Source: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/md-gun-laws/
Timestamp: 2020-03-29 12:33:04
Document Index: 213293812

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 4', '§ 59', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 11', '§ 08', '§ 08', '§ 10', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 3', '§5', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 10', '§ 4', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 926', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 15', '§4', '§2', '§4', '§5', '§ 4']

Maryland Concealed Carry Gun Laws: WCHP & Reciprocity Map | USCCA (Last Updated 02/25/2020)
Maryland	Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
View Updates: Calendar 2020-02-25
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Summary of Maryland Gun Laws
Maryland is a may-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the state police.
A permit to purchase, a background check and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun from a private individual. Private firearms sellers must process transfers of handguns and assault weapons through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, who then conducts a background check. In addition, Maryland has established a handgun roster that, subject to limited exceptions, lists the only handguns that dealers or any private sellers are allowed to sell in the state.
Open and concealed carry are legal in Maryland only for Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders. In order to obtain a WCHP, applicants must be at least 21 years old (or 18 years old for employment purposes only) and must show a good and substantial reason to carry a handgun. WCHPs require a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course that includes live-fire training. An additional eight hours of training is required at each WCHP renewal. Permits are issued to residents and non-residents. Some areas are off-limits, including rest areas and state parks. In terms of reciprocity, Maryland does not honor permits from any other states.
Maryland is a Castle Doctrine state. In a person’s home, they do not need to retreat, but can stand their ground and attempt to defeat or deter an invader. In Maryland, deadly force is only legal when defending one’s self from the immediate threat of serious injury or death. A person must have reasonable grounds to believe himself or herself in apparent imminent or immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm from his or her assailant or potential assailant; must have in fact believed himself or herself in this danger; must not have been the aggressor or provoked the conflict; and the force used must have not been unreasonable and excessive, that is, the force must not have been more force than the exigency demanded. Maryland has a duty to retreat law which requires people who are outside of their home to retreat or avoid danger if possible before using deadly force to defend themselves. There is no duty to retreat inside one’s home.
Maryland Gun Laws at a Glance
Does Maryland allow constitutional carry?
No. Maryland does not allow constitutional carry.
Is open carry permitted in Maryland?
Yes. Open carry is allowed with a Maryland WCHP.
If Maryland requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?
Maryland is a may issue state.
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.
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.
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. Instructions must be provided to the purchaser and the manufacturer must maintain a record of the original owner of the electronic control device.
[Criminal 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.
[Ocean City Ordinance Sec. 58-162]
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.
[Criminal Law § 4-101(b)(4)]
Does Maryland issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?
Yes. Maryland grants permits to non-residents.
Does Maryland allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?
No. Maryland does not permit the public access to concealed carry registry information.
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. The display of firearms is prohibited.
[Md. Admin. Code § 11.04.07.12]
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.
[Md. Admin. Code § 08.01.07.14, Md. Admin. Code § 08.07.06.04]
Yes, with a Maryland WCHP for WMAs.
[Md. Admin. Code § 10-408(d)]
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?
Can you carry a firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Maryland?
Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Maryland WCHP, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence.
Does Maryland have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Maryland state law.
Are you required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Maryland?
No. You are not required to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Maryland.
Does Maryland have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?
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.
There is an exemption for .22 caliber rifles with tubular magazines and for law enforcement officers (LEOs) or retired LEOs.
[Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-305]
Does Maryland have ammunition restrictions?
No. Maryland does not have ammunition restrictions.
Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Maryland? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.
No. Not mentioned in state statutes.
Does Maryland have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?
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.
[Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-209]
Yes. 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.
[Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 5-601(E)(2)]
Does Maryland state law define brandishing?
No. 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.
[Md. Code. Crim. Law § 3-202]
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?
Does Maryland have laws regarding carrying a firearm while using alcohol or drugs?
Not while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
[Md. Admin. Code §5–314]
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Maryland?
Yes, for handguns.
Are background checks required for private gun sales in Maryland?
Yes. All private transfers of handguns and assault weapons must be processed through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, which must conduct a background check on the buyer.
Maryland Permit Exempts from Background Check?
Does my current Maryland concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm?
Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Maryland?
Yes. Seven days for handguns and assault weapons.
Do handguns need to be registered in Maryland?
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?
Does Maryland have a roster of handguns approved for sale?
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.
MD Handgun Roster
[Public Safety § 5-406]
What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Maryland?
[Public Safety § 5-133 (d)(1)]
Handgun Purchase Process
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. A USCCA Certified Instructor-led course can meet the qualifications for a Maryland Firearms Safety Training Course if the instructor is also licensed through the state. You can also search for an instructor near you. This training course may be waived if you are a veteran of the U.S. military, a qualified handgun instructor, a lawful owner of a regulated firearm or if you have completed a Maryland DNR Hunter’s Safety Course.
Fingerprinting is also required before you can submit your HQL application 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. A valid email address is necessary to complete the form. After submitting your application you will get an email with an application number and a PIN number.
Bring both the application number and PIN number to a Maryland State Police Barracks or a Maryland Regulated Firearm Dealer to finish the application process. The State Police/Dealer will complete the application and submit it to the state Licensing Division.
After submitting your application, you must wait 7 days, after which you will get an email notifying you if you have been approved. Upon approval, you can purchase or transfer ownership of a firearm through an FFL Dealer.
Which States Require a Background Check for Handgun Purchases?
USCCA — February 16, 2020
Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in Maryland?
[Nat. Resources Code § 10-408 (d)]
Can you concealed carry while bowhunting in Maryland?
Yes, but only While Bow Hunting in Deer Management Region A.
(2) 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:
(i) Is at least 21 years old;
(ii) Is hunting in deer management Region A as defined by the Department's Guide to Hunting and Trapping;
(iii) Is carrying the handgun for personal protection; and
(iv) Does not use the handgun to kill wildlife wounded by a vertical bow or crossbow.
[Nat. Resources Code § 10-408(b)(2)]
Hunter Harassment Law?
Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in Maryland?
Yes. While on private land that is owned by another person or in a hunting area on land managed by the Department, a person may not:
Interfere intentionally with the lawful taking of wildlife by another person; or
Harass, drive, or disturb any game animal intentionally for the purpose of disrupting a lawful hunt.
[Nat. Resources Code § 10-422]
That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient. -Article 1, Section 1"
MARYLAND HAS NO CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION GRANTING A RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS.
Maryland Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does Maryland honor?
Maryland does not honor any other states’ permits/licenses.
Other States' Reciprocity With Maryland
Which states honor permits from Maryland?
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Maryland
Maryland offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Maryland resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Michigan (at least 21 years old and resident permits only)
Maine (if at least 21 years old)
Missouri (if at least 19 years old)
Oklahoma (if at least 21 years old)
Maryland Concealed Carry Permit Information
Be at least 21 years old (an applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment);
Be a citizen of the United States or legal resident alien;
Not have been convicted of a felony or of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year;
Not have been convicted of a violent crime, including domestic violence;
Not be subject to a restraining order or other similar court order;
Not have been committed within the previous 10 years to any juvenile detention center for longer than 1 year;
Not be a drug addict, habitual drunkard, an unlawful user of any controlled substance or determined to be of unsound mind;
Not have a mental illness;
Not have received voluntary or involuntary treatment in a psychiatric hospital, mental institution or similar treatment facility for any reason;
Not, based on the results of investigation, exhibit a propensity for violence or instability;
Not be a fugitive from justice;
Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces;
Not be subject to a firearms seizure order;
Show good cause as to why he or she needs a firearm; and
Initial Permit $75
Renewal $50
Initial permits expire on the last day of the holder’s birth month following 2 years after the date the permit is issued and may be renewed for successive periods of 3 years each.
Online licensing portal
Maryland will grant permits to non-residents. Non-residents use the same process as residents.
You must notify the Licensing Division of address changes, in writing, within 30 days of any change. You must mail this change to:
ATTN: Handgun Permit Unit
You must submit a notarized letter advising the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the permit. Submit a $10 check or money order and one passport-sized photograph taken within the last 30 days. If you are a security guard, private detective, armored car guard or special police officer, also provide a company letter from your current employer verifying your employment.​
Residency Changes:
Moving to Maryland and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?
Maryland issues resident and non-resident permits, so you can apply for your permit at any time.
Moving from Maryland and have a Maryland resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Maryland permit remains valid?
If a person with a Maryland wear/carry handgun permit establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid until it expires provided you submit the above referenced Name/Address change form.
Maryland Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a Maryland Concealed Carry Permit
Complete a state-approved firearm training course; 16 hours are required.
Get fingerprints taken at an Electronic Fingerprint Processing Center authorized by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Complete your application using the online licensing portal. As of October 1, 2019, paper applications will be rejected and returned to the applicant with instructions to submit the Wear and Carry Permit application via the licensing portal. You will need the following:
A copy of your firearms training certificate;
2 passport-style color photographs of yourself from the past 30 days;
Electronic fingerprints; and
You will be notified by mail within 90 days whether your application has been approved or denied.
Firearms Training Requirements in Maryland
To qualify for a handgun permit, applicants must successfully complete, prior to application and each renewal, a firearms training course approved by the Secretary of State Police that includes:
For an initial application, a minimum of 16 hours of instruction by a qualified handgun instructor; or
For a renewal application, 8 hours of instruction by a qualified handgun instructor.
The training includes classroom instruction on state firearms law, home firearms safety, and handgun mechanisms and operation. A firearms qualification component is also required that demonstrates the applicant’s proficiency and use of the firearm with a minimum score of 70% accuracy. There are training exemptions for law enforcement officers, members of the military and qualified handgun instructors.
Be sure to verify that any firearm training you receive in order to obtain your permit is approved by the state of Maryland.
Find a Shooting Range in Maryland
Maryland Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a Maryland Concealed Carry Permit
A handgun permit may be renewed for successive periods of 3 years each. The renewal process should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the permit. If the Licensing Division does not receive the renewal application, satisfactorily completed, by the expiration date, the applicant must begin as a new applicant and complete all requirements necessary for an initial application.
Complete an 8 hour firearms training course within 2 years of submitting your renewal application.
2 passport-style color photographs of yourself from the past 30 days; and
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details, check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
LEOs and RLEOs are exempt from the Maryland prohibition on purchasing high-capacity magazines. Active and retired Maryland and Federal LEOs are not required to obtain a handgun qualification license (HQL) to purchase a handgun. However, out-of-state retired and active LEOs living in Maryland must obtain an HQL but are exempt from the training requirements. The MD Police and Correctional Training Commissions issues firearm certifications to Maryland residents whom they train. RLEOS must have a retired/separated LEO ID card. The New LEOSA Training Packet has details.
The Maryland Department of State Police only provides an identification card to carry a concealed handgun to State of Maryland qualified separated law enforcement officers who have separated from the Maryland Department of State Police.
Maryland Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Maryland?
Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes.
Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? No.
Carry in roadside rest areas? No.
Carry in WMAs? Yes.
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.
Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in Maryland?
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 (display and discharge prohibited) [CMR 11.04.07.12​];
Commercial aircraft [CMR § 5-1008];
Lodging establishments where the innkeeper has notified an individual, either orally or in writing, that the establishment refuses to provide 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​​];
Any building where the Senate or the House has a chamber [CMR §2–1702];
Any building 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​​​]​;
Demonstration at a public place or in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a demonstration;If prohibited by a local municipality, within 100 yards of or in a park, church, school, public building and other place of public assembly [CMR §4–208​];
Any place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs [CMR §5–314​]​; and
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.
FAQ: Maryland Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in Maryland?
There are no limitations on the types of knives you can own in Maryland. You cannot concealed carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife or Bowie knife. Although there is no law against open carry of throwing stars, dirks, switchblades, gravity knives or Bowie knives, it is illegal to carry them "with the intent to harm someone." All knives are banned from Maryland schools. Maryland municipalities may have additional restrictions.
[Crim. Law §§ 4-101, 4-102(b)]
Related Information & Links for Maryland Gun Laws
Maryland State Police Wear/Carry Handgun Permit FAQs
Maryland State Police Firearms FAQs
Maryland Gun Laws Updates:
Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table
Added related blog posts with links
Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits
Updated the knife laws and added statutory references
Added info on the approved handgun roster and a link to the roster to the At A Glance table
Added info on handgun purchase process in At A Glance table
Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table
Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray info for Baltimore and Ocean City to the At A Glance table
Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations
Added brandishing info to At A Glance table
Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table
Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table
Updated Permit Info and Application info with new online licensing portal details
Clarified high capacity magazine limitations in the At A Glance table per info from a member (thanks!)
Added info and a link to vehicle carry in At A Glance table
Added pages on https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology
Added church carry info to location restrictions section
Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table