Gun Laws in Maryland
Gun Friendliness Score
How We Calculate Gun Friendliness Scores
The Gun Friendliness Score ranges from 0 to 100 and represents how favorable a state's laws are toward gun ownership and use. We evaluate each state across 50 key gun policies, assigning points based on how these policies affect gun owners:
- Policies that support gun rights, reduce restrictions, or expand legal protections for gun owners receive positive points
- Policies that restrict firearm ownership, limit purchase options, or add regulatory burdens receive negative points
Maryland's low score of 28 reflects the state's restrictive firearms laws, including handgun licensing requirements, assault weapons ban, magazine capacity restrictions, regulated firearms roster, and extensive permit processes for purchases and concealed carry.
Maryland Gun Laws Summary
Maryland has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the United States. The state imposes significant regulations on firearm ownership, purchase, and carrying, with multiple layers of permits and licenses required for different aspects of gun ownership and use.
Maryland is a shall-issue state for concealed carry permits following the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which invalidated the state's former "good and substantial reason" requirement. However, Maryland still maintains strict requirements for permit qualification, including extensive training, background checks, and character references.
Since October 1, 2013, Maryland has required a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) for the purchase, rental, or receipt of a handgun when Governor Martin O'Malley signed the Firearm Safety Act of 2013 into law. The HQL process involves fingerprinting, background checks, and a minimum of 4 hours of training. This is separate from the Wear and Carry Permit required for concealed carry. Maryland does not recognize permits from most other states, severely limiting reciprocity for visitors and travelers.
Permitting, Sales and Transfers
Maryland requires permits for handgun purchases (Handgun Qualification License) and background checks for all regulated firearm transfers through licensed dealers. The state also mandates a 7-day waiting period between purchase application and taking possession of a regulated firearm.
Private sales of regulated firearms must be processed through a licensed dealer with background checks. Maryland maintains a registry of all handgun and assault weapon sales. Additionally, the state restricts which handguns can be sold through an approved handgun roster administered by the Maryland Handgun Roster Board.
Firearms in Public and in the Home
Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit for both open and concealed carry of handguns. While now technically a shall-issue state, the requirements remain substantial, including 16 hours of training, multiple character references, extensive background checks, and significant fees.
Open carry of handguns requires a Wear and Carry Permit. Long guns may be carried openly without a permit, though this is uncommon and may result in law enforcement contact. Maryland prohibits carrying in numerous locations including schools, public buildings, parks, restaurants serving alcohol, and public demonstrations. For those who obtain a permit, Maryland requires comprehensive firearms safety training conducted by a certified instructor, including classroom instruction and live-fire qualification with each weapon class intended to be carried.
Firearm, Feature and Accessory Bans
Maryland has banned the possession and transfer of "assault weapons" since 2013, which includes many common semi-automatic rifles with certain features. The state also prohibits magazines with capacities exceeding 10 rounds, though magazines owned prior to October 1, 2013 were grandfathered. Most NFA items (suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, etc.) are heavily restricted or prohibited entirely. Machine guns must be registered with the Maryland State Police, and destructive devices are prohibited. Bump stocks and similar devices are also banned under state law.
Local Laws
Maryland does not have comprehensive statewide preemption of firearms laws. Counties and municipalities may enact local regulations related to firearms, creating a patchwork of rules across the state. Baltimore City and Montgomery County, for example, have enacted additional restrictions beyond state law. Some jurisdictions restrict discharge of firearms, regulate shooting ranges, and establish their own gun-free zones beyond what state law requires.
2025 Gun Law Checklist
Maryland Gun Policy Profile: 50 Key Legislative Points
Purchasing and Sales Regulations
Background Check for Any Firearm Sale
State requires any firearm sale to go through a licensed dealer (FFL) and be subject to a background check. (Federal law requires those "engaged in the business" of buying/selling firearms to perform a background check during a sale). A private sale or transfer of any firearm between individuals (non-family members) must be also conducted through an FFL.
Background Check for Any Handgun Sale (Including Private Sales)
All handgun sales and most transfers are subject to a background check. Private sales of handguns between individuals (non-family members) must be conducted through an FFL.
Background Check Extensions
State will halt the transfer of a firearm if a background check is delayed. Some states will halt the process indefinitely, some for a set amount of time.
Failed Background Check Reported to Law Enforcement
The firearm dealer (or state agency conducting the background check) has a responsibility to notify local law enforcement of a failed background check.
Must be 21 or Older to Purchase
Most firearms–including rifles, shotguns, and handguns–cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. (Federal laws permit long guns to be sold to those over the age of 18.)
Permit to Purchase
State requires a permit (single-use or renewable) for all firearms or specifically for handguns. States typically charge a fee for the permit and a background check is performed during the application.
Mandatory Waiting Periods
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must wait a specified period (typically between 3-14 days) between initiating the purchase and taking possession of the firearm.
State Licenses All Gun Dealers
State has a licensing system for firearms merchants above and beyond the federal (FFL) system.
Purchase Rejected for Public Safety Reasons
State officials able to block sales of firearms if the purchaser is deemed to be a threat to themselves or to public safety (according to the judgment of the official)
Approved Handgun Roster
State controls what make and model handguns are sold; according to their own criteria. Often, this involves a "roster" of approved handguns with the right "safety" features, such as a loaded chamber indicator, or even the amount of metal in the firearm (Maryland). Often, LE are exempt from these requirements.
Strict Unfinished Frames and Receivers Laws
State sets a lower threshold for unfinished frames and receivers (beyond ATF rule 2021R-05F). Includes ban on 3D-printing of these parts in some states.
Ownership and Registration Requirements
Permit to Possess
Several states require a permit just to possess: a handgun (New York); any firearms or ammunition (Illinois).
State Firearm or Handgun Registry
State keeps a record of every firearm or handgun sold. Includes states with a permit to purchase and states that keep records of purchases.
Mandatory Firearms Training
Prior to purchasing a firearm, an individual must prove they completed the state ordered training. Often, this is part of the application process for a Permit to Purchase.
Secure Storage Requirement
Gun owners must lock up firearms in the home (or anywhere else a minor or prohibited person may have access).
Magazine Capacity Limits
State limits magazine capacity for some or all firearms.
"Assault Weapons" Ban
Magazine fed, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles cannot have other "features" (pistol grip, flash hider, etc.) or they are considered "assault weapons." New guns cannot be registered as "assault weapons." Possession is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Microstamping Law
State has a law banning the sale of a new pistol unless its firing can imprint its serial number somewhere on the cartridge case during firing. This technology is make-believe at present, but these laws will effectively ban the sale of new handguns in the state if/when they become effective
Penalties for Not Reporting a Lost or Stolen Firearm
Gun owners must report the loss or theft of firearms–usually within several days of the incident or first discovering the loss–or potentially face a criminal penalty.
Carry and Location Restrictions
Mandatory Permit for Concealed Carry
State requires a permit to carry a concealed pistol. This includes all states that "may issue" a permit (where officials may deny a permit for subjective reasons).
Officials Can Deny Carry Permit
State allows the carry permit officials to deny an application based on the state's own criteria.
Open Carry Limited or Banned
State restricts open carry to rifles and shotguns or bans open carry completely unless you are LE or special permit holder.
No Carry Mandate for College Campuses
State has not passed a blanket law permitting concealed carry on college campuses.
Gun Ban on Most Public Property
State limits or bans any type of carry in and around government facilities (state, county, municipal) and/or limits carry of firearms in parades and demonstrations
Guns Banned in Bars
State prohibits carry inside bars or consumption of alcohol while carrying.
No Guns in K-12 Schools
Only LE (and in some states, specially licensed school officials) may carry on school property.
Does Not Recognize Other States' Carry Permits
State doesn't consider concealed carry permits from other states valid
Prohibited Persons and Possession Restrictions
Felons are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting felons from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Fugitives are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting fugitives from justice from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this.
Involuntarily Committed are Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those who have been involuntarily committed (to a psychiatric hospital or mental institution), or those found to be a danger to themselves or others from owning guns and ammo. Federal law already prohibits anyone found to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution at 16 years or older.
Violent Offenders Cannot Possess
State will take away firearms, deny future possession, or at minimum deny future purchase of firearms for certain misdemeanor crimes of violence (besides domestic violence violence).
Domestic Violence Offenders Also Prohibited Persons at State Level
State has a law prohibiting those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning guns and ammo, even though federal law already does this
Stalkers are Prohibited Persons at the State Level
State has either made stalking a felony (instant prohibitor) or makes an individual convicted of misdemeanor stalking a prohibited person.
Intervention and Seizure Provisions
Red Flag Law
Law enforcement (and others, depending on the state) is allowed to request that firearms be taken away from others with limited due process.
Emergency Gun Seizure Before Restraining Orders
Similar to a red flag law, state will take away guns before an actual conviction. This is often during domestic disputes, before a restraining order takes effect, and in similar situations.
Guns Seized for Hate Crimes
State will take away all firearms from an individual in response to a misdemeanor hate crime conviction.
Guns Seized After Becoming Prohibited
State will quickly respond when an individual's status changes to prohibited and take away all firearms belonging to that person.
Guns Seized After Domestic Violence Conviction
State will quickly respond to take away firearms from an individual if they are convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
Guns Seized Amid Restraining Orders
State will take away all firearms from anyone who is subject to a restraining order, even though federal law already does this.
No Stand Your Ground Law
State imposes a "duty to retreat" before using force or requires "proportional force" when responding to an attack or dangerous situation with force.
Monitoring and Threat Assessment
Mental Health Database
State maintains records of anyone that has been committed or involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals. They send this information to the FBI for use by the NICS (or when conducting a state background check, if applicable).
School Officials Conduct Threat Assessments
Teams of mostly school officials are empowered by law to refer children for mental health assessments or take more drastic action if they believe the child poses a threat to themselves or others.
Mandatory Tracing of "Crime Guns"
Law enforcement must use either a state system or the federal firearm tracing system to research any firearm recovered from a crime scene or used in a crime.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability
No LE Officers Bill of Rights
Some states never passed (or passed and later repealed) a set of basic protections for public safety officers. These protections vary by state. They often include the right to engage in political activity and run for public office, and the right to refuse a lie detector test, among other things.
Heavy Restrictions on LE Use of Deadly Force
State laws severely limit the discharge of firearms to apprehend criminals, including against individuals suspected of murder or fleeing a felony in many cases.
Reports for LE Deadly Force Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are required to report any officer-involved shootings that result in serious injury or death. Monthly or annual reports are compiled using this data and made available to the public.
No Qualified Immunity Defense Laws
In civil court, LE officials may not use a defense of qualified immunity if they are accused of certain civil rights violations. This includes situations in which a firearm was used.
Prevention and Support Programs
Dedicated Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Some states have passed legislation creating gun violence prevention offices that target "community gun violence." Taxpayer funds are used to support these programs, which may have little to no effect on violent crime.
Funding for Services of Victims of Gun Violence
Some states maximize the use of federal money intended for victims of violent crime by increasing pool of eligible claimants. Money is paid out to families of convicted felons in many cases.
Local Control
Counties / Cities / Towns Can Pass Stricter Gun Laws
Local governments are free to pass their own gun control laws in addition to any existing laws at the federal and state levels. Some states prohibit local governments from passing laws about specific things-including guns. This is known as preemption.
Conclusion
This piece discusses the firearms and ammunition laws in the state of Maryland. To do so, the piece starts with a discussion of the ammo laws, with a focus on the process of having ammunition shipped to a residential address in MD. Then, the piece tackles the firearms laws of the state, first going through the purchasing process and then discussing the legalities of carrying a firearm in Maryland. To wrap things up, we provide some resources that we think are useful to folks who want to legally purchase, own, and carry guns and ammo in Maryland.
This piece is not intended as legal advice. Instead, we hope that you use this as a basis for information that you then use to make your own, informed decisions as a responsible gun owner.
Like most states, Maryland has preemption. This means that the gun laws made at the state level are those that apply in the state as a whole, and localities cannot make their own, stricter, gun laws. This simplifies life for gun owners in the state, as it means that once you understand the state laws, that understanding can be applied to the state as a whole.
Maryland’s firearms laws are fairly restrictive. While it is still possible to buy, sell, and own firearms and ammo in the state, Maryland does present a fair few paperwork hoops to jump through, in addition to a number of outright bans: these legal processes and bans make the state restrictive in terms of its firearm and ammunition laws.
Ammo Laws/Buying Ammo in Maryland
First, we will cover the ammo laws of MD.
On their surface, Maryland’s ammunition laws are not especially strict. But there are two major bans to keep in mind. First, the state bans explosive ammunition. Second, there is a prohibition against the ownership of large quantities of reloading materials such as gunpowder: this last ban would be especially onerous for people who want to reload to save money, in that buying in bulk usually means substantial savings on brass, gunpowder, and primers.
Aside from those bans, Maryland follows the federal government’s lead on ammo purchasing. This involves two sets of requirements. First, anyone buying ammo for a rifle or shotgun has to be eighteen years of age or older, and twenty-one or older to purchase handgun ammo. Secondly, ammunition buyers cannot be prohibited persons. The ATF defines prohibited persons, generally, as people who have been convicted of felonies or domestic violence, those ruled mentally unfit in court, and people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.
It is generally legal to have ammunition shipped to a residential address in Maryland. Aside from the federal requirements, carriers can impose their own rules, such as asking for an adult with a valid ID to be present to sign for a package that contains ammunition.
Maryland does have a magazine ban, too: it is illegal to buy new magazines with over ten rounds of capacity. The bans on magazines, and some ammo types, and a restriction on reloading supplies make Maryland’s ammunition laws fairly strict. But, it is still generally possible to have ammunition shipped to a residential address in the state.
Gun Laws/Buying Guns in Maryland
Next, we will do the same analysis for Maryland’s gun laws.
Maryland’s firearm laws are strict and vary from one category of firearm to another. To be able to buy a handgun, for example, the buyer has to get an additional permit from the state, which involves a fee, a photo, and a background check. This permit does not exempt folks from the usual background check to buy a firearm at an FFL.
Additionally, the state has an assault weapons ban, which prohibits some firearms by name, and many by a list of features. Generally, AR and AK-type firearms are banned in the state, as are most other semi-automatic centerfire rifles, shotguns, or pistols. In case that ban was not strict enough, the State Police have the power to designate, at their discretion, new guns to ban at any time. The current list can be found online. There is no gun seizure law, but the state, in the above-linked ban, mandates that people register any assault weapons that they already possess.
Assuming the firearm you want to buy has not been banned by the legislature or the state police department, and you have a permit in hand if you plan to buy a handgun, the local FFL will process both a Form 4473 and a form of payment to sell a firearm. But the buyer might take a firearm home on the day of purchase in Maryland: the state has a seven-day waiting period to take possession of so-called assault weapons (which are banned anyway) and handguns.
The same is true of private sales: the seven-day waiting period applies to private sales of handguns, and the state also mandates that private sellers run background checks through an FFL.
Once someone does manage to acquire a firearm in Maryland, there are quite a few restrictions on carrying firearms in the state. Both open and concealed carry of weapons are allowed in the state, but one has to get a permit to do so. State law is silent about the open carry of long guns, however. The state maintains a website that not only has its permitting application to carry a firearm but, importantly, has a list of the handguns that are allowable for purchase in the state.
The Maryland concealed carry permit is somewhat widely accepted, but in few of the states to the Northeast.
Like most states, Maryland has a list of places where firearms cannot be carried at all, including:
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Public and private K-12 Schools
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Government buildings or leased spaces
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Polling places
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Private property with No Guns signs
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Within 1000 feet of a demonstration with a police warning
Maryland is strange in this regard: its list of prohibited places is shorter than even the most permissible states. This adds to the patchwork nature of Maryland’s gun and ammo laws. Getting ammunition is not terribly strict in the state, but gun buying is among the most difficult in the nation thanks not only to bans, but to the fact that the police can update the bans without consulting the people or the legislature, which is highly unusual considering that, under most understandings of American law, police have the power to enforce existing laws, and not to pass their own determinations of legality.
The state does not have any major firearms manufacturers, though Benelli does seem to have a corporate office in the state.
Sales Tax on Guns/Ammo in Maryland
Maryland has a general sales tax rate of 6%, and localities do not impose their own special taxes at the local level. This means that that 6% rate applies in the state as a whole, so shopping various FFLs for lower taxes does not make sense in Maryland.
More Resources:
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The ATF maintains a list of every FFL in the country, including in Maryland. The list is kept updated and can be used to find a local gun store. Gun stores are usually Type One or Type Two FFLs.
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Wheretoshoot.org is an awesome tool for finding gun ranges. Take some time messing with the city, zip code, and mileage filters to find ranges anywhere in the country.
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There are a number of well-rated gun stores in the state.
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Maryland Shooter’s Forum is an active forum for folks who can help navigate the complexities of MD’s gun laws, and also provide insider knowledge to local events.