6M
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Maryland is now a shall-issue state since the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen case on June 23rd, 2022. Concealed weapons permits are issued at the state level by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police (Secretary).
A permit to purchase, a background check and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun from a private individual. Private firearms sellers must process transfers of handguns and assault weapons through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, who then conducts a background check. In addition, Maryland has established a handgun roster that, subject to limited exceptions, lists the only handguns that dealers or any private sellers are allowed to sell in the state.
Concealed carry is legal in Maryland only for Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders. Open carry is prohibited as of October 1, 2023. In order to obtain a WCHP, applicants must be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for employment purposes only).
For each category, additional documents are required.
WCHPs require a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course that includes live-fire training. An additional eight hours of training is required at each WCHP renewal. Permits are issued to residents and non-residents. Some areas are off-limits, including rest areas and state parks. In terms of reciprocity, Maryland does not honor permits from any other states.
Although Maryland doesn’t have a specific statute, it follows common law principles making it a Castle Doctrine state. There is a duty to retreat, requiring people who are outside of their homes to retreat or avoid danger if possible before using deadly force to defend themselves. Deadly force is only legal when defending one’s self from the immediate threat of serious injury or death. A person:
In addition, according to Maryland Code, a person is not liable for damages for a personal injury or death of an individual who enters the person’s dwelling or place of business if:
[Md. Code Ann., Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-808]
Carry Basics | |
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Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray? Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Maryland? | 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. |
Open Carry Permitted? Is open carry permitted in Maryland? | No. As of October 1st, 2023, open carry is no longer permitted. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? Does Maryland have ammunition restrictions? | No. Maryland does not have ammunition restrictions. |
Constitutional Carry? Does Maryland allow constitutional carry? | No. Maryland does not allow constitutional carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure? If Maryland requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? | Maryland is a now a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry? What is the minimum age in Maryland to get a concealed carry permit? | You must be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for employment purposes only) to get a concealed carry permit in Maryland. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed? Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Maryland with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? | No. A person may not carry weapons other than handguns, even with a WCHP. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? Does Maryland have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? | No more than 10 rounds. A person may not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive or transfer a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a firearm. Possession is not addressed in the statute. There is an exemption for .22 caliber rifles with tubular magazines and for law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs. |
Tasers or Stun Guns? Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Maryland? | 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:
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. |
Carry Locations | |
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CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Maryland? | 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. |
CARRY IN VEHICLE? Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Maryland? | Only with a Maryland WCHP. 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, a shooting sporting event or between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person. For interstate transportation, firearms 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. |
CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Maryland? | No. State Highway Rest Areas are prohibited, unless properly secured within vehicle. |
STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? Does Maryland have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? | Not addressed in Maryland state law, although employers may have a policy. |
CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)? Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Maryland? | No for state/national parks and state/national forests. Yes, with a Maryland WCHP for WMAs. |
CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Maryland? | Beginning 10/01/23, locations licensed to sell or dispense alcohol or cannabis for on-site consumption will be prohibited.(A preliminary injunction was issued on 9/29/2023) |
Key State Laws | |
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NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? Does Maryland issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? | Yes. Maryland grants permits to non-residents. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? Does Maryland allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? | No. Maryland does not permit the public access to concealed carry registry information. |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying? Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Maryland? | No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Maryland. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit? Is my Maryland driver’s license linked to my Maryland carry permit? | No. Your Maryland driver’s license is not linked to your Maryland wear/carry handgun permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information. |
Preemption? Does Maryland have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? | 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. |
Red Flag Law? Does Maryland have a red flag law? | Yes, Maryland has a red flag law. A variety of people, including family members, cohabitants, medical professionals and law enforcement are allowed to petition for an order to surrender to law enforcement authorities any firearm and ammunition in the respondent’s possession; and prohibit the respondent from purchasing or possessing any firearm or ammunition for the duration of the interim &/or final extreme risk protection order. |
Brandishing? Does Maryland state law define brandishing? | 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. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced? Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Maryland? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. | No. Not mentioned in state statutes. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs? Does Maryland have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs? | Not while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 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. |
"Assault Weapons" Ban? Does Maryland have laws regarding semi-automatic rifles? | Yes. Maryland prohibits the possession, sale, offering of sale, transfer, purchase, receipt, or transportation into the state of an "assault weapon", which includes "assault pistols" and "assault long guns". You can find a list of weapons and more information here. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession | |
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BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? Are background checks required for private gun sales in Maryland? | 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. |
MARYLAND PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? Does my current Maryland concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? | No. |
PURCHASE PERMITS? Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Maryland? | 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. |
WAITING PERIOD? Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Maryland? | Yes. Seven days. |
HANDGUN REGISTRATION? Do handguns need to be registered in Maryland? | 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. |
APPROVED HANDGUN ROSTER? Does Maryland have a roster of handguns approved for sale? | No person may manufacture, sell or offer for sale in the state a handgun manufactured after January 1, 1985, that is not included on the handgun roster. |
MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Maryland? | 21 years old. |
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? | Yes. Anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm may possess a firearm on real estate that the person owns or leases, where the person resides, or within the confines of a business establishment that the person owns or leases. |
Handgun Purchase Process
To purchase, rent or transfer ownership of a regulated firearm in Maryland, which includes handguns, you must possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL). You must apply for this license online through the Maryland State Police web portal. Physical applications are not accepted.
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Maryland Gun Laws: What You Need to KnowUSCCA - JULY 8, 2024
That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient. -Article 1, Section 1" MARYLAND HAS NO CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION GRANTING A RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS.
Which states' permits does Maryland honor?
Maryland does not honor any other states’ permits/licenses.
Which states honor permits from Maryland?
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
Maryland offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Maryland resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Virginia (at least 21 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wisconsin (at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old)
Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Georgia (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old, 18 for military)
Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Nebraska (Permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
South Carolina (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old)
West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old)
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: | An applicant must:
*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. |
Fees: | Initial Permit $75 Starting 10/01/23 it goes up to $125 Renewal $50 Starting 10/01/23 it goes up to $75 |
Valid For: | 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. |
Processing Time: | 90 days |
Application: | |
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: | Maryland will grant permits to non-residents. Non-residents use the same process as residents. |
Name/Address Changes: | 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 |
Lost/Stolen Permits: | You must submit a notarized letter advising the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the permit. Submit a $10 check or money order and one passport-sized photograph taken within the last 30 days. If you are a security guard, private detective, armored car guard or special police officer, also provide a company letter from your current employer verifying your employment. |
Residency Changes: | 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. |
How to Apply for a Maryland Concealed Carry Permit
To qualify for a handgun permit, applicants must successfully complete, prior to application and each renewal, a firearms training course approved by the Secretary of State Police that includes:
The training includes classroom instruction on state firearms law, home firearms safety, and handgun mechanisms and operation. *Note – Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of State Police/Licensing Division is approving HQL classroom training, via real time, two-way virtual platforms between Qualified Handgun Instructors (QHIs) and students. Pre-recorded presentations of any form are not acceptable.
A firearms qualification component is also required that demonstrates the applicant’s proficiency and use of the firearm with a minimum score of 70% accuracy.
Exemptions – There are training exemptions for active or retired law enforcement officers; active, retired, or honorably discharged members of the U.S. armed forces or the National Guard and qualified handgun instructors registered with the Maryland State Police.
Be sure to verify that any firearm training you receive in order to obtain your permit is approved by the state of Maryland.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a Maryland Concealed Carry Permit
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
LEOs and RLEOs are exempt from the Maryland prohibition on purchasing high-capacity magazines. Active and retired Maryland and Federal LEOs are not required to obtain a handgun qualification license (HQL) to purchase a handgun. However, out-of-state retired and active LEOs living in Maryland must obtain an HQL but are exempt from the training requirements. The MD Police and Correctional Training Commissions issues firearm certifications to Maryland residents whom they train. RLEOS must have a retired/separated LEO ID card. The New LEOSA Training Packet has details.
The Maryland Department of State Police only provides an identification card to carry a concealed handgun to State of Maryland qualified separated law enforcement officers who have separated from the Maryland Department of State Police.
WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN MARYLAND? |
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WHERE CAN'T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM IN MARYLAND? Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN MARYLAND? | 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. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Maryland? | |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY? I can legally carry a concealed firearm in Maryland, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? | There is no known statute in Maryland making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in Maryland? | Yes, but only for personal protection while bow hunting in Deer Management Region A. The Department may not prohibit a licensed bow hunter from openly carrying a handgun that the hunter is otherwise authorized to carry under § 4-203 of the Criminal Law Article if the bow hunter is at least 21 years old anddoes not use the handgun to kill wildlife wounded by a vertical bow or crossbow. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Maryland? | 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. |
Date | Details |
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2023-10-01 | Updated to reflect new restrictions in effect on 10/1/23 |
2021-05-18 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
2020-11-13 | Added information on potential training exemptions in the Training Section
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Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email support@uscca.com and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
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