How To Get Your Maine Concealed Carry Permit
Whether you're new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed handgun permit may seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing Maine's concealed carry laws. Applying for a CCH varies by state.
Read about the process for getting a Maine Carry Concealed Handguns below.
Steps To Get A Maine Concealed Carry Permit
COMPLETE a training course within five years prior to the date of application.
READ the Maine concealed carry pamphlet: Laws Relating to Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns.
DOWNLOAD the application
MAIL your completed application and the following documentation to the state police or your local police station:
- An application for a concealed carry permit
- Two Authority to Release Information forms
- A valid copy of a birth certificate or INS document
- One 2-by-2-inch color passport photograph
- A copy of a certificate that has been issued within the past five years that shows proof of knowledge of handgun safety
- Any necessary copies of concealed carry weapons permits issued by other states or municipalities within Maine
- A valid copy of the DD-214 form for members of the U.S. armed forces
- The appropriate fees
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
You will be notified within 30 days of whether your application has been approved or denied.
Find a CCW Training Class
What Are the Firearms Training Requirements in Maine?
An applicant must provide proof that they have completed a course within five years that meets:
- Offered by a law enforcement agency, or
- Offered by a Certified Firearms Instructor
- Alternately, an applicant may satisfy this requirement by demonstrating knowledge of handgun safety to issuing authority
- The issuing authority is not required to offer the alternate option
Potential exemption: The demonstration of knowledge of handgun safety to the issuing authority may not be required of any applicant who was or is in any of the U.S. armed forces and has received at least basic firearms training.
What Are the Maine License to Carry a Handgun Requirements?
An applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Not be prohibited by state law from possessing a firearm;
- Demonstrate to the issuing authority a knowledge of handgun safety;
- Be of good moral character (the issuing authority will make this determination based on past evidence recorded through government entities within the last 5 years);
- Not have been convicted in a Maine court of a violation of possession of firearms in an establishment licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor within the past 5 years;
- Not have been the subject of an investigation by any law enforcement agency regarding the alleged abuse of family or household members within the past 5 years;
- Not have been convicted in any jurisdiction within the past 5 years of 3 or more crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment of less than 1 year or of crimes classified under the laws of a state as a misdemeanor and punishable by a term of imprisonment of 2 years or less;
- Not have engaged within the past 5 years in reckless or negligent conduct that has been the subject of an investigation by a governmental entity;
- Not have been convicted in a Maine court of any drug crime within the past 5 years; and
- 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 Maine.
What are the Fees and Terms?
Valid for Four Years from Date of Issue
$35 for New Permits
30 Day Processing for Residents of 5+ years; 60 Day Processing Time for Residents Less Than 5 Years.
$20 for Renewals
Where Can I Find Application Forms?
What Concealed Carry Permit Options Exist Based on Residency?
Residency Changes:
Moving to Maine and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?Maine issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time. You may apply as a resident once you have a voter's registration card, a Maine driver's license or state ID.
Moving from Maine and have a Maine resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Maine permit remains valid?If a person with a Maine permit to carry concealed handguns establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid provided you follow the procedures in the above referenced Name/Address changes section.
How Do I Renew My Concealed Carry Permit in Maine?
Renewals are the responsibility of the permittee. You must submit renewal applications within 6 months of the expiration of your permit.
Download the resident application and instructions or the non-resident application and instructions.
DOWNLOAD the appropriate application - Resident or Non-Resident.
Renewals must be submitted within six months of the expiration of your permit.
MAIL your completed application to the state police or take to your local police station. You will need the following:
- An application for a concealed carry permit;
- Two Authority to Release Information forms;
- One 2-inch by 2-inch color passport photograph;
- Any necessary copies of CCW permits issued by other states or municipalities within Maine;
- A valid copy of the DD-214 form for members of the Armed Forces; and
- The appropriate fees.
CHECK YOUR MAILBOX.
You will be notified if your application has been approved.
The USCCA has the CCW Permit Resources You Need
Become a member
Learn the Skills You Need to Protect You & Your Family
Find a USCCA ClassDo Your Homework!
Make sure you understand Maine Gun Laws and Maine concealed carry reciprocity with other states.