Sheriff's Office

Acquiring Gun Permits and Licenses

The Records Division is responsible for issuing permits to purchase handguns and the registration of handguns.

Purchase Permits

If you would like to apply for a permit to purchase a handgun from a private party, you will need a valid Michigan Driver's License or a Michigan State I.D. with your current address to apply.

If you are buying a handgun from an authorized dealer, then you do not need a purchase permit - you can go directly to the dealer. There is a $5.00 notary fee for notary services applied to gun permits.

If you have already obtained your purchase permit and purchased your handgun you will need to make sure the registery copy or the licensing authority copy of the three part purchase permit is returned to the Kent County Sheriff's Office within 10 days from the date you purchased your handgun. You are no longer required to bring your handgun into the Sheriff's Office for a safety inspection. The handgun information will be entered into the computer based on the MSP copy of the purchase permit you have returned to the Sheriff's Office. Once we have entered the appropriate information, we will forward the appropriate copy to their office.

Concealed Pistol License holders are required to use a Pistol Sales Record upon the purchase of their handgun. This form can be obtained from the Kent County Sheriff's Office or from www.michigan.gov website. (Type in 'pistol sales record' or 'RI-60' in the advanced search box.) These should be filled on the (3) part form and distributed as follows: Seller, Purchaser, and Michigan State Police. The Michigan State Police copy must be returned to the Kent County Sheriff's Office within 10 days from the date you purchased your handgun. You are no longer required to bring your handgun in to the Sheriff's Office for a safety inspection. The handgun information will be entered into the computer based on the MSP copy of the pistol sales record you have returned to the Sheriff's Office. Once we have entered the appropriate information we will forward the MSP copy to their office.

For your convenience, the KCSO has installed drop boxes at the Main Office and North Substation for the return of gun permits.