Maine Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Maine, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Maine is a permitless-carry state that allows a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Maine?
Yes. Maine has a 72-hour waiting period to buy a firearm.
Do handguns need to be registered in Maine?
No. Firearms do not have to be registered in Maine.
Is a permit required to purchase a firearm in Maine?
No. A permit is not required to purchase firearms in Maine.
Who is eligible to obtain permit to Carry Concealed Handguns (CCHs) in Maine?
Any Maine resident who is at least 18 years of age can apply for a Carry Concealed Handguns (CCH) permit.
Is firearms training a requirement in Maine for a Carry Concealed Handguns (CCH) permit?
Maine Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns (CCHs) require a firearms-training course that has been approved by the state.
What are the requirements in Maine to obtain a Carry Concealed Handguns (CCH) permit?
Applicants for a Maine Carry Concealed Handguns permit must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of the U.S.
- Reside in Maine
- Demonstrate proof of Knowledge of Handgun Safety (HGS) training course.
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Carry Concealed Handguns (CCH) permit in Maine?
- Read the Maine concealed-carry pamphlet: Laws Relating to Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns, which can be downloaded from the State of Maine website gov.
- Complete a state-approved firearms-safety class
- Download and compete the CCH permit application found on the State of Maine website: gov
- Mail the completed application to the state police, or take it to your local police station along with two Authority to Release Information forms, a valid copy of a birth certificate, one passport photograph, firearms-training certificate, and fees. A permit is issued within 30 days, if approved.
How much does a Maine Carry Concealed Handguns (CCH) cost?
A Maine Carry Concealed Handguns (CCH) costs $35. Renewals are $20.
Does Maine recognize pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Since Maine is a permitless-carry state, any person at least 21 years old who can legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit.
Is Maine a Constitutional Carry state?
Yes. Maine is a Constitutional Carry state. Anyone 21 years or older can legally carry any firearm openly or concealed without a license.
Is Maine an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in Maine without a permit.
Is Maine a Stand Your Ground state?
No. Maine not a Stand Your Ground state and imposes a duty to retreat.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Maine?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Maine.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Maine?
Yes. There are no state magazine-capacity restrictions in Maine.
Does Maine have gun-storage laws?
Yes. Maine has a storage law that requires loaded weapons be secured in the presence of children under the age of 16 years.
Is Maine a Red Flag state?
Sort of. Maine’s “yellow-flag” law has extra steps added to a traditional red-flag law.. Anyone worried about a gun owner being an imminent threat can report them to the police. Local law enforcement can then take that person into protective custody, order a mental-health evaluation, and, if deemed necessary, apply for a court order to get firearms temporarily removed. The court order can temporarily suspend a gun license or remove guns.
