Maryland gun laws

Last verified November 1, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Gun laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every rule with the state's agency or statutes before you carry or travel.

Carry

Permitless (constitutional) carry: No, a permit is required to carry concealed
A wear and carry permit is required.
Open carry: A Wear and Carry permit (Public Safety Title 5, Subtitle 3) is required to carry a handgun, open or concealed, outside narrow exceptions such as your own property (Crim. Law 4-203). Source
Permits: Maryland permit guide

Vehicle transport

A permit is required to carry or transport a handgun in a vehicle. Without one, handguns may be moved only unloaded in an enclosed case or holster, and only for listed trips such as purchase, repair, between residences, or target shooting and hunting (4-203(b)). Source

Places where carry is banned

Areas for children and vulnerable individuals (preschools, private schools, health care facilities); government buildings, college buildings, polling places and power plants; special-purpose areas such as on-site alcohol or cannabis venues, stadiums, museums, amusement parks, racetracks and casinos (Crim. Law 4-111); public school property (4-203). Source

Magazines and assault weapons

Magazine capacity limit: Yes, 10 rounds
Assault-weapon restrictions: Yes, a general ban on sale, manufacture and transfer

Duty to inform

Not confirmed. Check with Maryland State Police.

Stand your ground and castle doctrine

Not on NCSL's list of states with no duty to retreat. Castle-doctrine rules at home may still apply. Not confirmed. Check with Maryland State Police.

Red-flag law

Yes. Courts can issue extreme risk protection orders.

Reciprocity

Maryland does not honor carry permits from any other state.

Does not honor other states' permits.

Official reciprocity information

Check whether Maryland honors your permit

Sources

Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.