Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we provide a comprehensive overview of Maryland gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Free State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Maryland?
Open and concealed carry are legal in Maryland only for Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders. In terms of reciprocity, Maryland does not honor permits from any other states.
Maryland Concealed Carry Permit
Applicants for a WCHP must be at least 21 years old and complete a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course, which includes live-fire training. An additional eight hours of training is required at each WCHP renewal. Permits are issued to residents and non-residents.
Maryland was one of nine may-issue states, meaning it was up to permit applicants to show “a good and substantial reason” to carry a handgun. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in NYSPRA v. Bruen, Maryland has removed the “good and substantial reason” statute, making the state shall-issue.
Open Carry Gun Laws in Maryland
The Maryland firearms/handgun permit statute doesn’t distinguish between open carry and concealed carry. It states that a “person shall have a permit issued under this subtitle before the person carries, wears or transports a handgun.” Therefore, open carry is technically legal. However, since open carry is not common, anyone seen openly carrying by a law enforcement officer may be stopped and questioned.
Is Maryland a Constitutional/Permitless Carry State?
No, Maryland is currently a shall-issue state. Maryland requires a gun owner have a permit to carry his or her weapon open or concealed. Prior to the Supreme Court ruling of NYSRPA v. Bruen on June 23, 2022, Maryland was a may-issue state. Gov. Hogan in a statement said, “It would be unconstitutional to continue enforcing this provision of state law,” directing the Maryland State Police to suspend the state’s “good and substantial reason” standard.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
A permit to purchase, a background check and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun from a private individual in Maryland. To purchase, rent or transfer ownership of a handgun in Maryland, you must possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL). Private firearms sellers must process transfers of handguns and assault weapons through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, which then conducts a background check. Private sellers must also forward completed transaction information to the secretary of state’s office within seven days of a regulated firearm transfer.
There is a seven-day waiting period for handguns and assault weapons. Handguns must be registered. In addition, Maryland has established a handgun roster. Only handguns (manufactured after Jan. 1, 1985), subject to limited exceptions, that are included on the handgun roster may be offered for sale in the state. New residents of Maryland must register all regulated firearms with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of State Police within 90 days of establishing residency.
Does Maryland Have Ammunition and Magazine Restrictions?
Maryland does not have ammunition restrictions. However, a person may not offer for sale, purchase, receive or transfer a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a firearm.
Where Can One Concealed Carry in Maryland?
There is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Maryland WCHP — unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence.
Locations Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited
There are a number of locations that are off-limits even with a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit.
- Public schools
- Child care centers (except for small centers located in residences)
- State parks
- State and national forests
- State Highway rest areas (display and discharge prohibited)
- Commercial aircraft
- Lodging establishments where the innkeeper has notified an individual, either orally or in writing, that the establishment refuses to provide further lodging
- Dredge boats
- Community Adult Rehabilitation Centers
- In or around state-owned public buildings and grounds
- Any building where the Senate or the House has a chamber
- Any building or grounds where a member, officer or employee of the General Assembly has an official office or any Joint Hearing Room
- Demonstration at a public place or in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a demonstration. If prohibited by a local municipality, within 100 yards of or in a park, church, school, public building and other place of public assembly
- Any place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Maryland?
Yes, only with a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit. Without a permit, Maryland has restrictions for legal transport of firearms within/through Maryland. Handguns can only be transported between residences, to and from a repair shop or a shooting sporting event, or between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person.
For interstate transportation, a firearm must be unloaded and in an enclosed case or enclosed holster with neither the firearm nor any ammunition readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked compartment other than the glove compartment or console.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
With limited exceptions (such as Ocean City), Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. The minimum age to purchase is 18 years old, and a background check is required to verify that the purchaser has not been convicted of specific crimes. The City of Baltimore limits locations where they can be carried.
Individuals may carry pepper spray or mace as a reasonable precaution against possible danger. In order to purchase pepper spray in Baltimore, you must be at least 18 years old and not be a convicted felon.
Ready to Learn More About Maryland Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Maryland’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Maryland gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
