Maryland is now considered a “Shall Issue” state due to the Supreme Court's landmark case of NYSRPA v Bruen. This means the state has greatly loosened laws when it comes to obtaining concealed carry weapons permits. These permits are still issued by the state of Maryland from the Secretary of State Police.
Maryland will require permits, along with background checks and firearm registration for those individuals looking to purchase a handgun from both private and FFL dealers. Maryland has also stated they have a handgun "roster" which tracks the handguns dealers or private sellers will be allowed to sell within the state.
Maryland Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ❌ No - Maryland is not recognized as a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Maryland does allow for open carry so long as the individual has a Maryland WCHP. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Maryland only allows concealed carry within your vehicle so long as you have the Maryland WCHP. However, individuals may be allowed to transport firearms so long as the firearm is unloaded and in a secure storage container in a location not easily accessible from passengers. There is also specific language that handguns are to only be transported between sporting events, residences, repair shops, or a business you may own. |
Carry In State Park? | ❌ No - Maryland doesn't allow for concealed or open carry within state or national parks. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - We were not able to find any specific language making the carrying of a firearm into a restaurant illegal so long as you have the WCHP, and you're not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We were not able to find any language giving no weapons sign the force of law. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - We were not able to find any duty to inform statues within the Maryland code. However, if you're approached and specifically asked then you must provide your permit and valid ID. |
Maryland CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted reciprocity with Maryland
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
Maryland does not honor ccw permits/licenses from any other state.
How Reciprocity Works In Maryland
Reciprocity Agreements In Maryland
Maryland: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State game management areas
- All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- Any property belong to a Public School. The law just says “Public School” but does not indicate what type of public school.
- Demonstration – you cannot be within 1000 feet of the demonstration
- In legislative buildings
- On any aircraft
- In a lodging establishment.
- Dredge boats unless it is a 10 gauge shotgun
- Around or inside any public buildings or grounds owned by the state.
- Chesapeake Forest Lands
- In any State Forests
- In State Parks
- Any highway rest area owned by the state, unless the weapon is properly secured within the vehicle.
- Adult rehabilitation centers
- Child care centers, unless it is a small center inside a residence.
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Maryland: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, you will need a permit to carry a handgun either concealed or openly. Although open carry is technically legal it is not advisable in this state. You would most certainly be stopped by the police and your actions could be used as a reason to revoke your permit. The only people who openly carry in Maryland are the police or security guards.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, Maryland has some very strict guidelines when it comes to the transportation of firearms. Individuals without a permit are allowed to transport their firearms in their vehicle so long as they keep the firearms unloaded and put into a secure storage container where the passengers are not able to gain access easily.
With a Maryland WCHP you are allowed to conceal carry a firearm on your person and in your vehicle.
There is also specific language in the statutes mentioning that handguns can only be transported in very specific scenarios:
- When you're going to or leaving from shooting events.
- When you're going to or leaving from residences (and going directly to that residence).
- When you're transporting your handgun to a repair shop.
- When you're going to your business that you have a substantial interest in.
Carry In State Parks
No, it is illegal to carry in the following areas:
- State Parks: NO – Admin code 08.07.06.04
- State/National Forests: NO – Admin code 08.07.01.04
- State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – Nat. Res. code 10.4 Sec. 4.10.408(d)
- Road Side Rest Areas: NO – Admin code 11.04.07.12
Carry In Restaurants
Yes.
“Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
Constitutional Carry
No, Maryland does not have constitutional carry.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, we have not found any laws giving gun signs the force of law. However, we advise everyone to abide by any gun sign they encounter whether they are lawful or not.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is no law in Maryland that states you must inform law enforcement you are carrying a firearm. However, there is a law that states you must have a valid carry permit in your possession if you carry, transport or wear a handgun. You would need to present the permit if asked by a law enforcement officer.
Sec. 5-308 Possession of permit.
Additional Resources
Maryland Concealed Carry Laws
Maryland Open Carry Laws
Maryland Gun Permit Laws