Overview of Maryland Gun Laws

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Gun laws can change frequently, and this is not an authoritative collection of gun laws for the state of Maryland. For the most up-to-date information and to begin the process of applying for your Handgun Wear and Carry Permit, visit the Maryland State Police website at http://mdsp.maryland.gov.

Good and Substantial

The most important thing to understand about the state of Maryland is that they are a May Issue state. This means that they require you to provide a “good and substantial reason” you need to carry a gun. Most people would say that they want to carry a firearm for personal protection. In order to use this reason, you need to show verifiable proof that a specific threat exists, not a general threat such as “living in a bad neighborhood”.

Here is a full list of requirements to obtain a Maryland Handgun Wear and Carry Permit:

• Applicant must be 21 years old (18 for purposes of employment)

• A good and substantial reason for needing a permit

• Complete a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course that includes live-fire

• For each renewal, an additional 8-hour training course is required

• Permits are issued to residents and non-residents

Some examples of “good and substantial reasons” to apply for an HWCP include:

• The applicant is a business owner - this requires proof of at least six bank deposits in the business’s name

• The applicant is an employee of a business - this requires a letter from the employer authorizing the employee to have a concealed weapon

• Corrections Officers - must show proof of employment

• Former Maryland law enforcement officers - must show proof of employment

• Former Federal law enforcement officers - must have served in Maryland

• Private Detective/Security Guard/Private Security

• Personal Protection - must be able to prove a specific threat

Reciprocity

The state of Maryland does not recognize any other states’ concealed carry permits. However, several states recognize Maryland HWCPs. They are:

• Alabama

• Alaska

• Arizona

• Iowa

• Idaho

• Indiana

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Maine

• Michigan

• Mississippi

• Missouri

• Montana

• New Hampshire

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Puerto Rico

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Utah

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Wisconsin

Other Gun Laws

Although not specifically written in the law, Maryland follows common law principles which make it a Castle Doctrine state. This means that you are able to defend your home and everyone in it with deadly force. Additionally, Maryland Code says that a person is not liable for the personal injury or death of someone who enters their home or place of business if:

• They reasonably believe that deadly force was necessary to repel an attack and;

• The amount of force used was reasonable for the situation

Maryland also has a duty to retreat, which means that outside of your home or business, an individual is required to attempt to retreat before using deadly force to defend themselves, if possible.