State · MD
Maryland gun laws
Here's a plain-language look at Maryland's own firearm laws, topic by topic. Federal law applies here too, so it's worth reading the federal page alongside this one. City and county rules aren't covered, and some places have stricter ones.
At a glance: Permit needed to carry concealed · magazine limit (10 rounds) · “assault weapon” ban
Recently changed or in flux
- Recently changedStarting Jan. 1, 2027, SB 334 (2026 Md. Laws Ch. 771) bans making, selling, buying, receiving or transferring a 'machine gun convertible pistol': a semiautomatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar (as in Glock-style striker-fired pistols) that can be readily converted into a machine gun with a backplate converter. Hammer-fired pistols and striker-fired pistols without a cruciform trigger bar aren't covered, transfers between immediate family members are allowed, and Maryland State Police must publish a list of covered pistols. Pistols you already own aren't banned from possession by this law.
- In courtSB 334 is being challenged in Bathras v. Moore (D. Md.). On Oct. 5, 2026 the judge refused to block the law while the case goes on, so the Jan. 1, 2027 start date still stands.
Permit to purchase#
- Handguns
- Yes. Handgun buyers need a Handgun Qualification License (HQL), which involves training and fingerprints.
- Long guns
- No permit for most long guns; 'regulated' long guns follow the regulated-firearm application process.
Registration#
- In practice, yes: Maryland State Police keeps records of regulated-firearm (handgun) transfers.
Carrying a handgun#
- Permitless carry
- No.
- Concealed carry permit
- Shall-issue after Bruen (the MSP Wear and Carry Permit), with training and sensitive-place restrictions.
- Open carry
- Only with a permit.
- Reciprocity
- Doesn't honor other states' carry permits; visitors need a nonresident permit, where one is available.
“Assault weapon” rules#
- Yes (the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review it in Snope v. Brown, 2025).
Magazine limits#
- 10 rounds. Selling, making or importing larger magazines is banned, but possessing magazines you already own isn't.
Waiting period#
- 7 days for regulated firearms (handguns and regulated long guns).
Background checks and private sales#
- Yes. Handgun sales go through the regulated-firearm process, and rifle and shotgun sales go through a licensed dealer (since 2021).
Red flag (ERPO) law#
- Yes.
Suppressors, SBRs and SBSs#
- Suppressors
- Legal to own under state law if federal requirements are met (see the national NFA note).
- Short-barreled rifles and shotguns
- Legal under state law if federal requirements are met (see the national NFA note).
About the October 2026 federal NFA change
On October 9, 2026, ATF said it will stop enforcing the NFA's approval and registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and AOWs. Where Maryland allows these items only if federal requirements are met, it isn't settled how state law treats an item that is no longer federally registered. Check with state authorities before relying on ATF's change.
Ammunition#
- No state background check, license or permit for buying ammunition was identified.
Minimum ages#
- Handgun purchase
- 21
- Long gun purchase
- 18
Shipping and buying online#
- Magazines over 10 rounds and banned 'assault weapons' can't be sold to MD buyers. Handgun buyers need an HQL, and Maryland's handgun roster applies to new handguns.
Buying a firearm online means it ships to a licensed dealer, who completes the transfer. Find one near you in the Dealer Finder. Retailers make the final call on what they'll ship, so always check their policy too.
Pending legislation and litigation#
Bills, ballot measures, rules and court cases that could change the rules in Maryland. We check this list every week; last scan . See everything we're tracking.
Open (1)
Bathras v. Moore (challenge to SB 334)
No. 1:26-cv-02074 · U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
Status:
Gun owners and groups sued to stop Maryland's 'machine gun convertible pistol' sales ban before it starts on Jan. 1, 2027. The judge refused to block the law for now, so it's still set to take effect. The lawsuit itself continues.
What it would change: If the challengers eventually win, or an appeals court steps in, the Jan. 1, 2027 sales ban could be blocked.
Next key date: Sales ban scheduled to begin,
Status history (1)
- :
Sources:Memorandum opinion denying preliminary injunction (D. Md., Oct. 5, 2026), via CourtListener ↗
Added · Last checked
Recently resolved (1)
SB 334: 'Machine gun convertible pistols' sales ban
2026 Md. Laws Ch. 771 · Maryland General Assembly
Status:
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, this law bans making, selling, buying, receiving or transferring a 'machine gun convertible pistol'. The law defines that as a semiautomatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar (the cross-shaped part used in Glock-style striker-fired pistols) that can be readily converted into a machine gun by swapping in a converter for the slide's backplate. Hammer-fired pistols and striker-fired pistols without a cruciform trigger bar aren't covered. Transfers between immediate family members are allowed, and Maryland State Police must publish a list of covered pistols.
What it changed: Many Glock-pattern pistols can't be sold or bought in Maryland from Jan. 1, 2027. Pistols you already own aren't banned from possession by this law.
Outcome: Enacted as Chapter 771 (approved May 26, 2026); the sales and transfer ban applies from Jan. 1, 2027.
Next key date: Sales and transfer ban begins,
Status history (2)
- :
- :
Sources:2026 Md. Laws Ch. 771 (SB 334) ↗Maryland General Assembly - SB 334 (2026) bill page ↗
Added · Last checked
Sources and official links#
- Maryland State Police - Firearms, Permits & Professional Licenses · Officialhttps://mdsp.maryland.gov/firearms-permits-professional-licenses
- Md. Public Safety Code 5-101 · Officialhttps://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gps§ion=5-101&enactments=false
- 2026 Md. Laws Ch. 771 (SB 334, machine gun convertible pistols) · Officialhttps://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/chapters_noln/Ch_771_sb0334T.pdf
- Bathras v. Moore, memorandum opinion denying preliminary injunction (D. Md., Oct. 5, 2026), via CourtListener · Court recordhttps://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mdd.606289/gov.uscourts.mdd.606289.42.0.pdf
- Maryland State Police - Handgun Qualification License · Officialhttps://mdsp.maryland.gov/firearms-permits-professional-licenses/handgun-qualification-license
- Maryland State Police - Wear & Carry Permit · Officialhttps://mdsp.maryland.gov/firearms-permits-professional-licenses/wear-carry-permit
Maryland entry last reviewed . Official state sites can move or change; if a link stops working, search the agency's site for the same title.
Notes that apply everywhere
Federal NFA change (suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs)
Congress set the federal NFA making and transfer tax to $0 for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) and 'any other weapons' effective January 1, 2026 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act, 2025). After a federal district court ruling (Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, N.D. Tex., Aug. 5, 2026), ATF published an open letter from Director Robert Cekada, a press release, a fact sheet and an FAQ saying that as of October 9, 2026 it will not enforce the NFA's approval, registration, tax-stamp and related requirements for those four items, for everyone. Machine guns and destructive devices remain fully regulated. The Gun Control Act still applies, including dealer background checks, the prohibited-person rules, and an approved Form 20 to take an SBR or SBS across state lines, and dealers still may not sell in violation of state or local law. ATF says this does not override state or local law. A state that bans these items still bans them. Many state laws make these items legal only if they are 'registered' or 'lawful under federal law', and how those state laws apply to unregistered items is currently unclear. ATF also warns that enforcement could resume if the law, the ruling or DOJ policy changes. Keep this note in mind whenever you read a state's suppressor, SBR or SBS entry.
U.S. Supreme Court 'assault weapon' cases
The Supreme Court granted review (June 30, 2026) in Viramontes v. Cook County (No. 25-238, a Cook County, IL ordinance) and Grant v. Higgins (No. 25-566, Connecticut). The question is whether the Second Amendment protects possession of AR-15-platform rifles. The cases are scheduled for oral argument on December 2, 2026 (not yet argued as of October 15, 2026), and a decision is expected by mid-2027. Magazine-limit petitions (for example Duncan v. Bonta from CA and NAGR v. Lamont from CT) and New Jersey's petition (No. 26-452) were pending as of mid-October 2026. Every state 'assault weapon' and magazine entry could change as a result.
supremecourt.gov ↗supremecourt.gov ↗supremecourt.gov ↗supremecourt.gov ↗supremecourt.gov ↗
Wolford v. Lopez (U.S. Supreme Court, June 25, 2026)
The Court struck down Hawaii's rule that licensed carriers may not carry on private property open to the public without the owner's express permission. Similar 'default no-carry on private property' rules in some other states (for example CA, NY, NJ and MD) may be affected. This guide hasn't verified how each state has responded.
Federal minimum ages
Under federal law, licensed dealers may sell handguns only to buyers 21 and older, and long guns only to buyers 18 and older. Federal courts have split on whether the 18-20 handgun-sale restriction is constitutional, and this guide doesn't try to resolve that litigation. State rules on how old minors must be to possess guns aren't fully covered here.
Local ordinances
Many cities and counties (for example Chicago and Cook County, IL; Denver and Boulder, CO; Philadelphia, PA; and New York City) have rules stricter than state law. This guide covers state-level law only.
All states, DC and territories · Federal law
Disclaimer
The firearm law information in Firearms Almanac's Laws & Regulations guide (federal, state and territory) is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Firearm laws change frequently, differ by city and county, and are often affected by court decisions that can take effect with little notice. We try to keep this guide accurate and cite official sources, but we make no guarantee that any entry is complete, current, or correct, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on it. Before buying, selling, carrying, transporting, or shipping any firearm, ammunition, magazine, or accessory, check the current law with the official federal, state or territory source linked on each page and, where appropriate, a qualified attorney. Retailers listed on this site set their own shipping and sales policies and are responsible for complying with the law. Each entry shows the date it was last checked. See also our site Disclaimer.