Maryland Gun Laws
Carry Information
Legal & Resources
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Maryland have an Assault Weapons Ban? | ✅ Yes. Maryland bans many assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines (>10 rounds). |
| Are background checks required for private gun sales? | ✅ Yes. Private sales of handguns and regulated firearms must go through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency. |
| Are background checks required through FFL dealers? | ✅ Yes. All FFL sales require a federal background check (NICS). |
| Is Maryland a Stand Your Ground state? | 🚫 No. Maryland does not have a Stand Your Ground law; there is a duty to retreat unless in your home. |
| What kind of restrictions does Maryland have? |
|
| Does Maryland have any gun storage laws? | ✅ Yes. Secure storage is required to prevent access by minors and prohibited persons. |
| Can you buy firearms in bulk in Maryland? | 🚫 No. Handgun purchases are limited to one every 30 days (with some exceptions). |
| Does Maryland have a red flag law? | ✅ Yes. Maryland has an Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) law. |
| Age to purchase firearms? |
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| Do I have to register my guns in Maryland? | ✅ Yes. Handguns and some regulated firearms must be registered. |
| Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun? | ✅ Yes. A Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is required. |
| Does Maryland have a waiting period for firearms? | ✅ Yes. 7-day waiting period for handguns and regulated firearms. |
✅ Yes. Maryland bans many assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines (>10 rounds).
✅ Yes. Private sales of handguns and regulated firearms must go through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency.
✅ Yes. All FFL sales require a federal background check (NICS).
🚫 No. Maryland does not have a Stand Your Ground law; there is a duty to retreat unless in your home.
- ⚠️ Permit required to purchase handguns (Handgun Qualification License – HQL)
- ⚠️ 7-day waiting period for regulated firearms
- ⚠️ Assault weapons and 10+ round magazines banned
- ⚠️ Mandatory registration of handguns
✅ Yes. Secure storage is required to prevent access by minors and prohibited persons.
🚫 No. Handgun purchases are limited to one every 30 days (with some exceptions).
✅ Yes. Maryland has an Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) law.
- ℹ️ 18+ for long guns,
- ℹ️ 21+ for handguns from dealers.
✅ Yes. Handguns and some regulated firearms must be registered.
✅ Yes. A Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is required.
✅ Yes. 7-day waiting period for handguns and regulated firearms.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Maryland allow Open Carry? | 🚫 Generally not allowed. Maryland does not permit open carry of handguns without a permit, and even with a permit, it is uncommon and discouraged. |
| Does Maryland allow Concealed Carry? | ✅ Legal with a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit (WCP). Recent legal changes have broadened access, but permits are still required. |
| Non‑Lethal Weapons? | ✅ Legal. Pepper spray is allowed for self-defense. Stun guns are legal with some local restrictions (e.g., Baltimore). |
| Places allowed to carry? | ✅ With a valid permit, carrying is allowed in many public places, but local restrictions and sensitive areas apply. |
| Places not allowed to carry? | 🚫 Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, and posted “no firearms” locations. |
| States honored? | 🚫 Maryland does not honor any out-of-state permits. |
| States reciprocate? | ✅ States that recognize Maryland's concealed handgun permit include:
⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel. |
| Permit duration & renewal? | ℹ️ 2 Years. |
| Can you conceal anything other than a handgun? | 🚫 No. Concealed carry provisions apply only to handguns. |
| Permit Licensure? | ✅ Required. Maryland issues a Wear and Carry Permit after background checks, training, and application approval. |
🚫 Generally not allowed. Maryland does not permit open carry of handguns without a permit, and even with a permit, it is uncommon and discouraged.
✅ Legal with a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit (WCP). Recent legal changes have broadened access, but permits are still required.
✅ Legal. Pepper spray is allowed for self-defense. Stun guns are legal with some local restrictions (e.g., Baltimore).
✅ With a valid permit, carrying is allowed in many public places, but local restrictions and sensitive areas apply.
🚫 Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, and posted “no firearms” locations.
🚫 Maryland does not honor any out-of-state permits.
✅ States that recognize Maryland's concealed handgun permit include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
⚠️ Some states have residency or permit-type conditions. Always verify before travel.
ℹ️ 2 Years.
🚫 No. Concealed carry provisions apply only to handguns.
✅ Required. Maryland issues a Wear and Carry Permit after background checks, training, and application approval.
| Resources | Links |
|---|---|
| Official Licensing & State Info | |
| Gun Laws & Legal References | |
| Training & Certification | |
| Gun Safety & Education |
Maryland Leadership
- Born: October 15, 1978 (Maryland)
- Term Started: January 18, 2023
- Previous Role: Author, Army veteran, nonprofit executive
- Born: October 5, 1943 (Baltimore, MD)
- Senate Service: Since January 3, 2007
- Committees:
- Foreign Relations
- Environment and Public Works
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Born: January 10, 1959 (Columbia, MD)
- Senate Service: Since January 3, 2017
- Committees:
- Appropriations
- Budget
- Foreign Relations