Maryland Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. 10-round magazine limit. Assault weapon ban. Red flag law. Permit to purchase handguns.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Maryland has restrictive firearm laws. Concealed carry became shall-issue after the state's 'good and substantial reason' standard was struck down following the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision. Assault weapons are banned, and magazines over 10 rounds cannot be sold or transferred in the state (though possessing them is not banned). The state requires a permit to purchase handguns and has a red flag law. Duty to retreat applies outside the home.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (since 2022) (Md. Pub. Safety § 5-303)
• Open Carry: Permit required; generally restricted (Md. Pub. Safety § 5-303)
• Permit to Purchase: Required for handguns (Md. Pub. Safety § 5-117.1)
• Assault Weapon Ban: Yes — assault weapons banned by name and feature (Md. Crim. Law § 4-303)
• Magazine Limit: 10 rounds maximum for sales and transfers; possession not banned (Md. Crim. Law § 4-305)
• Waiting Period: 7 days for regulated firearms (Md. Pub. Safety § 5-123)
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers (Md. Pub. Safety § 5-204.1)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Extreme Risk Protective Order (Md. Pub. Safety § 5-601)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes
• Stand Your Ground: Duty to retreat outside the home
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: No reciprocity — does not honor any other state's carry permit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to carry a handgun in Maryland?

Yes, but Maryland became a shall-issue state in 2022 after the Supreme Court's Bruen decision struck down its 'good and substantial reason' requirement. Applicants who meet the statutory qualifications and training requirements must be issued a wear-and-carry permit.

Do I need a permit to buy a handgun in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) to purchase a handgun, which includes training and a background check.

What is the magazine limit in Maryland?

Maryland limits magazines to 10 rounds: it bans the manufacture, sale, purchase, receipt, or transfer of detachable magazines holding more than 10 rounds, but does not ban possessing them.

Does Maryland have an assault weapon ban?

Yes. Maryland bans assault weapons by name and feature. Some registered pre-ban weapons may be grandfathered.

Does Maryland have a red flag law?

Yes. Maryland has an Extreme Risk Protective Order law allowing family and law enforcement to petition for temporary firearm removal.

Does Maryland have stand your ground?

Maryland's self-defense rules come from case law rather than statute. Courts recognize castle doctrine in the home but generally impose a duty to retreat in public if it can be done safely.

Does Maryland recognize concealed carry permits from other states?

No. Maryland does not honor a wear-and-carry permit issued by any other state — a non-resident carrying concealed here needs a Maryland-issued permit. Few states recognize Maryland's permit in return — mainly those that honor every state's permit.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.