Maryland Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Reciprocity (2026)
Quick answer: Maryland (MD) is a restrictive permit state meaning you need a permit (Handgun Wear and Carry Permit) to carry concealed. Maryland honors no other state’s permit so visitors need a Maryland-issued license to carry. Your Maryland permit is honored in 5 states and 29 more are permitless allowing carry in 34 states total.
📌 Reviewed against official sources: August 14, 2026 · By James Nicholas
Where your Maryland permit works (carry out)
With a Maryland-issued resident permit you can legally carry in 34 states: 5 honor the permit itself and 29 are permitless-carry states where eligible visitors need no permit at all.
✅ Permitless — no permit needed (29)
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew HampshireNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontWest VirginiaWyoming
✅ Honor your Maryland permit (5)
Whose permits does Maryland honor? (carry in)
Maryland does not honor any other state’s carry permit. Visitors must qualify for and obtain a Maryland-issued license before carrying.
MSP official FAQ (verbatim): ‘No. Maryland does not recognize permits/CCWs from any other state.’ A Maryland Wear & Carry Permit is required.
Key Maryland carry restrictions
- No duty to inform, but permit must be presented on demand
- 10-round detachable magazine limit (manufacture/sale/transfer)
- Extensive sensitive-places law (eff. Oct 1, 2023): schools, government buildings, health care facilities, stadiums, museums, state parks, alcohol/cannabis establishments (subject to litigation); open carry prohibited
- Vehicle carry of a loaded handgun requires the permit; otherwise strict unloaded/cased transport
Duty to inform police: No but you must present permit on demand.
Maryland permit basics
Handgun Wear and Carry Permit Shall-issue since Bruen (June 2022); Maryland State Police Licensing Division. Minimum age: 21.
Maryland carry FAQ
Can you conceal carry in Maryland without a permit?
No. Maryland requires a permit (Handgun Wear and Carry Permit) to carry a concealed handgun. It is a restrictive permit state.
What states honor a Maryland (MD) carry permit?
A Maryland resident permit is honored in 5 states, and 29 more states have permitless carry where no permit is needed — 34 states total. See the full lists on this page or use our interactive reciprocity map.
Does Maryland recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
No. Maryland does not honor any other state’s carry permit.
Can I carry in Virginia with a Maryland permit?
Yes — Virginia honors your Maryland permit. Follow Virginia law while there.
Is there a duty to inform police in Maryland?
No — present permit on demand.
Official sources
- mdsp.maryland.gov/firearms-permits-professional-licenses/…
- mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigatio…
- usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/md-gun-la…
- handgunlaw.us/states/maryland.pdf
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on August 14, 2026 — including a dedicated primary-source verification pass against state statutes, attorney general and state police pages. Spot an error or a law change? Tell us and we’ll fix it fast.
Related states & resources
Neighboring states: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia.
Tools: Interactive Reciprocity Map · Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide · Concealed Carry by State · 2A Legal Glossary · carry gear reviews at Popular EDC.
Not legal advice. Freedom’s Lodge and Brand Avalanche Media are not attorneys; this page is general educational information, verified against the official sources above as of August 14, 2026 and subject to change at any time. Confirm current law with the official state source and/or a licensed attorney before carrying. See our full legal disclaimer and how we verify this data.