Maine Gun Laws

Maine is a “Shall Issue” state because of reciprocity with other states. If you’re 21 you’re not required to have a permit, as long as you’re legally allowed to have a handgun. Permits are still available for residents who wish to travel out-of-state and non-residents. Applications are handled at the state level by the Maine State Police.

Maine Gun Laws Quick Facts

Open Carry Permitted?	Yes!
Carry In Vehicle?	Yes!
Carry In State Park?	Yes!
Carry In Restaurants?	Yes!
Constitutional Carry?	Yes!
No Weapon Sign Enforced?	Row 6, Content 1
Must Notify Officer?	Row 7, Content 1

Maine CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring Maine CCW

States NOT Honoring Maine CCW

Maine Honors These States CCW Permits

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Maine: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed

State and national forests
Road side rest areas
Vehicle
All areas of the state – except those listed below

Places Not Allowed

Courthouses
State Parks
Acadia National Park
Schools
State Capitol area
Private property when prohibited by the property owner
Establishments licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor, if the premises are posted. Note that even if there is no posted prohibition, it is illegal to carry on these premises while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Labor disputes and strikes
Baxter State Park
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Maine: Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

YES – Without a Permit/License Open carrying a handgun without a permit/license in Maine is legal but not common in cities. You cannot open carry in State Parks.

Carry In Vehicle

YES – Without a Permit/License Any person in Maine older than 21 years (18 – 20 if in the military) who can legally own a firearm can carry a loaded, concealed handgun in a motor vehicle without a permit/license.

Carry In State Parks

YES

If you are a resident of Maine then you are permitted to conceal carry firearms in state parks, state forests, and roadside rest areas. Wildlife management areas are off limits and it is illegal to open carry in state parks.

Carry In Restaurants

YES – IF NOT POSTED – In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol “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

Yes

No Weapon Signs Enforced

YES

Maine gun laws give “No Weapons” signs force of law. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.

Must Notify Officer

YES/NO – Must Inform Officer on Contact By Law No License – Under Maine gun laws if you are carrying under permitless carry you must inform law enforcement immediately you have a concealed firearm. With license – If you have a permit/license that Maine honors then you do not need to inform law enforcement you are carrying a firearm. You are required to present your permit/license and ID when requested to do so.