Maryland Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Maryland, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Maryland is a shall-issue state that allows concealed carry for anyone 21 years of age. A Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) is issued at the state level by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Maryland?
Yes. In Maryland there is a seven-day waiting period between the purchase and delivery of a handgun or assault weapon. There is no waiting period to buy a rifle or shotgun in Maryland.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Maryland?
Yes, for now. A Maryland resident has been required to possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL) before purchasing, renting, or receiving a handgun. In 2023, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit found Maryland’s Handgun Qualification License (HQL) unconstitutional. Maryland has appealed the ruling, but until the full court of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals hears the case and rules on it, an HQL is required to purchase a firearm in Maryland. No permit is required to purchase a long gun in Maryland.
Do you need to register handguns in Maryland?
Yes, handguns must be registered in Maryland. Rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Maryland.
Who is eligible to obtain Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) in Maryland?
Any Maryland state resident who is at least 21 years of age can apply for a Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP).
Is firearms training a requirement in Maryland for a Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP)?
Yes, Maryland requires an applicant to attend a firearms-training course before applying for a Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP).
What are the requirements to obtain a Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) in Maryland?
Applicants for a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of Maryland
- Meet federal qualifications to purchase a handgun
- Have completed a handgun-training course within two years of the application
What are the steps to obtain a Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) in Maryland?
- Complete a firearms-training competency course.
- Get fingerprints taken at an Electronic Fingerprint Processing Center that is authorized by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
- Compete the online application for a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) at the Maryland State Police Licensing portal website mdsp.maryland.gov and submit it with firearm training documentation, two passport-style photographs, electronic fingerprints, and fee. Applicants are typically approved within 90 days of submittal of a complete application.
How much does a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) cost?
The fee for a Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) is $125; renewals are $75.
Does Maryland recognize concealed carry pistol permits from other states?
No. Maryland does not honor concealed-carry permits from any other states.
Is Maryland a Constitutional Carry state?
No. Maryland is not a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Maryland an Open Carry state?
No. Open carry is not allowed in Maryland without a Maryland (WCHP).
Is Maryland a Stand Your Ground state?
No. Maryland is not a Stand Your Ground state. State law imposes a duty to retreat or avoid danger if possible.
Are AR-Style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Maryland?
No. In late May of 2024, The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a gun law in Maryland that bans assault-style weapons such as the AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. The decision not to hear the case for now leaves the ban in place in the state.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Maryland?
No. In Maryland, magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds are illegal to purchase, sell or manufacture. However, possession of magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds is legal if purchased out of state.
Does Maryland have gun-storage laws?
Yes. It is unlawful in Maryland for any person to store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where the person knew, or should have known, an unsupervised child would gain access to the firearm.
Is Maryland a Red Flag state?
Yes. Family members, cohabitants, medical professionals and law enforcement are allowed to petition for an order to surrender to law enforcement 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 and/or final extreme-risk protection order.
