Maryland - MD Gun Laws

Buying a handgun in Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) — a state-approved 4-hour firearms safety course plus a fingerprint-based background check through Maryland State Police — in addition to the standard federal NICS check at the point of sale. Rifles and shotguns don't require an HQL, just the standard federal background check. Federal age minimums apply: 18 for a long gun, 21 for a handgun.

Maryland requires background checks on handgun sales regardless of whether the seller is a dealer or private party — an HQL-holding buyer and a regulated transfer process are both part of the framework, and Maryland does not appear to offer a broad family exemption comparable to several other states in this build-out. Rifle and shotgun private sales are not subject to the same handgun-specific requirements.

Maryland 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. Maryland also has a red-flag law allowing certain petitioners to seek a court order temporarily removing firearms from someone found to pose a risk.

Requires the same Wear and Carry Permit as concealed carry — Maryland does not have a separate permitless allowance for openly carrying a handgun.

Requires a Wear and Carry Permit. Following Bruen-driven litigation that struck down Maryland's old discretionary "good and substantial reason" standard, the state now issues these permits on a shall-issue basis to qualified applicants. Maryland has not adopted permitless carry.

A valid Wear and Carry Permit is required to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in most circumstances. The same sensitive-location restrictions that apply elsewhere also apply to vehicle carry (see Restricted Locations).

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

Maryland 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). 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.

Maryland caps magazines at 10 rounds and bans a defined list of "assault-style" firearms (features-based test: detachable magazines combined with things like pistol grips or flash hiders), both dating to 2013 laws. Firearms and magazines acquired before October 1, 2013 are grandfathered. Both restrictions remain in effect despite ongoing federal litigation (Bianchi v. Brown) challenging the assault weapons ban — a genuine watch item for future review cycles.

Maryland imposes a general duty to retreat before using deadly force outside the home, if retreat can be done safely. Maryland's castle doctrine narrows that duty inside the home, allowing force, including deadly force, against an intruder without first attempting to flee.

Maryland has state preemption — local municipalities cannot enact firearm ordinances stricter than state law, keeping most purchase, possession, and carry rules uniform statewide.

Maryland State Police, Licensing Division (HQL and Wear and Carry Permit): mdsp.maryland.gov
Maryland Public Safety Article, Title 5 (full text): mgaleg.maryland.gov
Maryland State Police Licensing Division: for HQL and Wear and Carry Permit applications
ATF: for federal NFA questions — Maryland does not add state-level restrictions on suppressors beyond federal requirements