Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Free State below.

Concealed Carry Permitting in Maryland

Open and concealed carry are legal in Maryland only for Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders. In order to obtain a WCHP, applicants must be at least 21 years old. Maryland was one of nine may-issue states, meaning it was up to permit applicants to show “a good and substantial reason” to carry a handgun. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in NYSPRA v. Bruen, Maryland has removed the “good and substantial reason” statute, making the state shall-issue. WCHPs require a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course that includes live-fire training. An additional eight hours of training is required at each WCHP renewal. Permits are issued to residents and non-residents. In terms of reciprocity, Maryland does not honor permits from any other states.

With limited exceptions (such as Ocean City), Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. The minimum age to purchase is 18 years old, and a background check is required to verify that the purchaser has not been convicted of specific crimes. The City of Baltimore limits locations where they can be carried. Individuals may carry pepper spray or mace as a reasonable precaution against possible danger. In order to purchase pepper spray in Baltimore, you must be at least 18 years old and not be a convicted felon.

To purchase, rent or transfer ownership of a handgun in Maryland, you must possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL). Private firearms sellers must process transfers of handguns through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency. Both are required to conduct a background check. Private sellers must also forward completed transaction information to the secretary of state’s office within seven days of a regulated firearm transfer. There is a seven-day waiting period for handguns and assault weapons. Handguns must be registered. Only handguns (manufactured after Jan. 1, 1985) that are included on the handgun roster may be offered for sale in the state. A purchaser must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun.

Maryland does not have ammunition restrictions. However, a person may not offer for sale, purchase, receive or transfer a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a firearm.

Where Can One Concealed Carry in Maryland?

There is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a Maryland WCHP — unless posted, and provided you are not under the influence. Only Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders can carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Maryland. Without a WCHP, handguns can only be transported between residences, to and from a repair shop, to and from a shooting sporting event, or between a residence and a place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person. For interstate transportation, a firearm must be unloaded and in an enclosed case or enclosed holster with neither the firearm nor any ammunition readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment, the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked compartment other than the glove compartment or console.

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:

  • Public schools
  • Child care centers (except for small centers located in residences)
  • State parks
  • State and national forests
  • State Highway rest areas (display and discharge prohibited)
  • Commercial aircraft
  • Lodging establishments where the innkeeper has notified an individual, either orally or in writing, that the establishment refuses to provide further lodging​
  • Dredge boats
  • Community Adult Rehabilitation Centers
  • In or around state-owned public buildings and grounds
  • Any building where the Senate or the House has a chamber
  • Any building or grounds where a member, officer or employee of the General Assembly has an official office or any Joint Hearing Room
  • Demonstration at a public place or in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a demonstration. If prohibited by a local municipality, within 100 yards of or in a park, church, school, public building and other place of public assembly
  • Any place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation

Visit the USCCA Maryland gun laws page now…