State Laws · MD
Maryland Gun Laws
Effective as of October 1, 2023 (SB 1, Firearm Safety Act amendments post-Bruen). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit for concealed carry, issued by the Maryland State Police. Following Bruen, Maryland transitioned from may-issue to shall-issue. Applicants must complete 16 hours of classroom training and range qualification, pass a background check, and be at least 21 years old. The permit is valid for two years (three years for renewals).
Key statute: Maryland Criminal Law § 4-203 — wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun. Maryland Public Safety § 5-306 — qualifications for a wear and carry permit.
Open Carry
Open carry is legal only with a valid Wear and Carry Permit. Without a permit, open carry is prohibited.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons convicted of certain misdemeanors (including assault, domestic violence), persons under 21, fugitives from justice, habitual drunkards, persons addicted to controlled substances, persons with mental disorders, persons under protective orders, and persons convicted of a crime of violence.
Prohibited Locations
Maryland prohibits carry in: public demonstrations, legislative buildings, schools and institutions of higher education, government buildings (certain ones), establishments licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption, childcare centers, and any location with posted prohibition.
Purchase Requirements
Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) to purchase a handgun (requires training and background check). All sales require a background check — Maryland conducts its own state check in addition to NICS. There is a seven-day waiting period for all regulated firearms purchases. Maryland has an assault weapons ban (Firearm Safety Act of 2013) and a magazine capacity limit of 10 rounds. A person may purchase only one regulated firearm per 30 days.
Citations
Maryland Criminal Law Title 4, Subtitle 2 (handguns); Maryland Public Safety Title 5 (firearms); Firearm Safety Act of 2013; SB 1 (2023, post-Bruen amendments).
Look up statutes at Maryland General Assembly →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Maryland statutes
Maryland General Assembly →This link goes to Maryland's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.