Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Legal information provided is for reference and not legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal concerns.
Maryland is now a shall-issue state following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen case on June 23rd, 2022. The issuance of concealed weapons permits is managed at the state level by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.
To buy a handgun from a private individual in Maryland, a permit to purchase, background check, and firearms registration are mandatory. Private firearms sellers must conduct transfers through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, which then performs a background check. Maryland also maintains a handgun roster that limits the sale of handguns to those listed, with some exceptions.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
Concealed carry in Maryland is permitted only for holders of Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permits (WCHP). Open carry was prohibited as of October 1, 2023. Applicants for a WCHP must be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for employment purposes only) and must complete a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course including live-fire training. Additional training is required at each renewal of the WCHP.
Maryland restricts carry in certain areas such as rest areas and state parks. The state does not recognize permits from other states (reciprocity).
Maryland adheres to common law principles resembling Castle Doctrine principles. There is a duty to retreat, meaning individuals must attempt to retreat or avoid danger before resorting to deadly force in self-defense. Deadly force is justified only when faced with immediate danger of serious injury or death, provided certain conditions are met, including reasonable belief of imminent danger and non-provocation.
Under Maryland Code, individuals are protected from liability for personal injury or death of an intruder in their dwelling or place of business if they reasonably believe force or deadly force is necessary to repel an attack and if the force used is deemed reasonable under the circumstances.
👆 Click to get your CCW permit online in just minutes!
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. [Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4–101(b)(4)]
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. [Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4–305]
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:
- 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.
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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 its concealed carry policy.
[Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 15–203(a)6]
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.
[Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4–203(b)(2)]
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Maryland?
No. State Highway Rest Areas are prohibited, unless properly secured within the vehicle.
[COMAR 11.04.07.12]
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.
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.
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)
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?
Yes. Maryland grants permits to non-residents.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?
No. Maryland does not permit the public access to concealed carry registry information.
DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
CARRY 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 judgment, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES?
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?
No.
PURCHASE PERMITS?
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?
Yes. Seven days.
HANDGUN REGISTRATION?
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?
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?
21 years old.
POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY 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.
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.
- Within 3 years prior to obtaining a HQL, an applicant must complete a Firearms Safety Training Course taught by a state-approved Qualified Handgun Instructor. This training course may be waived under certain conditions.
- Fingerprinting is required unless you already possess a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit.
- Complete your online HQL application and pay the necessary fees. Upon approval, the state of Maryland will mail your HQL to you within 30 days. A HQL is valid for 10 years.
- Complete the Maryland State Police Application and Affidavit to Purchase a Regulated Firearm (MSP 77R) Form using the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. Physical applications are not accepted. After submitting your application, you will receive further instructions.
- After submitting your application, wait 7 days for approval. Upon approval, you can purchase or transfer ownership of a firearm through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL).
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 Carolina
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)
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)
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)
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)
An applicant for a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit must:
- Be at least 21 years old (applicants aged 18–21 may apply for employment-related firearm permits only).
- Have completed required firearms training within 2 years before applying, or qualify for a training exemption.
- Have no felony convictions or misdemeanors with a sentence exceeding 1 year, unless pardoned or granted relief under specified conditions.
- Have no convictions related to controlled dangerous substances.
- Not be an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of controlled substances, unless under medical direction.
- If under 30, have no juvenile adjudications for felonies or crimes of violence, or misdemeanors with a statutory penalty of 2 years or more, and no more than 1 year of commitment to a juvenile institution.
- Not exhibit a propensity for violence or instability that could endanger others.
- Meet federal law requirements. Consult with an attorney for eligibility questions.
- Initial Permit: $75 (increases to $125 starting 10/01/23)
- Renewal: $50 (increases to $75 starting 10/01/23)
Initial permits expire on the last day of the holder’s birth month, 2 years after issuance, and are renewable for successive 3-year periods.
Applications typically take up to 90 days to process.
Maryland issues permits to non-residents using the same application process as residents.
Notify the Licensing Division in writing within 30 days of any address change: Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
ATTN: Handgun Permit Unit
Submit a notarized letter detailing the circumstances of loss, along with a $10 check or money order and a recent passport-sized photograph. Security personnel must also provide a current employer verification letter.
- Moving to Maryland: Apply for a resident permit at any time.
- Moving from Maryland: Your Maryland permit remains valid until expiry upon establishing residency in another state. Submit a Name/Address change form to update your details.
Places off-limits even with a permit/license:
- Public schools (Criminal Law § 4–102)
- Child care centers, except for small centers located in residences (CMR 13a.16.10.04)
- State parks (CMR 8.07.06.04)
- State and national forests (CMR 8.07.01.04)
- Chesapeake Forest Lands (CMR 8.01.07.14)
- State Highway rest areas (CMR 11.04.07.12)
- Commercial aircraft (CMR § 5–1008)
- Lodging establishments where the innkeeper has refused further lodging (CMR § 15–203)
- Dredge boats (CMR §4–1013)
- Community Adult Rehabilitation Centers (CMR 12.02.03.10)
- In or around State-owned public buildings and grounds (CMR 04.05.01.03)
- Buildings where the Senate or the House has a chamber (CMR §2–1702)
- Buildings or grounds where a member, officer, or employee of the General Assembly has an official office or any Joint Hearing Room (CMR 04.05.01.01)
- Demonstrations within 1,000 feet of a demonstration or within 100 yards of or in a park, church, school, public building, and other place of public assembly if prohibited by local municipality (CMR §4–208)
- While under the influence of alcohol or drugs (CMR §5–314)
- Any place where carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation
- Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Beginning 10/01/23, locations licensed to sell or dispense alcohol or cannabis for on-site consumption will be prohibited. (Preliminary injunction granted on 9/29).
- 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. However, you cannot concealed carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife, or Bowie knife. It is illegal to carry these knives “with the intent to harm someone.” All knives are banned from Maryland schools. Municipalities in Maryland may have additional restrictions.
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Maryland?
Yes.
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.
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 does not use the handgun to kill wildlife wounded by a vertical bow or crossbow.
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.
