Do I need a permit to carry in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.

Does Maryland honor out-of-state permits?

No. Maryland does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.

Where can I check Maryland's official rules?

Check Maryland State Police, Licensing Division. The controlling law is Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-303.

Carry laws · 2026

Maryland concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Permit with added requirements
Minimum age: 21
Non-resident permit valid here?: No
Statute: Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-303

Carrying in Maryland

Maryland does issue carry permits to adults 21 and older, but the process asks more of you.

Expect in-person training and review by a state or local agency.

Requires a 16-hour approved training course with live-fire component. Application is submitted to the Maryland State Police.

Source: Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-303. Maryland State Police, Licensing Division. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Maryland?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

No. Maryland does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if Maryland honors some other permits.

Getting Maryland's own permit

Maryland requires in-person training and processing by a state or local agency. Online-only training does not satisfy Maryland's rules.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Maryland?: Yes. Maryland requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
Does Maryland honor out-of-state permits?: No. Maryland does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.
Where can I check Maryland's official rules?: Check Maryland State Police, Licensing Division. The controlling law is Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-303.

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Sources and verification

MD: Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-303. Maryland State Police, Licensing Division.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.