Maryland Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Permit Required Permit Required No Castle Doctrine Red Flag Law

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: Maryland Gun Laws

Open Carry	Permit Required
Concealed Carry	Permit Required
Permit Required	Yes - required
Permit Cost	$75
Permit Validity	2 years
Waiting Period	7 days
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✕ No
Stand Your Ground	✕ No
Red Flag Law	✕ Yes (ERPO exists)
Magazine Limit	10 rounds maximum
Suppressors	Prohibited
NFA Items	Restricted

Open Carry Laws in Maryland

Open carry requires a permit in Maryland. The same concealed carry permit typically covers open carry. Contact your local law enforcement agency for permit requirements.

Concealed Carry Laws in Maryland

Concealed carry in Maryland requires a valid permit. Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) to purchase a handgun, plus a Wear and Carry Permit (WCP) to carry. Must be 21+, training required, character references needed.

Where You Cannot Carry in Maryland

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in Maryland. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Police Stations
Prisons
Lodging Establishments
Stadiums
Sensitive Public Places

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Getting a Maryland CCW Permit

Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) to purchase a handgun, plus a Wear and Carry Permit (WCP) to carry. Must be 21+, training required, character references needed.

Official Maryland Permit Information

CCW Reciprocity for Maryland

States that honor your Maryland permit (0)

None

Maryland honors permits from (0)

None

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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Maryland Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for Maryland gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: Maryland Gun Laws

Does Maryland honor out-of-state CCW permits?

No. Maryland does not recognize any out-of-state concealed carry permits.

What is the magazine limit in Maryland?

Maryland restricts magazines to 10 rounds. Magazines manufactured after October 2013 with capacity over 10 rounds are prohibited.

Does Maryland have a red flag law?

Yes. Maryland has an Extreme Risk Protection Order law enacted in 2018.

Shooting Ranges in Maryland

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in Maryland. Filter by type, features, and location.

Find Ranges in Maryland

Neighboring State Gun Laws