Is Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) Legal in Maryland? (2026)
No — Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is illegal in Maryland as of 2026.
Law changed in 2023: Open carry was prohibited in Maryland as of October 1, 2023. In January 2026, a federal appeals court upheld most of the state's restrictions on where firearms can be carried. There are no legislative movements towards constitutional carry.
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Quick Answer
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.
- Age restriction: 21 years old to obtain a Wear and Carry Permit
What the Law Says
Maryland law prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without both a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) and a Wear and Carry Permit, with violations leading to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the specific circumstances.
— Maryland Code, Public Safety §5-306
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Permitless Carry Rules | Concealed carry requires a Wear and Carry Permit; open carry is generally prohibited. |
| Permit Availability | Sales require HQL and background checks. |
| Penalties | Carrying concealed without a permit is a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances under Md. Code, Public Safety §5-306. |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old to obtain a Wear and Carry Permit. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
Open carry was prohibited in Maryland as of October 1, 2023. In January 2026, a federal appeals court upheld most of the state's restrictions on where firearms can be carried. There are no legislative movements towards constitutional carry.
Enforcement Reality
Maryland does not have constitutional carry and requires a permit to wear and carry a handgun. Enforcement is strict, and the state has some of the most comprehensive gun control laws in the country.
A common mistake is not understanding the state's stringent requirements for obtaining a permit, which were recently challenged in court. Another is being unaware of the extensive list of locations where carrying a firearm is prohibited, even with a permit.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Maryland. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is illegal in Maryland. This activity can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.
Maryland vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is fully legal in 23 states, restricted in 14, and illegal in 13. Maryland falls in the ILLEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry):
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is carrying a concealed weapon without a permit legal in Maryland?
What are the penalties for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Maryland?
How strictly does Maryland enforce its constitutional carry (permitless concealed carry) laws?
What typically triggers enforcement in Maryland?
What is the minimum age for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Maryland?
Does the law on carrying a concealed weapon without a permit change at the Maryland border?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive Maryland Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Maryland — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.
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Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) in Other States
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