Is Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) Legal in Maryland?
Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is illegal in Maryland as of 2026. Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) and a Wear and Carry Permit to carry concealed firearms. Permitless concealed carry is not allowed under Md. Code, Public Safety §5-306.
Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is ILLEGAL in Maryland
Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is currently illegal in Maryland. Possession or sale may result in penalties.
Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) Laws in Maryland: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is currently illegal in Maryland.
- 2 Possession: Concealed carry requires a Wear and Carry Permit; open carry is generally prohibited.
- 3 Sale: Sales require HQL and background checks.
- 4 Age Restriction: 21 years old to obtain a Wear and Carry Permit.
- 5 Penalties: Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances under Md. Code, Public Safety §5-306.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Concealed carry requires a Wear and Carry Permit; open carry is generally prohibited. |
| Sale | Sales require HQL and background checks. |
| Age Restriction | 21 years old to obtain a Wear and Carry Permit. |
| Penalties | Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances under Md. Code, Public Safety §5-306. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Maryland Compare?
Across all 50 states, Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is fully legal in 29 states, legal with restrictions in 11 states, and illegal in 10 states. Maryland is among the 10 states where it is illegal.
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Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: Maryland Code, Public Safety §5-306
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gps§ion=5-306
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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