The laws governing the legal use, storage and carrying of firearms are constantly changing. Below are the applicable laws in the State of Maryland as of 11/10/25. The below information is designed to be a guide and not the final word. If you have specific questions, please refer to the State of Maryland's legislation. Another great resource is the offices of Maryland's Secretary of State.

Maryland has some of the strictest firearm laws in the United States. While the state enforces rigorous regulations on possession, carry, and transportation, recent legislative updates have evolved the legal landscape. This guide offers an in-depth look at Maryland’s gun laws, concealed carry procedures, permit policies, recent legislative changes, common infractions, prohibited persons and areas, open carry laws, and essential resources for residents and visitors alike.

1. Maryland Concealed Carry Law

Permit-Required Carry

• Concealed carry of handguns requires a Handgun Carry Permit issued by the Maryland State Police.
• Open carry of handguns is generally prohibited, except for authorized law enforcement or in designated areas (e.g., private property where permitted).

Carry Restrictions

• Permits are subject to restrictions on carry locations including federal buildings, schools, courthouses, public parks, and private properties with signage forbidding firearms.
• Self-defense and castle doctrine protections are limited and dependent on lawful permit issuance and adherence to restrictions.

2. How to Obtain a Maryland Concealed Carry Permit

Application and Eligibility

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Residency: Applicants must be resident Marylanders or own property within Maryland.
• Background check: The Maryland State Police conduct extensive criminal background, mental health, and security checks.
• Training: Complete a Maryland-approved firearm safety course. No exemptions are granted for military or law enforcement service.

Application Process

1. Complete an approved firearm safety course (minimum 8 hours).
2. Gather required documents: valid Maryland ID or driver’s license, proof of training, fingerprints.
3. Submit application: Apply in person at the Maryland State Police Licensing Division or regional offices.
4. Background check and review: Conducted by the Maryland State Police, taking approximately 90 days.
5. Approval & issuance: If approved, the permit is valid for five years and must be renewed.

Post-Approval

Once issued, the Maryland Handgun Carry Permit allows lawful concealed carry both inside and outside specified restrictions.

3. Recent Legislation and Policy Changes (Last 2 Years)

• Permit Process Reforms:
  The application has become streamlined, reducing wait times and updating required documentation.

• Microstamping & Ballistics Data:
  New laws require microstamping on newly manufactured firearms, designed to aid law enforcement in tracing guns used in crimes.

• Increase in Background Checks:
  The state expanded background check requirements for private sales and online transfers, aligning with national efforts to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring guns.

• Extended Rights & Restrictions:
  Recent laws tighten restrictions on firearm storage, prohibitions on large capacity magazines, and address ghost guns or untraceable firearms.

Stay informed with the Maryland State Police (MSP) or Maryland General Assembly for the latest updates.

4. Common Gun Law Infractions in Maryland

• Carrying without a permit — penalties include fines and jail time.
• Carrying in prohibited areas (schools, federal buildings, private property with signage).
• Possession by prohibited persons — felons, domestic abusers, mentally ill individuals, or illegal immigrants.
• Illegal modifications: Removing serial numbers or illegally altering firearms.
• Unregistered firearms: Maryland requires registration of certain firearms, and failure to comply may lead to legal penalties.
• Discharging firearms in prohibited zones — public parks, densely populated areas.

Violations may result in criminal charges, fines, or long-term imprisonment.

5. Who Are Prohibited Persons?

• Persons adjudicated mentally incompetent or who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility are not permitted to possess firearms.
• Individuals under domestic violence restraining orders are forbidden from gun possession during the order’s validity.
• Illegal aliens and non-citizens without proper legal status are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
• Persons convicted of serious misdemeanors involving violence or firearms may be barred from gun possession, depending on the nature of their conviction.

6. Prohibited Places & Carry Restrictions

Areas Where Firearms Are Not Allowed:

• Federal buildings, courthouses, and military installations.
• Schools and school property, including ground, buses, and grounds.
• Private property where posted signage bans firearms.
• Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities (unless explicitly authorized).
• Correctional facilities and detention centers.
• Places serving alcohol where carry is explicitly prohibited per law or local ordinance.

Carry Restrictions:

• Open carry of handguns is generally prohibited; concealed carry with a valid permit is the legally recognized form of carry.
• Carrying in prohibited areas can lead to criminal charges including fines and jail.

7. Recent Gun Law Changes in Maryland (Last 2 Years)

• Enhanced Background Checks:
  Maryland expanded background checks to cover private sales and online transfers to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms.

• Microstamping & Ballistics Data:
  New laws require microstamping on all new firearms. This technology helps law enforcement trace guns used in crimes.

• High-Capacity Magazines & Assault Weapons:
  The state limits magazines to 10 rounds for most firearms, and restricts or bans certain semi-automatic rifles classified as assault weapons.

• Firearm Storage & Safety Laws:
  Recent legislation mandates proper firearm storage techniques, especially to prevent minors and prohibited individuals from gaining access.

• Ghost Guns & Untraceable Firearms:
  Laws target home-built or untagged/ghost guns to improve gun traceability.

Stay current by consulting the Maryland State Police (MSP) or the Maryland General Assembly.

8. FAQs: Maryland Gun Laws & Carry Rights

Q1: Do I need a permit to carry a firearm in Maryland?
A: Yes. Maryland requires a Handgun License for concealed carry. Open carry is generally prohibited.

Q2: How do I apply for a Maryland LTC?
A:

• Complete an approved firearm safety or pistol training course.
• Submit an application to your local Maryland police department or sheriff’s office.
• Provide fingerprints, personal identification, and proof of training.
• Pay the application fee (variations but usually $75–$150).
• The law enforcement agency will conduct a criminal and mental health background check.
• Application processing time averages 45–90 days.

Q3: Can I carry a firearm in Maryland with an out-of-state permit?
A: No. Maryland does not recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits for carry rights, except for certain reciprocal agreements.

• Always verify if your state has reciprocity with Maryland.

Q4: What areas are off-limits or restricted for carry?
A:

• Federal courts, government buildings, police stations.
• Schools, daycare centers, and school property.
• Private property where firearms are prohibited by posted signage.
• Hospitals and medical facilities (unless explicitly authorized).
• Places serving alcohol where carry is banned.

Q5: What penalties apply for illegal carry or violations?
A: Penalties range from fines to criminal charges. Carrying without a license or in prohibited areas may lead to arrest, fines, license revocation, and jail time.

9. Resources & Contact Information

• Maryland State Police – Firearm Laws & Reciprocity
  For official guidance, licensing, and reciprocity policies.

• Maryland Firearms Laws & Statutes
  Full statutes on firearm possession, carry, and licensing.

• Local Law Enforcement & Licensing Offices:
  Contact your local sheriff or police department for LTC applications and local restrictions.

• Legal Guidance:
  For legal questions about firearm carry, licensing, or law enforcement, consult an attorney experienced in Maryland firearm law.

Final Tips for Responsible Carry & Compliance

• Always verify your carry rights before traveling or carrying in Maryland. Laws and reciprocity agreements may change.

• Carry your LTC and proof of ownership attentively—keeping documentation in a safe, accessible location is crucial during carry or transport.

• Respect private signage and restrictions: Carry only in approved areas. Carrying in prohibited locations may result in criminal charges.

• Secure your firearm during transit: Use locked cases or gun safes during travel. Unload firearms before transport unless you possess a Maryland LTC that permits loaded carry.

• Stay informed: Regularly check official Maryland firearm law updates, especially if you frequently carry or travel through the state.

Conclusion

Maryland’s firearm laws are designed to promote public safety while respecting responsible gun owners' rights. An LTC is essential for concealed carry, but out-of-state permits are not generally recognized for carry rights—except under specific reciprocity agreements.

Responsibility is key: always follow the law, carry securely, and stay informed to ensure your firearm use remains legal and safe. If in doubt, consult with a qualified legal professional.