Is the AR-15 legal in Maryland?

Maryland has an assault weapon ban (Yes) that names the AR-15 and covers copies of it, so a "featureless" build does not make one legal. Read the statute and its grandfather terms against your own situation before purchasing.

What is the magazine capacity limit in Maryland?

10 rounds. Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.

Does Maryland require a permit to buy a firearm?

Yes (handguns). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Maryland before purchasing a firearm.

Can I conceal carry in Maryland?

Maryland concealed carry status: Shall Issue (de facto). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.

Is open carry legal in Maryland?

Maryland open carry: Yes (with permit). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.

Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Maryland?

NFA item status in Maryland: Allowed (federally compliant). State law can restrict these items whatever ATF enforces federally. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.

Does Maryland require background checks for private sales?

Yes. Background-check requirements in Maryland extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

All States

English

Maryland Gun Laws

strict

Firearm Regulations

Assault Weapon Ban

Yes

Mag Capacity Limit

10 rounds

Permit to Purchase

Yes (handguns)

Firearm Registration

Yes (handguns)

Concealed Carry

Shall Issue (de facto)

Open Carry

Yes (with permit)

Red Flag Law

Yes

Background Check (Private)

Yes

NFA Weapons

Allowed (federally compliant)

State Preemption

Partial

Key Notes

Handgun Qualification License required with training and fingerprints. Assault pistols and assault long guns banned. 10-round mag limit for purchase.

•Yes (handguns) Permit to Purchase — A Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is required to purchase handguns. This involves a firearms safety course, fingerprinting, and a background check.
•Yes (Assault Weapon Ban) — Both 'assault pistols' and 'assault long guns' are banned by name and feature. This includes semi-auto rifles with folding stocks, flash suppressors, or grenade launchers.
•10 rounds (Mag Limit) — Magazines over 10 rounds cannot be purchased or sold in Maryland. However, possession of higher-capacity magazines purchased out of state is legal.
•Shall Issue (de facto) Concealed Carry — After the Bruen decision, Maryland effectively became shall-issue. Permits require training and a background check.
•Yes (handguns) Firearm Registration — All handgun sales are recorded and registered with the state. Long guns are not registered.
•Allowed (federally compliant) NFA — NFA items including SBRs, SBS, suppressors, and machine guns are legal as long as you comply with federal law. Federally, ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Machine guns and destructive devices still need ATF approval.
•Convertible Pistol Ban — SB 334 (signed May 26, 2026) bans making and selling pistols that can easily be converted to full auto from January 1, 2027. Existing ownership is not banned; the ban is being challenged in court.

Last updated October 10, 2026

How Maryland Law Affects Your Build

Plain-English implications for builders, derived from the regulations above.

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

Maryland restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons," and its law names the AR-15 and covers copies of it. A "featureless" configuration does not avoid a ban by name, so removing features does not make an AR-15 legal to buy or build in Maryland.

Magazine Capacity Limit in Effect

Maryland limits magazine capacity (10 rounds). Standard 30-round PMAGs and similar magazines may not be sold or imported in their factory configuration. Plan your build around pinned, welded, or reduced-capacity magazines.

Permit Required to Purchase

Maryland requires a permit, license, or other prerequisite before you can purchase a firearm (Yes (handguns)). Factor permit application time into your build timeline before ordering a complete lower or completed rifle.

Background Checks on Private Transfers

Maryland extends background-check requirements beyond licensed-dealer sales (Yes). Private transfers of complete firearms typically must run through an FFL.

Ready to spec a compliant build? Use the AR Builder to compare parts and live prices across retailers.

Maryland Gun Laws — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AR-15 legal in Maryland?: Maryland has an assault weapon ban (Yes) that names the AR-15 and covers copies of it, so a "featureless" build does not make one legal. Read the statute and its grandfather terms against your own situation before purchasing.
What is the magazine capacity limit in Maryland?: 10 rounds. Standard 30-round magazines may not be legal for sale; compliant magazines (or pinned/welded options) are required for new builds.
Does Maryland require a permit to buy a firearm?: Yes (handguns). A permit, license, or qualifying ID is required in Maryland before purchasing a firearm.
Can I conceal carry in Maryland?: Maryland concealed carry status: Shall Issue (de facto). The state must issue a permit to applicants who meet the qualifying criteria.
Is open carry legal in Maryland?: Maryland open carry: Yes (with permit). Local restrictions may still apply in cities, parks, schools, or government buildings.
Are suppressors and SBRs legal in Maryland?: NFA item status in Maryland: Allowed (federally compliant). State law can restrict these items whatever ATF enforces federally. ATF announced on October 9, 2026 that it would stop enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax stamp requirements for suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and any other weapons (AOWs). This is an enforcement policy, not a change to the National Firearms Act; the law is still on the books and the policy can be reversed or challenged. Some states only allow suppressors and SBRs that are federally registered or possessed in compliance with federal law. Check your state's statute before you buy.
Does Maryland require background checks for private sales?: Yes. Background-check requirements in Maryland extend beyond licensed-dealer sales — most private transfers must run through an FFL.

Sources & Further Reading

Verify current Maryland firearm law with these authoritative resources. Laws change — always confirm with primary sources before purchasing or carrying.

Giffords Law Center — comprehensive state-by-state firearm law summaries and policy analysis.
NRA-ILA State Gun Laws — state directory with statute references and recent legislative updates.
Everytown Research State Rankings — research-driven scoring and policy explanations across all 50 states.
ATF Firearms — federal regulations on NFA items, FFL transfers, and firearm classifications.

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Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with official state sources, a qualified attorney, or local law enforcement before making purchasing or carrying decisions. GunPartPicker is not responsible for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.