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
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - Maine is considered a constitutional carry state that allows for permit-less carry. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Maine allows for open carry without permits for all individuals who are 21 years or older and are legally allowed to own a firearm. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Maine allows individuals to concealed carry firearms in their vehicles without a permit. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Maine allows for concealed and open carry in their state parks if you have a permit from them. They do not allow for permit-less carry within the state or national parks. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - Maine allows for individuals to conceal carry a firearm into restaurants or bars so long as you're not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol and the establishment doesn't have any signage preventing firearms. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ✅ Yes - No Weapons signs have the force of law behind them. You can be found guilty of trespassing if you enter into a location that has a no weapons sign posted. |
Must Notify Officer? | ✅ Yes - If you're concealed carrying without a permit then you Maine does have a duty to inform law. However, if you're concealed carrying with a permit then you're not required to notify the officer unless asked, where you'll need to provide your permit and valid ID. |
Maine CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Maine
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Maine
Reciprocity Agreements In Maine
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, open carrying a handgun without a permit/license in Maine is legal but not common in cities. You cannot open carry in State Parks though.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, 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 so long as you have a permit. Wildlife management areas are off limits and it is illegal to open carry in state parks.
Carry In Restaurants
Yes/No, some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If they have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol or without sitting int the bar area.
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, 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.
Additional Resources
Maine Concealed Carry Laws
Maine Open Carry Laws
Maine Gun Permit Laws