identity Solutions (third-party provider).

• Application submitted at the clerk’s office, but fingerprinting is off-site.
  
  

📌Tip: Call ahead to get fingerprint appointment info.

Van Buren County

• CPL applications handled at the main courthouse in Paw Paw.

• Fingerprinting usually done at the county jail but may require an appointment.

📅 Expect 3–5 weeks processing.

Kalamazoo County

• Efficient process—applications and fingerprints often completed same day.

• Strong online system makes the process smoother.

💡 Great choice for applicants wanting a fast turnaround.

Allegan County

• Fingerprints handled by the Sheriff’s Department, appointment usually needed.

• Application taken at the Clerk’s office—be sure to bring exact change or check.

📝 Note: Staff is helpful; call if you have questions before visiting.

Barry County

• Located in Hastings, the process is friendly but usually requires two visits—one for application and one for fingerprints.
  
  
  

📬 You’ll get your CPL in the mail in 3–6 weeks.

St. Joseph County

• Appointments required for fingerprinting.

• Applications accepted during normal business hours, Monday–Friday.

Best to call ahead and schedule both your application and fingerprint times.

Trusted CPL Instructors in Southwest Michigan

Finding the right instructor matters. You want someone certified, knowledgeable, and focused on safety and legal responsibility.

Here are several instructors and ranges consistently recommended by locals:

Hembock – Lawton, MI

• Veteran-owned training company

• Teaches pistol fundamentals, CPL certification, and advanced defensive shooting

• Range located in Lawton

• Small class sizes for better focus and instruction
  👉 Visit: hembock.com
  
  
  

Freedom Firearms – Battle Creek

• Large indoor range

• Multiple certified instructors

• CPL courses offered weekly

• Classroom and range time included
  👉 freedomfirearms.us
  
  
  

Viper Firearms Training – St. Joseph

• NRA-certified instructors

• Beginner-friendly

• Small group classes or private sessions available
  👉 Facebook: @ViperFirearms
  
  
  

Training Armory – Kalamazoo

• CPL and advanced tactics

• Legal discussion included in all classes

• Great for people new to firearms
  👉 trainingarmory.com
  
  
  

JSE Training – Allegan

• Focused on real-world application

• Includes legal Q&A and home defense tactics

• Multiple county certifications
  👉 jsetraining.com
  
  
  

What Makes a Great CPL Class?

Don’t just choose the closest instructor. Look for:

• State-certified trainers with experience

• Classroom + range included in training

• Legal overview of Michigan self-defense law

• Good reviews and testimonials

• Clear explanation of next steps in the CPL process
  
  
  

Final Thoughts: Ready to Get Started?

If you're in Southwest Michigan and ready to take responsibility for your protection, there’s no better time to begin.

• Start by booking a class with one of the trusted instructors above

• Then gather your documents and head to your County Clerk’s office

In just a few weeks, your CPL will be in hand—giving you the legal right to carry confidently