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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.
Open and concealed carry are legal in Maryland only for Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders. In order to obtain a WCHP, applicants must be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for employment purposes only). There are six categories of handgun permit applications:
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]
Constitutional Carry?Does Maryland allow constitutional carry? |
No. Maryland does not allow constitutional carry. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in Maryland? |
Yes. Open carry is allowed with a Maryland WCHP. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does Maryland have ammunition restrictions? |
No. Maryland does not have ammunition restrictions. |
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. |
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. [Md. Admin. Code §§ 08.01.07.14 and 08.07.06.04] 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? |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
"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. |
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. A person may not commit an assault with a firearm, including a handgun, antique firearm, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Maryland? |
Yes. Seven days for handguns and assault weapons. |
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
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Maryland Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — August 19, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: Maryland
USCCA — December 6, 2020
Which states' permits does Maryland honor?
Maryland does not honor any other states’ permits/licenses.
Which states honor permits from Maryland?
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).
*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 Renewal $50 |
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: |
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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 Police |
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? 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? |
How to Apply for a Maryland Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a state-approved firearm training course within 2 years of application or meet a training exemption. |
Step 2: |
Get fingerprints taken at an Electronic Fingerprint Processing Center authorized by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. |
Step 3: |
Complete your application using the online licensing portal. As of October 1, 2019, paper applications will be rejected and returned to the applicant with instructions to submit the Wear and Carry Permit application via the licensing portal. You will need the following:
Pay the fee. |
Step 4: |
You will receive application status updates via email as your application progresses and will be notified within 90 days of submittal of a complete application whether your application has been approved or denied. |
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
Step 1: |
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. A handgun permit may be renewed for successive periods of 3 years each. The renewal process should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the permit. If the Licensing Division does not receive the renewal application, satisfactorily completed, by the expiration date, the applicant must begin as a new applicant and complete all requirements necessary for an initial application. |
Step 2: |
Complete an 8 hour firearms training course within 2 years of submitting your renewal application. |
Step 3: |
Complete your application using the online licensing portal. As of October 1, 2019, paper applications will be rejected and returned to the applicant with instructions to submit the Wear and Carry Permit application via the licensing portal. You will need the following:
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Step 4: |
You will be notified within 90 days whether your application has been approved or denied. |
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. |
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 GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Maryland? |
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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 and |
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 |
---|---|
2022-07-05 | Added shall-issue information pertaining to the Supreme Court ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen. |
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 |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-07-23 | Updated info about grace period for WCHP renewals & virtual training due to COVID 19 to Summary section |
2020-06-30 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-05-05 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
2020-04-17 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
2020-04-06 | Added statutory link and details on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
2020-02-19 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-14 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
2020-01-29 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
2019-12-19 | Added info on the approved handgun roster and a link to the roster to the At A Glance table |
2019-12-05 | Added info on handgun purchase process in At A Glance table |
2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
2019-12-02 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray info for Baltimore and Ocean City to the At A Glance table |
2019-11-19 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
2019-10-31 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-15 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Updated Permit Info and Application info with new online licensing portal details |
2019-09-06 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
2019-07-25 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
2019-05-01 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-18 | Links checked |
2019-03-28 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-03-06 | Clarified high capacity magazine limitations in the At A Glance table per info from a member (thanks!) |
2019-02-20 | Added info and a link to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
2019-02-15 | Added pages on https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-01-25 | Links checked |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
2018-12-13 | Added preemption info to At A Glance table |
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 [email protected] 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.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.