Can you open carry in Maryland? No—Maryland does not allow open carry of handguns without a valid Wear and Carry Permit, and obtaining that permit is one of the most difficult processes in the country. Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and understanding these laws is critical if you own firearms or are considering carrying one. This guide covers everything you need to know about open carry laws in Maryland, including permit requirements, the difference between open and concealed carry, penalties for violations, and recent changes to the law.
Table of Contents
- Is Open Carry Legal in Maryland?
- Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
- Wear and Carry Permit Requirements
- Restrictions on Carrying
- Penalties for Carrying Without a Permit
- Can You Open Carry Long Guns?
- Recent Changes to Maryland Gun Laws
- Is Maryland an Open Carry State?
- Can You Conceal Carry in Maryland?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Open Carry Legal in Maryland?
Open carry of a handgun in Maryland is only legal if you have a valid Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. Without this permit, openly carrying a handgun in public is illegal and can result in serious criminal charges. Maryland is one of a small number of states that requires a permit for both open and concealed carry of handguns.
Unlike many states that have adopted constitutional carry or permitless carry laws in recent years, Maryland continues to require a permit. The state’s approach to firearm regulation reflects its classification as a “may-issue” jurisdiction, meaning the state has discretion over who receives a carry permit.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in Maryland
In Maryland, the same permit—the Wear and Carry Permit—covers both open and concealed carry. There is no separate license for one or the other. Here is how they compare:
- Open carry: The firearm is visible to others, typically in a holster on your hip or chest. While legal with a permit, open carry in Maryland can draw significant attention from law enforcement and the public.
- Concealed carry: The firearm is hidden from view, usually under clothing or in a concealed holster. Most permit holders in Maryland choose concealed carry because it attracts less attention and avoids potential confrontations.
Practically speaking, even though both are technically permitted under the Wear and Carry Permit, concealed carry is far more common in Maryland. Open carry, while not specifically prohibited for permit holders, may still lead to police encounters and public alarm calls.
Maryland Wear and Carry Permit Requirements
To legally carry a firearm—either openly or concealed—in Maryland, you must obtain a Wear and Carry Permit from the Maryland State Police. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, Maryland eliminated the “good and substantial reason” requirement that previously made permits nearly impossible to obtain for most residents. However, the application process remains rigorous:
- You must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if you are an active-duty military member)
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- You must not have a felony conviction or certain disqualifying misdemeanor convictions
- You must not be a habitual drunkard or addicted to controlled substances
- You must not have a history of mental health disorders as defined by state law
- You must complete a state-approved firearms training course of at least 16 hours
- You must submit fingerprints and pass a thorough background investigation
The application is submitted to the Maryland State Police Licensing Division, and processing can take several months.
Restrictions on Carrying — Even With a Permit
Even with a valid Wear and Carry Permit, there are places in Maryland where you cannot carry a firearm:
- Public schools and school property (K-12 and higher education)
- Government buildings, including courthouses and state offices
- Childcare centers and nursery schools
- Legislative buildings in Annapolis
- Establishments licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption
- Public demonstrations and protests
- Places of worship (unless authorized by the religious organization)
- Private property where the owner has prohibited firearms
Violating these restrictions—even with a valid permit—can result in criminal charges and revocation of your permit.
Penalties for Carrying Without a Permit in Maryland
If you are caught carrying a handgun in Maryland without a valid Wear and Carry Permit, it is a serious criminal offense. Understanding the answer to “can you open carry in Maryland” is critical to avoiding these charges. Under Maryland Criminal Law § 4-203, the penalties include:
- First offense: Up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500
- Second offense: Mandatory minimum of 1 year in prison, up to 10 years
- Subsequent offenses: Mandatory minimum of 3 years in prison, up to 10 years
These are among the harshest gun charge penalties in the country. If you are facing charges for carrying without a permit, you need an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney immediately.
Can You Open Carry Long Guns in Maryland?
Maryland law regarding long guns (rifles and shotguns) is somewhat different. There is no specific state statute that requires a permit to open carry a long gun in public. However, doing so in urban areas or populated locations will almost certainly result in a police response, and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Practically speaking, open carrying a rifle or shotgun in public in Maryland is extremely uncommon and strongly inadvisable, as it can lead to charges such as disturbing the peace or reckless endangerment.
Recent Changes to Maryland Gun Laws
Maryland gun laws have undergone significant changes in recent years:
- Post-Bruen changes (2022-2023): Following the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, Maryland was forced to remove its “good and substantial reason” requirement for carry permits, making it easier for law-abiding residents to obtain a Wear and Carry Permit.
- Senate Bill 1 (2023): Maryland responded to Bruen by passing new legislation expanding the list of “sensitive places” where firearms are prohibited, even for permit holders. This law has faced ongoing legal challenges.
- 2025-2026 developments: Courts continue to refine which location-based restrictions are constitutional under the Bruen framework. If you have questions about where you can legally carry, consult a Maryland firearms attorney for the most current guidance.
Is Maryland an Open Carry State?
Many people ask, can you open carry in Maryland? The short answer is that Maryland is not an open carry state in the traditional sense. Unlike states that allow unrestricted open carry, Maryland requires anyone who wishes to carry a handgun — whether openly or concealed — to first obtain a valid Wear and Carry Permit. Without this permit, openly carrying a firearm in public is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Maryland’s strict approach to firearm regulations makes it one of the most restrictive states in the country for gun owners who want to carry in public.
Can You Conceal Carry in Maryland?
Yes, you can conceal carry in Maryland, but only if you have a valid Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. Maryland is a “shall-issue” state following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which struck down “good and substantial reason” requirements. This means qualified applicants who meet the statutory requirements — including completing firearms training, passing a background check, and being at least 21 years old — can obtain a permit for concealed carry. The permit allows both open and concealed carry, though most permit holders choose to carry concealed. If you are facing charges related to carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, contact a Maryland gun charges lawyer immediately.
Maryland Open Carry Laws 2026
If you are wondering whether you can open carry in Maryland in 2026, the answer remains the same — Maryland’s open carry laws continue to require a Wear and Carry Permit for anyone who wishes to openly carry a handgun. While some states have moved toward constitutional carry or permitless carry legislation, Maryland has maintained its permit requirement. The state continues to enforce restrictions on where firearms may be carried, even with a permit — including schools, government buildings, and certain public venues. Violations of Maryland’s carry laws can result in felony charges with significant prison time. If you have been charged with a firearms offense in Maryland, understanding your rights under current law is critical to building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Carry in Maryland
Can you open carry in Maryland without a permit?
No. Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit for both open and concealed carry of handguns. Carrying a handgun without this permit is a criminal offense punishable by up to 3 years in prison for a first offense.
Is Maryland an open carry state?
Maryland allows open carry only with a valid Wear and Carry Permit. It is not an open carry state in the same sense as states with constitutional carry or permitless carry laws. A permit is required for any form of public carry of a handgun.
How do I get a carry permit in Maryland?
You must apply through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division. Requirements include being at least 21, completing a 16-hour firearms training course, passing a background check, and submitting fingerprints. The process typically takes several months.
What are the penalties for carrying a gun without a permit in Maryland?
A first offense for carrying a handgun without a permit in Maryland carries up to 3 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. A second offense carries a mandatory minimum of 1 year in prison. Subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum of 3 years.
Facing Gun Charges in Maryland? Get Legal Help Now
If you have been charged with illegally carrying a firearm or any other gun crime in Maryland, the stakes are high. A conviction can mean mandatory prison time. At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we have extensive experience defending clients against gun charges in Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, and Prince George’s County.
👉 Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation about your case.
