If you live in Maryland or plan to travel through the state with a firearm, you need to fully understand what the law says about your right to carry. Maryland is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and if you don't take the time to educate yourself, you could quickly find yourself facing legal trouble—even if you had no ill intent.
This guide will walk you through the key points about Maryland’s carry laws, what you need to qualify, and how you can stay compliant at every step. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to legally carry while protecting yourself and respecting the law.
Understanding Maryland’s Concealed Carry Permit Requirements
In Maryland, you cannot legally carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a Wear and Carry Permit. Unlike some "shall-issue" states where permits are given if basic criteria are met, Maryland is a "may-issue" state. That means even if you meet all the listed requirements, the state still reserves the right to deny your application.
To apply for a Wear and Carry Permit, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Demonstrate a good and substantial reason to carry (such as business ownership, self-defense threats, or employment requirements)
- Complete a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course
- Pass a background check with no disqualifying criminal convictions
While Maryland has been pressured to loosen its requirements in recent years following national court decisions, the process remains detailed and strict. You can learn more here about the full list of qualifications and how recent changes in the law could affect your application process.
Open Carry in Maryland: What You Should Know
Technically, Maryland does allow open carry of handguns—but again, only if you have a valid Wear and Carry Permit. Without this permit, openly carrying a handgun is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Even with a permit, open carry is rare and not particularly welcomed in many public spaces. Business owners retain the right to prohibit firearms on their premises, and openly carrying a handgun could cause unnecessary alarm among the public, leading to police intervention.
If you choose to open carry in Maryland, you must keep your permit on your person at all times and be ready to present it to law enforcement if asked. You must also remain aware of "gun-free zones" such as schools, government buildings, and certain public event spaces where firearms are strictly prohibited, even for permit holders.
If you're thinking about open carry, take a few minutes to look at this web-site for a detailed map of Maryland’s restricted carry zones.
Transporting Firearms Through Maryland
If you plan to travel with a firearm through Maryland—especially if you’re passing between less restrictive states—you need to be extra cautious. Maryland has very specific laws on how firearms must be transported:
- Firearms must be unloaded
- They must be stored in a locked case
- Ammunition must be stored separately
- Transport should be direct and without unnecessary stops (e.g., from home to the shooting range)
Even if you're just driving through Maryland on your way to another destination, failure to comply with these transport rules can lead to criminal charges. Maryland does not recognize concealed carry permits from other states, so out-of-state visitors must abide by the same strict transport requirements.
Maryland’s Red Flag Law
Maryland was one of the first states to implement a Red Flag Law, officially called the Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO). This law allows family members, co-workers, or law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone they believe poses an immediate risk to themselves or others.
If someone files an ERPO against you, the court can:
- Order the temporary seizure of your firearms
- Prohibit you from purchasing or possessing new firearms during the order period
- Require you to attend a hearing to determine whether your rights should be restricted longer
It's important to know that an ERPO is a civil action, not a criminal one. However, violating an ERPO is a criminal offense. If you ever find yourself facing a red flag petition, you should immediately consult a qualified attorney to protect your rights.
Where You Cannot Carry in Maryland
Even with a Wear and Carry Permit, you are restricted from carrying firearms in certain places. These prohibited locations include:
- Public schools and school buses
- Government buildings (including courthouses and police stations)
- Private property where firearms are prohibited by the owner
- Commercial aircraft and airports
- Public demonstrations or within 1,000 feet of a demonstration
- State parks and forests (unless you have special authorization)
Understanding and respecting these restricted areas is crucial. Accidentally carrying your firearm into a prohibited location—even with the best intentions—could lead to arrest, fines, and revocation of your permit.
Training Requirements: More Than Just a Formality
Training in Maryland is no joke. If you’re serious about obtaining your Wear and Carry Permit, you’ll need to invest in 16 hours of comprehensive training from a state-certified instructor. Topics typically include:
- Maryland firearm laws
- Situational awareness
- Safe gun handling
- Live-fire qualification on a certified shooting range
Additionally, Maryland requires ongoing training to renew your permit. You must complete at least 8 hours of refresher training before your permit expires to qualify for renewal. The state is strict about this—missing the deadline could mean starting the application process from scratch.
Reciprocity: Maryland and Other States
Unfortunately, Maryland does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state. This lack of reciprocity means that even if you have a valid permit from Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Florida, you still cannot legally carry in Maryland without a Maryland-issued permit.
Conversely, some states may recognize a Maryland permit, but you must research individual state laws before traveling. Never assume your Maryland permit grants you nationwide carrying rights.
Your Next Steps for Legal Carry in Maryland
If you want to legally carry a firearm in Maryland, here’s a step-by-step action plan:
- Determine your "good and substantial reason" for needing a permit.
- Enroll in a Maryland-approved firearms training program.
- Complete the required 16-hour classroom and range training.
- Apply for a Wear and Carry Permit through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division.
- Keep your permit current by completing mandatory training before renewal.
Always stay informed about changes to state and federal gun laws that could impact your rights. Maryland’s political landscape is dynamic, and legislative updates can shift requirements quickly.
Final Thoughts
Maryland’s gun laws are among the strictest in the country, but they are navigable if you take the time to understand them. Whether you're considering concealed carry for personal protection or business purposes, education and compliance are your best tools. Focus on responsible ownership, complete the necessary training, and always remain aware of your surroundings and legal responsibilities.
Choosing to carry a firearm is a significant responsibility. Make sure you do it right—legally, safely, and with full respect for the laws of the state you call home or plan to visit.
Original Source: https://www.zupyak.com/p/4555689/t/what-marylands-gun-laws-say-about-your-right-to-carry
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