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Maryland

MD
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

MEMA

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