Clerk: Responsibilities of Individuals With a Concealed Pistol License

Houghton County Clerk
Houghton County Courthouse
2nd Floor
401 E. Houghton Ave.
Houghton, MI 49931

906-482-1150 [Phone]
906-483-0364 [FAX]

Hours

Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NOTE: Effective July 11, 2023, the County Clerk's Office will not process any money transactions after 4:00 p.m.

Staff & Contacts

Jennifer Kelly
County Clerk
countyclerk@houghtoncounty.net

Renee Cunningham
Chief Deputy County Clerk
renee@houghtoncounty.net

Teresa Poyhonen
Deputy Senior Accounts Processor
teresa.poyhonen@houghtoncounty.net


Ann Anderton
Deputy Senior Accounts Processor
ann.anderton@houghtoncounty.net

Information

1. An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol who is stopped by a police officer (traffic stop or otherwise) while in possession of a pistol shall immediately disclose to the police officer that he or she is carrying a concealed pistol either on their person or in their motor vehicle.

Failure to disclose this information to a police officer carries the following penalties:

  • First offense = State Civil Infraction - $500 fine and 6-month CPL license suspension.

  • Second offense = State Civil Infraction - $1000 fine and CPL license revocation.

2. An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall have the license in his or her possession at all times he or she is carrying a concealed pistol.

Failure to possess CPL license when carrying a concealed pistol is a State Civil Infraction and a $100.00 fine.

3. Upon request, an individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall show both of the following to a police officer:

  • His or her license to carry a concealed pistol

  • His or her driver license or personal identification card

  • Failure to show CPL license and Michigan driver license or Michigan personal identification card when carrying a concealed pistol is a State Civil Infraction and $100.00 fine.

A pistol carried in violation of numbers 1, 2, or 3 is subject to immediate seizure by a police officer.

If a pistol is seized for failure to possess a CPL while carrying a concealed pistol:

  • Individual has 45 days in which to display their license to carry a concealed pistol to the law enforcement agency that seized the pistol and the pistol shall be returned.

  • If the individual does not display their license to carry a concealed pistol within 45 days the pistol is subject to forfeiture.

To Ensure Safety During Police Encounters

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer you should:

  • Keep your hands where an officer can see them.

  • Cooperate fully with the police officer.

  • If you have a gun with you, tell the police officer as soon as possible.

  • Do not make any quick movements, especially toward the weapon.

  • If in a vehicle at night, turn on your vehicle's dome light.

In certain circumstances, a law enforcement officer may take temporary possession of the weapon during interaction with the individual to ensure the safety of the officer and others. The police officer will return the pistol at the end of the stop unless the individual is being charged with a violation of the act or any other law that allows for the weapon to be seized.