Maryland has significant carry restrictions, and the legal landscape has shifted substantially since the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. New legislation, court rulings, and injunctions continue to affect what is currently enforceable. This page provides a general overview only — verify the current status of any specific provision with Maryland State Police or a licensed Maryland attorney before relying on it.
Maryland carry status overview
Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit (WCP) to carry a concealed handgun, issued by Maryland State Police. Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit (WCP) issued by Maryland State Police. Post-Bruen, Maryland enacted significant revisions to its permitting process and sensitive-location restrictions through the Gun Safety Act. Training requirements are extensive.
| Concealed carry | Wear and Carry Permit (WCP) required |
| Governing law | Maryland Code, Public Safety Article § 5-306 |
| Issuing authority | Maryland State Police |
| Open carry | Generally prohibited |
| Vehicle carry | Strict requirements — verify current rules |
| Post-Bruen changes | Yes — significant sensitive-location and process changes since 2022 |
Applying for a permit
Apply through Maryland State Police. Be prepared for a more involved process than in most other states — additional documentation, longer processing times, and in some cases an in-person interview may be required. Training requirements are typically more extensive than in shall-issue states.
Application info: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/FirearmsLicensing/WearAndCarry.aspx ↗
Sensitive locations (post-Bruen)
Following the 2022 Bruen decision, Maryland enacted expanded "sensitive location" restrictions that prohibit carry — even with a valid permit — in a substantially wider range of places than before. Categories commonly include:
- Government buildings and courts
- Schools and educational institutions (K–12 and higher ed)
- Healthcare facilities
- Public transit
- Places of worship (unless authorized)
- Bars and establishments serving alcohol
- Public parks and gathering places (varies)
- Polling places
- Private property, unless affirmatively authorized by the owner (varies by state)
These categories are illustrative — the specific list and ongoing litigation status varies. Verify the current, enforceable list directly with Maryland State Police before carrying anywhere in Maryland.
Frequently asked questions — Maryland
Is it difficult to get a carry permit in Maryland?
The process in Maryland is generally more involved than in shall-issue states — expect more documentation, training requirements, and processing time. Apply through Maryland State Police for the current specific requirements.
Has Maryland's carry law changed recently?
Yes, likely. Following the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision, many restrictive states including Maryland enacted new legislation addressing "sensitive locations" and permit processes. This area of law is actively litigated and continues to change. Always verify the current status before relying on any specific provision described here.
Does Maryland honor permits from other states?
Generally, Maryland does not broadly recognize out-of-state carry permits the way many other states do. Verify the specific current reciprocity status — if any — with Maryland State Police or the state attorney general's office before assuming your out-of-state permit is valid here.