Maryland Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Yes, individuals may carry pepper spray or mace as a reasonable precaution against possible danger. However, a person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner.

In order to purchase pepper spray in Baltimore you must be at least 18 years old and not be a convicted felon.

[Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-101(b)(4)]

No. Maryland does not have ammunition restrictions.

Maryland is a now a shall-issue state.

No. A person may not carry weapons other than handguns, even with a WCHP.

Yes, except as noted below, stun guns and 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. 

[[Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-109]

Under Maryland law, it's illegal to carry a dangerous weapon unless you:

• are a public official authorized to carry the weapon;
• have a permit to carry a handgun; or
• ​​​​​​​are carrying the weapon as a reasonable precaution against perceived danger and don’t intend to hurt someone else in an unlawful way.

Although the law does not specifically mention electronic control devices, they could be considered dangerous weapons.

It is illegal to possess Tasers and stun guns in public schools, State public buildings and City public buildings in the City of Baltimore.

[City of Baltimore Police Ordinance § 59-28]

A Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit is required to possess a stun gun or Taser anywhere other than in your own home in Ocean City.

[Ocean City Ordinance Sec. 58-162]

An innkeeper may refuse to provide lodging or services to, or may remove from a lodging establishment an individual who the innkeeper reasonably believes possesses property that may be dangerous to other individuals, such as firearms or explosives. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

[Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 15-203(a)6]

No. State Highway Rest Areas are prohibited, unless properly secured within vehicle.

(COMAR 11.04.07.12)

Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Maryland WCHP, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence.

Beginning 10/01/23, locations licensed to sell or dispense alcohol or cannabis for on-site consumption will be prohibited.​

Yes. Maryland grants permits to non-residents.

No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Maryland.

Yes. There is full state preemption of all gun laws. However, municipalities may regulate firearms and ammunition in, or within 100 yards of, a park, church, school, public building and other place of public assembly.

[Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-209]

No definition of brandishing was found in Maryland law.However, a person may not intentionally cause or attempt to cause serious physical injury to another.

A person may not commit an assault with a firearm, including a handgun, antique firearm, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle.

[Md. Code. Ann. Crim. Law § 3-202]

Not while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

[Md. Admin. Code §5–314]

As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

Yes. Private firearms sellers must process transfers of handguns through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, who are required to conduct a background check. In addition, no regulated firearm transfers may be made to any person whom the private seller knows or has a reasonable cause to believe is a prohibited purchaser under state law. Private sellers of regulated firearms must also forward completed transaction information to the secretary of state's office within seven days after a regulated firearm transfer.

[Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 5-124]

Yes, for handguns. A valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is required to purchase, rent or transfer ownership of a regulated firearm. In addition, a person may not purchase more than one regulated firearm in a 30-day period, although there are several exemptions.

Yes, for handguns. New Maryland residents must register all regulated firearms with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of State Police within 90 days after establishing residency.

21 years old.

[Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 5-133 (d)(1)]

An applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years old (an applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment);
• Have successfully completed required firearms training, within 2 years, prior to submitting an application or meet a training exemption;
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for which a sentence of imprisonment for more than 1 year has been imposed; or convicted of a criminal offense for which you could have been sentenced to more than 2 years incarceration (or has been pardoned or granted relief under 19 U.S.C. Section 925(c));
• Not have been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
• Not be presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;
• If under age 30, have no adjudications of delinquency in a juvenile court for any act that would be a felony or “crime of violence” if committed by an adult or for any misdemeanor carrying a statutory penalty of 2 years or more, and have never been committed to any detention, training or correctional institution for more than 1 year as a juvenile;
• Based on an investigation, not have exhibited a propensity for violence or instability that may reasonably render the person’s possession of a handgun a danger to the person or others;
• Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Maryland.

Initial permits expire on the last day of the holder’s birth month following 2 years after the date the permit is issued and may be renewed for successive periods of 3 years each.

Online licensing portal

You must notify the Licensing Division of address changes, in writing, within 30 days of any change. You must mail this change to:

Maryland State PoliceLicensing Division1111 Reisterstown RoadPikesville, MD 21208ATTN: Handgun Permit Unit

Moving to Maryland and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Maryland issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. 

Moving from Maryland and have a Maryland resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Maryland permit remains valid?If a person with a Maryland wear/carry handgun permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced Name/Address change form.

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes. Only with a Maryland WCHP. Beginning 10/01/23, locations licensed to sell or dispense alcohol or cannabis for on-site consumption will be prohibited.
• Yes. Only with a Maryland WCHP. 
• Carry in roadside rest areas? No.
• Carry in WMAs? Yes. Only with a Maryland WCHP. 
• Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.

There are no limitations on the types of knives you can own in Maryland. You cannot concealed carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife or Bowie knife. Although there is no law against open carry of throwing stars, dirks, switchblades, gravity knives or Bowie knives, it is illegal to carry them "with the intent to harm someone." All knives are banned from Maryland schools. Maryland municipalities may have additional restrictions.

[Crim. Law §§ 4-101, 4-102(b)]

There is no known statute in Maryland making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed.

Yes. A person may not interfere intentionally with the lawful taking of wildlife by another person on private land that is owned by another person or in a hunting area on land managed by the Department.

[Nat. Resources Code § 10-422]