Gun Laws in Maryland
Explore the comprehensive guide to Maryland gun laws. Learn about permits, registration, concealed and open carry, assault weapon laws, and more. Stay informed and practice responsible gun ownership.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Handguns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | Yes | Md Public Safety Article Section 5-117.1[70] | A Handgun Qualification License is required, unless exempted (Active Duty/Retired Military with identification cards, Active/Retired Law Enforcement with department credentials, Federal Firearms Licensees); training is required, unless exempted; fingerprints are required; background checks are required; does not invalidate the requirement to perform a comprehensive background check for every handgun purchase transaction.[70] |
| Firearm registration? | No | Yes | | The state police maintain a permanent record of all handgun transfers. Automatic weapons must be registered with the state police. |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | Yes | | Maryland is a de jure "may issue" state for concealed carry, but in light of the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, Governor Larry Hogan directed law enforcement to cease enforcement of the "good and substantial reason" requirement to obtain a concealed carry permit. As a result, Maryland is de facto a "shall issue" state. |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | Yes | | Open carry is permitted with a carry license, but is not generally practiced except by uniformed private security officers. Though this is subjective with the issuance of shall-issue permits now. Long guns and antique handguns may be carried openly without a license. |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | | Maryland has state preemption for most but not all firearm laws. |
| Assault weapon law? | Yes | Yes | Md Criminal Law Article Section 4-303
Firearms Safety Act of 2013 | Certain models of firearms are banned as assault pistols and assault long guns. It is illegal to possess an assault weapon or a copycat weapon with two or more specified features (folding stock, grenade/flare launcher, flash suppressor) unless owned before 10/1/2013, or received through inheritance from a lawful possessor and not otherwise forbidden to possess.[70] Some local counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions in opposition to assault weapon laws.[71] |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | Yes | Yes | | Illegal to purchase, sell or manufacture magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds within Maryland. However, possession of magazines greater than 10 rounds is legal if purchased out of state. These may not, however, be transferred to a subsequent owner unless done so outside the state of Maryland. |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | | Automatic firearms, SBSs, and SBRs must be owned in compliance with federal law. Law is silent in regards to DDs, suppressors, and AOWs. |
| Background checks required for private sales? | Partial | Yes | GAM Public Safety, §5-124 | All private transfers of regulated firearms (handguns or assault weapons) must be processed through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency which must conduct a background check on the buyer. |
| Red flag law? | Yes | Yes | [72] | |
Understanding Gun Laws in Maryland
Gun laws vary significantly from state to state in the United States. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of gun laws in Maryland. We will cover topics such as permits required for purchase, firearm registration, concealed carry, open carry, assault weapon laws, and more.
State Permit Required to Purchase
When it comes to purchasing firearms in Maryland, the laws differ for long guns and handguns. For long guns, there is no state permit required for purchase. However, for handguns, a Handgun Qualification License is required, unless you are exempted. Exemptions apply to Active Duty/Retired Military with identification cards, Active/Retired Law Enforcement with department credentials, and Federal Firearms Licensees. Training, fingerprints, and background checks are also required for purchasing handguns. [70]
Firearm Registration
In Maryland, there is no requirement to register long guns. However, all handgun transfers must be recorded by the state police. Additionally, automatic weapons must be registered with the state police.
Owner License Requirement
There is no requirement for a gun owner license in Maryland, whether for long guns or handguns.
Concealed Carry Permit
Concealed carry of long guns is not applicable in Maryland. However, for handguns, a permit is required. Maryland is a de jure "may issue" state for concealed carry. However, following the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, Maryland has become a de facto "shall issue" state. [source]
Open Carry Permit
Open carry of long guns does not require a permit in Maryland. For handguns, a carry license is required for open carry. Open carry is generally practiced by uniformed private security officers, and long guns and antique handguns may be carried openly without a license.
State Preemption of Local Restrictions
Maryland has state preemption for most, but not all, firearm laws. This means that the state laws override local laws in most cases related to firearms.
Assault Weapon Law
Maryland has specific laws for assault weapons for both long guns and handguns. Certain models of firearms are banned as assault pistols and assault long guns. It is illegal to possess an assault weapon or a copycat weapon with two or more specified features unless owned before October 1, 2013, or received through inheritance from a lawful possessor and not otherwise forbidden to possess. [source]
Magazine Capacity Restriction
In Maryland, it is illegal to purchase, sell or manufacture magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds. However, possession of magazines greater than 10 rounds is legal if purchased out of state. These may not, however, be transferred to a subsequent owner unless done so outside the state of Maryland.
NFA Weapons Restrictions
Automatic firearms, SBSs, and SBRs must be owned in compliance with federal law. The law is silent in regards to DDs, suppressors, and AOWs.
Background Checks for Private Sales
All private transfers of regulated firearms (handguns or assault weapons) must be processed through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency which must conduct a background check on the buyer.
Red Flag Law
Maryland has a Red Flag Law in place for both long guns and handguns. This law allows family members or law enforcement to petition a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may present a danger to others or themselves.
Understanding the gun laws in your state is crucial for responsible gun ownership. Always make sure to stay updated with the latest laws and regulations.
