Maine is a constitutional carry state for the possession of firearms, but it still issues a pistol permit.

To apply for the permit, ensure that you meet all requirements provided by Maine gun permit laws.

Maine Gun Permit Summary

Maine has a shall-issue policy for the application of firearms in the state done at the level of the Department of public safety through the state police.

There is a permit to buy firearms in the state, but every buyer must complete a criminal record background check prior.

• Recommended Reading: Maine Gun Laws

How To Get A Gun Permit In Maine

Maine issues gun licenses to applicants, residents, and non-residents, of the state that are twenty-one years old or more.

It is an agreeable, open carry state. Therefore the permit is only valid for concealed carry.

Maine Gun Permit Laws

Maine gun permit is not compulsory for open carry in the state.

As long as you are eighteen years old or more and your right to possess firearms is still intact, you can open carry in the state.

Maine gun statutes permit the possession of machine guns and semi-automatic firearms. Still, this is only legal with a federally licensed individual that complies with all regulations to handle such guns.

Others that can use these assault weapons are law enforcement officers and military members in the state.

Apart from this, it is a Class D crime to use assault weapons in Maine if you do not have a federal license.

Maine also prohibits armor-piercing ammunition.

Maine Pistol Permit Requirements

To apply for a pistol permit in Maine, you must meet all of the following requirements provided by the gun laws:

• You must be at least eighteen years old.
• You must not have a state firearm restriction.
• You must be able to demonstrate that you have acquired the necessary training with knowledge of firearm safety.
• You must be of ethical-moral conduct. The issuing body will assess this based on your record in the last five years.
• You must not be convicted by a judge for possession of firearms under the influence of alcohol during the last five years before you apply.
• You must not be guilty of a domestic abuse charge that involves investigations from law enforcement in the last five years.
• You must be free from any crime in the United States that is punishable by a prison term of less than one year.
• You must not be part of any reckless or careless action that has led to an investigation by law enforcement agencies in the last five years.
• You must not be a narcotic or caught engaging in illicit substances in the last four years.
• You must meet all federal requirements that concern the issue of a pistol permit application.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In Maine

A summary of firearms permits issued in Maine includes the following:

• State permit to purchase long guns: Maine does not issue a state permit to buy long guns.
• State permits to purchase handguns: Maine does not issue a state permit to buy guns.
• State permit to open carry: Maine is a permissive state, so no license required to open carry.
• State permits to conceal carry long guns: Maine does not issue a state permit to conceal handguns.
• State permits to conceal carry handguns: Maine issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In Maine?

The process for gun permit application and renewal in Maine include the following:

Complete A Firearm Training

First, enroll for Maine concealed carry class. Ensure that the course is a government recognized one with a certified instructor.

Collect your training certificate after completing the course.

Download The Application

Visit your local police website and download the application form.

Submit All Necessary Documents

You can either visit your local police station to submit these documents or send them by mail. The documents include:

• Your completed permit application.
• Two release information forms.
• A photocopy of your birth certificate, or an INS document.
• Your colored passport photograph.
• Your training certificate with proof of handgun safety knowledge.
• Any preexisting CCW permits from other states or municipalities in Maine.
• Any member of the Armed Forces proof if you are military personnel.
• The required fees.

Receive Application Notification

You will get an approval or rejected mail after the waiting period.

Your Maine pistol permit is valid for four years, after which you can renew or forfeit it.

Renewal application elapses six months after the expiry date.

The permit renewal process includes the following:

Download The Renewal Application

Visit your local police website to download the renewal application.

Submit The Necessary Documents

You can mail your documents to the state police or submit it to your local county police. The documents include the following:

• Your completed renewal application.
• Two release information forms.
• Your colored passport photograph.
• Your expired permit issued by any municipality in Maine.
• Proof of membership in the armed forces if you are military personnel.
• The required fee.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In Maine?

The initial application for Maine pistol permit costs thirty-five dollars while renewal permits cost twenty-dollars.

For any replacement permit or change in details such as name and address, the fee is two dollars.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With Maine

Maine is a constitutional carry state that allows the possession of firearms without a permit.

Some of its reciprocity agreement with other states include the following:

States That Maine Will Accept Their Pistol Permit

Maine will accept a pistol permit from any jurisdiction of the USA. However, it is a constitutional carry state, and there is no need to own a pistol permit before possession of firearms in the state.

States That Recognize Maine Pistol Permit

You can possess firearms in these states if you have a Maine pistol permit. But note that you must comply with gun laws of these states. They include the following:

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Indiana
• North Dakota

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With Maine

Even though these states will accept a Maine gun license, you must meet some requirements as an individual before you can possess firearms within their territories. The states are:

• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Virginia
• Wyoming
• Puerto Rico

States That Have Permitless Carry Policy

Like Maine, these states do not require a permit for you to make use of firearms within their territory. They are:

• Arizona
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In Maine

Some of the most frequently asked questions about gun license in Maine, that has to do with application, renewal, and other essential details include the following:

Must I Obtain A Maine Pistol Permit Before I Conceal Carry In The State?

No. Maine is a constitutional carry state that practices permitless carry for firearms. But in some situations, like possessing weapons out of state, your pistol permit might come in handy.

What Is The Validity Period For Maine Pistol Permit?

The permit is valid for four years, after which you have to apply for a renewal permit.

Is Maine Pistol Permit Available To Non-Residents Of The State?

Yes, the Maine pistol license application is for both residents and non-residents of the state, and the process for application is also similar.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My Maine Pistol Permit?

For a change of name or address in Maine pistol permit, you must first notify the state police at least thirty days from the day you change residency or your name.

Failure to make timely notification, your Maine pistol permit will become invalid, and you have to start the application procedure all over again.

If you change your residency within a town, contact the state police department, and you can be able to update the address via a phone call. You will not have to pay any fee, neither will you need a new permit.

However, if you want a new permit, you can send an application to the state treasurer and attach a check for the required fee of two dollars.

If you change residency to another town, you must complete the first page of a permit application and send it to the treasurer office with a check of two dollars.

What Can I Do If I Lost My Maine Pistol Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For situations of theft or missing permits, contact the police station in your local county immediately.

How Soon Can I Apply For Maine Gun Permit After Moving To The State?

As a new resident in Maine, you can begin the application process for a gun license as soon as you have any of the following:

• A state voter’s registration card.
• A driver’s license issued in the state.
• Any State-issued identification card.

Can I Make Use Of Maine Gun Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

If you establish residency in any other state and want to retain your Maine Pistol permit, then you have to complete the application packet, and send it to Maine state police department with a check for the payable two-dollar fee.

For this application, the documents required are a copy of your birth certificate and a copy of your Maine gun license.

Note that if you do not complete this process, your Maine pistol permit becomes invalid upon moving out of the state.

Do I Need A Maine Pistol Permit To Open Carry In The State?

No. Maine does not issue a permit for open carry. It is a permissive carry state.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For Pistol Permit In Maine?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a Maine Pistol permit.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In Maine?

No, Maine does not issue a permit to purchase firearms.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In Maine?

No, every buyer of a firearm, regardless of if the person is a permit holder or not, must complete the criminal record check.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For Maine Pistol Permit?

Yes. It is a requirement that you complete a firearm training before applying for the Maine pistol permit.

Is Maine A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the federal government has full preemption on all gun laws of the state.

What Is The Age Requirement To Possess Firearms In Maine?

Eighteen years old.

Relevant Gun Permits Laws And Legislature In Maine

Some of the gun laws in Maine relating to its pistol permit include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Cars

You can possess firearms in private cars, and there is no need for a Maine pistol license to do so.

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas

In Maine, it is not a prohibition to conceal carry in roadside areas of the state.

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Area

To possess firearms in these places, you must be a Maine gun license holder. Permitless carry is not possible in parks of the state.

For more inquiries on this, you can visit the direct link to these parks.

However, there is no requirement for concealed carry of firearms in Wildlife Management Areas of the state.

[State Park Rule 20(b)]

Possession Of Firearms In Restaurants And Bar Areas

According to the Maine gun statute, [17-A Me. Rev. Stat. 43, § 1057], it is not a prohibition to possess firearms in restaurants and bar ventures, except there is a post prohibiting this or you are under the influence of alcohol.

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

In Hotels or any other lodging establishment, the person in charge can refuse to provide accommodation to anyone that has firearms.

Hotels can develop their policies and gun laws to regulate firearms within their premises. Therefore, you should visit the hotel’s website for more information on the handling of weapons.

[Me. Stat., 30-A § 3838(3)]

Possession Of Firearms In Parking Lots Of A Workplace

According to Maine law [26 Me. Rev. Stat. 7 §600], as long as a firearm is securely locked away in a vehicle such that it is away from public view, it is illegal for any employer, landowner, or agent to prohibit a licensee from keeping the firearms in the vehicle with the premises.

Additional Resources

Maine Gun Laws
Maine Concealed Carry Laws
Maine Open Carry Laws