🔫 Maryland Gun Laws Explained: What Every Marylander Must Know in 2025
Maryland enforces some of the strictest firearm laws in the country. Whether you’re considering buying a firearm, applying for a carry permit, or transporting a long gun, you need to follow state laws closely. This guide breaks it all down—especially in light of the 2022 Bruen Supreme Court decision, the 2023 ban on open carry, and ongoing questions about magazine capacity laws.
🛒 How to Legally Buy Firearms in Maryland
🔹 Handguns
To purchase a handgun in Maryland, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL):
Complete certified training, get fingerprinted, and pass a background check. Maryland State Police will issue your HQL once you qualify. - Wait 7 Days:
Maryland imposes a mandatory 7-day waiting period after you buy the handgun. - Be 21 or Older:
You must be at least 21 to buy a handgun. - Go Through a Dealer for All Sales:
Even private handgun sales must go through a licensed dealer who runs the background check and submits paperwork.
🔹 Long Guns (Rifles & Shotguns)
Maryland makes long gun purchases a bit easier, but still enforces important restrictions:
- No HQL Needed:
You don’t need a Handgun Qualification License to buy rifles or shotguns. - Background Check Required:
All firearm sales, including private ones, require a background check. - Be at Least 18:
You must be 18 or older to buy a rifle or shotgun. - All Sales Go Through Dealers:
Private sales of long guns must also go through licensed dealers.
🔐 Carrying Firearms in Maryland: Major Legal Changes (2022–2023)
🔹 The Bruen Decision Eliminated “Good and Substantial Reason”
Before 2022, Maryland required a “good and substantial reason” to issue a carry permit. That changed when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen that this requirement violated the Second Amendment.
Now, Maryland must issue a Wear and Carry Permit to qualified applicants—no reason required.
🔹 How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Maryland
To obtain your Wear and Carry Permit:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete 16 hours of training (8 hours for renewals), including classroom and live-fire components
- Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
- Apply online via the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal
If you meet the legal criteria, Maryland must approve your application.
❌ Open Carry is Now Illegal in Maryland
As of 2023, Maryland banned the open carry of handguns—even for permit holders.
- Open Carry is Prohibited:
You must carry your handgun concealed at all times in public. - Sensitive Places Are Off Limits:
Maryland prohibits carrying firearms in areas such as:- Schools and childcare facilities
- Government buildings
- Healthcare centers
- Public transportation
- Stadiums, polling places, and public demonstrations
Violating these carry laws, even with a permit, can lead to arrest and criminal charges.
🧰 Long Gun Laws & Magazine Restrictions: What You Can and Cannot Do
Maryland doesn’t regulate long guns as tightly as handguns—but you still face some significant restrictions:
- No Registration Required:
You don’t need to register most rifles or shotguns unless they fall under Maryland’s assault weapons ban. - Assault Weapons Ban:
Maryland bans certain semi-automatic rifles, including some AR-15 and AK-variant models. Check the official banned list before you buy or transport a firearm. - Transport Properly:
Always transport long guns unloaded, secured in a case, and with ammunition stored separately.
🔹 Magazine Capacity Law: Know the Loophole
Maryland prohibits the sale, transfer, or manufacture of detachable magazines that hold more than 10 rounds within the state. However:
- It’s Legal to Possess High-Capacity Magazines
Maryland law does not prohibit possession of magazines over 10 rounds. - You Can Legally Buy Them Out of State
If you purchase high-capacity magazines legally outside Maryland and bring them into the state, you can legally own and use them (except in places where carry is restricted, like schools or government buildings).
This legal nuance allows residents to own standard-capacity magazines—as long as they don’t buy or transfer them within Maryland.
✅ Key Takeaways for Maryland Gun Owners in 2025
- ✅ You need an HQL to buy handguns but not long guns.
- ✅ You must pass a background check for all firearm purchases—even private sales.
- ✅ The Bruen decision ended the “good reason” requirement for carry permits.
- ❌ Open carry is illegal, even for permit holders.
- ✅ Concealed carry is legal with a Wear and Carry Permit.
- ❌ You may not carry in “sensitive places” (schools, transit, polling places, etc.).
- ❌ You can’t buy or transfer high-capacity magazines in Maryland…
- ✅ …but you can legally own them if you bought them out of state.
📝 Final Thoughts
Maryland gun laws remain some of the strictest in the nation—but recent court rulings and legal changes have opened up carry rights while tightening public safety zones and enforcement.
Stay educated. Stay compliant. And if you’re ever in doubt, consult the Maryland State Police Licensing Division or a qualified firearms attorney to ensure you’re following the law.
Legal Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Gun laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional regarding your specific situation and to verify the accuracy of any legal information provided. The author and publisher of this content are not responsible for any legal consequences that may arise from the use or reliance on the information contained in this post. Always ensure that you are in full compliance with current laws and regulations.
