Maine - ME Gun Laws

No state permit or license is required to buy a rifle, shotgun, or handgun in Maine. Dealer purchases run through the standard federal NICS background check (Form 4473), with federal age minimums of 18 for a long gun and 21 for a handgun. As of April 24, 2026, a 72-hour waiting period applies to firearm purchases from a dealer, a real, currently-active restriction, though it doesn't require any additional permit or license.

That waiting period was challenged in federal court. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in April 2026 that it's likely constitutional, and the Second Amendment Foundation and NRA asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review that ruling in Beckwith v. Frey. On October 19, 2026, the Supreme Court denied review without comment, leaving the 1st Circuit's ruling in place. The 72-hour wait remains in effect and is now settled at the appellate level, with no further appeal pending.

There is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required to buy a handgun from a private individual in Maine. Federal law still applies — a private seller may not knowingly transfer to someone they believe is a prohibited possessor.

Maine follows the standard federal prohibited-persons categories: felony conviction, certain domestic violence convictions or active protective orders, unlawful drug users, individuals adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution, fugitives from justice, dishonorable military discharge, undocumented immigration status, and renunciation of U.S. citizenship. Maine has a "yellow flag" law (distinct from a standard red-flag law) allowing law enforcement, with a medical practitioner's evaluation, to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone in a mental health crisis.

Legal without a permit for anyone 21 or older who can otherwise legally possess a firearm.

Permitless since 2015 for anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm — no permit, background check at the point of carry, or training requirement. Maine still issues an optional concealed carry permit, mainly useful for reciprocity when traveling to states that don't recognize Maine's permitless standard.

No permit or license is required to carry a firearm, loaded or unloaded, concealed or openly, in a vehicle in Maine — the state's permitless carry framework covers vehicle transport the same as carrying on foot. The main restrictions are the same sensitive-location rules that apply anywhere else (see Restricted Locations) and the standard prohibition on possession by someone legally disqualified.

Maine's restricted-location list includes K-12 schools and courthouses. Federal restrictions still apply regardless of state law — federal buildings and other federal property remain off-limits under federal statute.

Maine does not set a comprehensive statewide minimum age for possessing a firearm beyond the federal purchase-age framework (18 for long guns, 21 for handguns through a dealer, which also matches Maine's own carry age floor). Supervised possession and use by minors below these ages — for hunting, target shooting, or firearms safety instruction under adult supervision — is common practice and not separately restricted by a dedicated state age-floor statute.

None. Maine has no magazine capacity limit and no assault weapons ban, and full state preemption blocks any city or town from creating one locally.

Maine is not a Stand Your Ground state — state law imposes a duty to retreat before using deadly force outside the home if it can be done safely. Inside the home, Maine's castle doctrine removes that duty to retreat entirely, allowing use of force, including deadly force, without first attempting to flee.

Maine has full state preemption of firearm law — cities and towns cannot enact their own ordinances regulating firearm ownership, possession, transfer, or carry beyond what state law already establishes.

Maine Department of Public Safety, concealed carry permit resources: maine.gov/dps
Maine Revised Statutes, Title 25 (full text): legislature.maine.gov
Your local police department or county Sheriff: for optional concealed carry permit applications
ATF: for federal NFA questions — Maine does not add state-level restrictions on suppressors beyond federal requirements