Maryland Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs
Obtaining a gun permit in Maryland is a well-regulated process that involves adherence to state laws and requirements. Maryland operates under a “shall-issue” policy, which means that if applicants meet the necessary criteria, the state police department is obligated to issue the permit. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about acquiring a gun permit in Maryland, including the application process, permit types, costs, reciprocity, and relevant gun laws.
Maryland Gun Permit Summary
Maryland requires both residents and non-residents to obtain a gun permit for purchasing and carrying firearms. The state police department handles the issuance of permits and has the discretion to approve or deny applications.
How to Get a Gun License in Maryland
1. Meet the Age and Citizenship Requirements
To apply for a gun license in Maryland, you must be at least twenty-one years old and a legal citizen of the United States.
2. Ensure a Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must not have a felony conviction or any crime punishable by more than one year in jail. They should have no history of violence or restraining orders and must not be involved in juvenile delinquency within the past ten years.
3. Mental Health and Stability
Applicants should not have been diagnosed with any mental illness or be under treatment in a psychiatric hospital or mental home. They should not pose a threat of violence or instability based on investigations.
4. Other Disqualifications
Other disqualifications include being a fugitive, having an arrest warrant, being dismissed from the United States Armed Forces for shady character, or being subject to the forfeiture of firearms.
5. Demonstrate a Valid Reason
Applicants must provide a valid reason for obtaining the permit, such as self-defense or employment purposes.
6. Complete Firearm Training
Before applying, individuals must complete a sixteen-hour Maryland-approved firearm training course.
7. Provide Fingerprints and Necessary Documents
Applicants need to have their fingerprints taken and provide various documents through the state police online portal.
Different Types of Gun Permits in Maryland
Maryland issues the following types of gun permits:
- State permit to purchase long guns: Not issued in Maryland.
- State permits to purchase handguns: Required for purchasing handguns.
- State permit to open carry: Needed for open carrying of firearms.
- State permits to conceal carry long guns: Not issued in Maryland.
- State permits to conceal carry handguns: Required for concealed carry of handguns.
Gun Permit Application and Renewal Law in Maryland
The process to apply for a gun permit in Maryland involves the following steps:
- Complete Firearm Course: Applicants must complete a Maryland-approved firearm training course of sixteen hours.
- Provide Fingerprints: The Department of Public Safety processing services will take the applicant’s fingerprints.
- Provide Necessary Documents: All applications must be completed online through a licensing portal and accompanied by relevant documents.
- Firearm training certificate
- Passport photograph (taken in the last thirty days)
- Electronic fingerprint
- Required fee
Gun Permit Renewal
Permit renewal must be initiated at least ninety days before the expiration date. Applicants should complete an eight-hour firearm training course at least two years before the renewal application. All applications must be submitted online through the licensing portal.
Cost of Getting a Gun License in Maryland
An initial application for a Maryland pistol permit costs seventy-five dollars, while renewal permits cost fifty dollars.
Gun Permit Reciprocity with Maryland
Maryland does not honor gun licenses from any jurisdiction in the US. However, some states recognize Maryland pistol permits, including Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.
States with Restricted Reciprocity
States such as Michigan, Utah, and Texas have restricted reciprocity, selectively accepting Maryland gun licenses based on other permit holders.
States with Permitless Carry Policy
States that allow permitless carry include Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Relevant Gun Laws, Permits, and Legislature in Maryland
Some of Maryland’s gun laws that concern pistol permits include:
- Possession of Firearms in Private Cars: A Maryland gun permit is required to possess firearms in private cars.
- Possession of Firearms in Roadside Areas: Possession of firearms is prohibited in roadside areas of the state.
- Possession of Firearms in Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas: Possession of firearms is prohibited in state parks and forests but allowed in wildlife management areas for permit holders.
- Possession of Firearms in Restaurant and Bar Areas: Permit holders can possess firearms in restaurants and bars unless signage prohibits it or if they are under the influence of alcohol.
- Possession of Firearms in Hotels: Hotels can refuse accommodation to anyone suspected of possessing firearms or any other dangerous weapon on their premises.
Conclusion
Obtaining a gun permit in Maryland requires meeting specific criteria, completing firearm training, and adhering to state laws. It is essential to stay informed about Maryland’s gun laws and follow the correct application and renewal procedures. With this knowledge, residents and non-residents can navigate the process smoothly and exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly.
FAQs;
Q1. Can I apply for a gun permit if I am between eighteen and twenty-one years old?
Yes, but only on employment grounds.
Q2. Does Maryland issue permits for concealed carry of long guns?
No, Maryland does not issue permits for the concealed carry of long guns.
Q3. Can I possess a firearm in my private car without a Maryland gun permit?
No, you need a Maryland gun permit to possess a firearm in your private car.
Q4. How much does it cost to renew a Maryland pistol permit?
Renewal permits cost fifty dollars.
Q5. Which states recognize Maryland pistol permits?
Some states that recognize Maryland pistol permits include Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, and more.
