Firearm Laws in Maryland

Maryland requires a permit to carry a concealed handgun under MD Code, Public Safety § 5-301. It's 'may-issue,' so the state police can deny it even if you meet the rules. You need to be 21, take a 16-hour training course, pass a background check, and show a 'good and substantial reason' like a threat. You can't carry in schools or government buildings (MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-203). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 3 years) or felony (up to 5 years).

Costs: Permit fee is $75 for 2 years. Training is $200-$400. Fingerprints are $50-$75. Total: $325-$550.

Processing Time: Takes 90 days, sometimes longer.

Renewal: Permit lasts 2 years. Renewal is $50 plus 8-hour course ($100-$200). Total: $150-$250.

Reciprocity: Maryland doesn't accept other states' permits. Few states accept Maryland's permit.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Maryland bans open carry of handguns in public under MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-203. You need a permit, and it's rarely given for open carry. Long guns can be carried unloaded in some cases (MD Code, Public Safety § 5-205). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 3 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Maryland bans assault weapons like AR-15s under MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-301. Large-capacity magazines over 10 rounds are illegal (MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-305). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are banned unless you follow federal rules (MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-405). Ghost guns must be serialized (MD Code, Public Safety § 5-703). Breaking this is a felony (up to 5 years).

Costs: Serialization is $20-$50 per gun.

Processing Time: Serialization takes 30-60 days.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Maryland follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a container separate from ammunition. (MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-203(b)(2)). Transport is allowed only for specific purposes (e.g., to/from a range, hunting, repair), and deviations can void FOPA protection. Violations can lead to a misdemeanor (up to 3 years) or felony (up to 5 years) if intent to commit a crime is proven.

Sources: [1] [2]

Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License to buy handguns under MD Code, Public Safety § 5-117.1. You must be 21, take a 4-hour training course, and pass a background check. Rifles and shotguns need a background check (MD Code, Public Safety § 5-205). There's a 7-day wait for handguns. Assault weapons are banned. Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 3 years).

Costs: License fee is $50. Training is $75-$150. Fingerprints are $50-$75. Total: $175-$275.

Processing Time: Takes 30 days.

Sources: [1] [2]

Maryland requires handgun registration with a purchase license (MD Code, Public Safety § 5-117.1). Assault weapons had to be registered by 2013 (MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-303). Ghost guns need serialization (MD Code, Public Safety § 5-703). You must report lost or stolen guns within 72 hours (MD Code, Public Safety § 5-146). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 3 years).

Costs: Registration is $50 per gun.

Processing Time: Takes 30 days.

Sources: [1] [2]

Maryland says guns must be locked if kids under 16 can get them (MD Code, Criminal Law § 4-104). You must report lost or stolen guns within 72 hours (MD Code, Public Safety § 5-146). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 5 years) if harm happens.

Sources: [1] [2]

Maryland has a limited Castle Doctrine with no statutory Stand Your Ground provision (MD Code, Criminal Law § 2-202). Deadly force is allowed in your home only if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm, but you have a duty to retreat if safely possible, except when inside your dwelling against a cohabitant intruder (MD Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-808). Excessive force can lead to manslaughter (up to 10 years) or murder charges (up to life).

Sources: [1]