Is the AR-15 legal in Maryland?

Maryland has an assault weapon ban (Yes). Standard AR-15 configurations are restricted, but compliant "featureless" or otherwise-modified builds are typically legal. Always verify your specific configuration against current Maryland statute 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). Some federally-regulated items may be restricted at the state level even with a federal tax stamp.

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

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

Yes

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 tax stamp requirements.

Last updated January 15, 2026

How Maryland Law Affects Your AR-15 Build

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

Assault Weapon Restrictions Apply

Maryland restricts firearms classified as "assault weapons." Standard AR-15 configurations with features like a pistol grip combined with a collapsible stock, threaded barrel, or flash hider may not be sold or transferred in their off-the-shelf form. Many Maryland builders run "featureless" configurations to remain compliant.

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.

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