Maryland State Law Summary

Last updated May 10, 2011

In its publication Gun Laws Matter: A Comparison of State Firearms Laws and Statistics, LCAV ranked each state based on a review of state laws in 25 different firearms-related policy areas. Maryland ranked 7 out of 50 – having enacted some of the toughest gun violence prevention laws in the country.  Among other things, Maryland:

• Requires that all private transfers of handguns or assault weapons be processed through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, requiring a background check on the purchaser;

• Prohibits the purchase or possession of a firearm by persons convicted of certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenses, and by persons subject to certain domestic violence protective orders;

• Demands licensure of all firearms dealers;

• Prohibits any person from purchasing more than one handgun or assault weapon within a 30-day period;

• Imposes a 7-day waiting period prior to the physical transfer of a handgun or assault weapon;

• Requires firearms dealers to include a locking device with every handgun sold;

• Provides law enforcement discretion when issuing handgun permits;

• Will require that any handgun sold have personalized handgun technology;

• Imposes design safety standards for handguns; and

• Prohibits the transfer of certain assault pistols and large capacity ammunition magazines.

Maryland does not, however:

• Require firearm owners to report the loss or theft of their firearms; or

• Prohibit the open carrying of firearms in public (although possessors must have a permit).

Local governments in Maryland have limited authority to regulate firearms and ammunition.

Maryland ranks 21st among the states in number of gun deaths per capita. In 2007, 678 people died from firearm-related injuries in Maryland. In 2009, Maryland supplied the 33rd highest number of crime guns to other states, and imports more crime guns than it exports.

For details about specific firearms laws in Maryland, choose a topic below.

Overview State "Right to Bear Arms" Statistics Local Authority to Regulate Firearms
State Firearms Policies Persons Prohibited from Firearm Possession Prohibited Purchasers Generally Minimum Age to Purchase / Possess Domestic Violence & Firearms Disarming Prohibited Persons Sales & Transfers Background Checks Mental Health Reporting Multiple Purchases / Sales of Firearms Retention of Sales / Background Check Records Waiting Periods Gun Dealers & Other Sellers Dealer Regulations Private Sales Gun Shows Immunity Statutes Gun Owner Responsibilities Licensing of Gun Owners / Purchasers Registration of Firearms Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms	Firearms in Public Places Concealed Weapons Permitting Open Carrying Location Restrictions Guns in Vehicles Guns in Schools Other Location Restrictions Consumer & Child Safety Design Safety Standards for Handguns Locking Devices Personalized / Owner-Authorized Firearms Child Access Prevention Classes of Weapons / Ammunition Assault Weapons Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines Fifty Caliber Rifles Machine Guns / Automatic Firearms Non-Powder Guns Ammunition Regulation Investigating Gun Crimes Microstamping / Ballistic Identification Trafficking
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