By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Jeff Burtka, Esq. | Last reviewed June 04, 2021
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Each state has different gun laws, and they can overlap with federal law. Trying to get a handle on gun regulations can be a bit tricky. Penalties for breaking Maryland firearms-related laws can be severe, resulting in hefty fines and long potential prison sentences in the most severe cases. Before you find yourself in trouble, it is wise to learn the state and federal regulations that control the purchase, possession, and use of firearms.
The main provisions of Maryland's gun control laws are listed in the table below.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Title 4, Sections 4-101 through 4-407
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following weapons are prohibited, with limited exceptions in Maryland:
|
Waiting Period |
Maryland has a 7-day waiting period between the purchase of a firearm and delivery to the purchaser for sales of regulated firearms (handguns and assault weapons). Maryland does not have a waiting period for sales of rifles or shotguns. |
Who May Not Own |
A person cannot possess a firearm if the person:
|
License Required? |
A license is required to purchase a handgun in Maryland. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
With a few exceptions, a person cannot carry a handgun without a handgun permit in Maryland. |
Open Carried Allowed? |
Maryland allows the open carry of a handgun by a person with a handgun permit. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
To be eligible for a handgun permit, a person must:
|
Machine Gun Laws |
With limited exceptions, machine guns are prohibited in Maryland. If a specific machine gun is permissible, the owner must register it with the Secretary of State Police within 24 hours of acquiring it and annually in May. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
Maryland gun laws are strict and violating the law can carry serious penalties.
|
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
Carrying or possessing a firearm on public school property is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000. If the firearm is a handgun, the punishment is 90 days to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of $250 to $2,500. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
While Maryland and other states have their own gun laws, federal law also regulates gun ownership by determining the kinds of firearms citizens may legally own. And where federal and state laws intersect, federal law always trumps state law. While the Second Amendment guarantees the ability to own certain firearms, the government can put some restrictions on the right to bear arms. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act both apply to Maryland gun owners, so it's important to be familiar with both statutes.
In addition to the foregoing regulations, there are prohibitions and limitations on the carry, concealment, and discharge of firearms that should be carefully considered.
It is important to comply with state and federal laws regulating guns. If you'd like to find out more about your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner in Maryland, or you've been charged with a gun-related crime, you should speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney in your area today.
Was this helpful?
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Maryland attorneys offer free consultations.