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 the Maryland State Police Licensing Division. Since Bruen (2022) Maryland is a shall-issue state — the old "good and substantial reason" requirement is gone, and the MSP cannot deny a permit simply because you lack a stated need. What remains is a demanding process rather than a discretionary one: a 16-hour training course including live fire, fingerprinting, and a processing time commonly around 90 days. Guides that still describe Maryland as requiring a showing of need are describing pre-2022 law.
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 open to the public — status changed June 2026. This state was identified as having a default rule materially similar to Hawaii's, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down 6–3 in Wolford v. Lopez (June 25, 2026). A blanket requirement of the owner's express permission before a licensee may carry onto public-facing private property is unconstitutional under that decision. How this state's specific provision is being enforced post-Wolford has not been independently verified here — confirm before relying on it either way.
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.
Maryland honors no permit from any other state
Most restrictive states maintain a short reciprocity list. Maryland does not have a short list — it has no list at all. The Maryland State Police have stated plainly that Maryland law does not recognize out-of-state handgun carry permits and does not authorize the State to enter into reciprocity agreements in the first place.
The practical consequence is severe, and it catches interstate travellers constantly. A Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia or Florida permit is worth nothing the moment you cross into Maryland. Maryland's prohibition explicitly reaches handguns in vehicles on public roads and in parking lots, so this is not a problem you avoid by leaving the firearm in the car.
If you need to move a firearm through Maryland, that is transport, not carry: unloaded, in an enclosed case, separate from ammunition, travelling directly between lawful locations. Federal FOPA protections for interstate transport apply, but they cover a narrowly defined journey and are not a substitute for a permit.
The only lawful route for a visitor who wants to actually carry is a Maryland non-resident Wear and Carry Permit, obtained through the same process residents use.
The Gun Safety Act of 2023 and the ongoing litigation
Maryland became shall-issue after Bruen in 2022, and the legislature responded the following year with Senate Bill 1, the Gun Safety Act of 2023, effective October 1, 2023, which dramatically expanded where carry is prohibited even with a valid permit.
Parts of SB 1 were challenged immediately, and the enforcement picture has shifted more than once — which is why any Maryland guide written before 2026 should be treated with suspicion on this point specifically.
The 1,000-foot demonstration rule deserves particular attention because it is not a fixed location you can look up in advance. A lawful demonstration can form around you, and the prohibited zone moves with it.
Frequently asked questions — Maryland
Is it difficult to get a carry permit in Maryland?
Maryland is shall-issue post-Bruen, so qualifying applicants must be granted a permit — but the process is genuinely demanding. Budget for a 16-hour training course with live fire, fingerprinting, application fees, and roughly 90 days of processing. The difficulty is in cost and time rather than in discretion; the state can no longer deny you for lacking a reason to carry.
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?
No — Maryland recognizes no out-of-state permit from any state. This is not a short or restrictive reciprocity list; there is no list. The Maryland State Police have stated that Maryland law neither recognizes out-of-state handgun carry permits nor authorizes the State to enter into reciprocity agreements at all. If you drive into Maryland with a loaded handgun on a permit from anywhere else, you are committing a serious crime. Maryland does issue non-resident Wear and Carry Permits, and that is the only lawful route for a visitor.
Can I open carry in Maryland with a Wear and Carry Permit?
No. The permit authorizes concealed carry only. Maryland's prohibition on wearing, carrying or transporting a handgun without a permit applies to open and concealed carry alike, and holding the permit does not unlock open carry. Allowing your firearm to become visible can create legal exposure depending on circumstances.
How do I transport a handgun in Maryland without a permit?
Unloaded, in an enclosed case or holster, separate from ammunition, and travelling directly between lawful locations — for example home to a range, or to a gun shop, or moving residence. Without a Wear and Carry Permit it is unlawful to have a loaded handgun in a vehicle, including in the passenger compartment or a parking lot.