If an individual is carrying a concealed handgun without a permit, the individual has a legal duty to immediately inform any law enforcement officer...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
| Category | Minimum Age | Permit Required? |
|---|---|---|
| General population | 21 years | No |
| Active-duty Armed Forces or National Guard | 18 years | No |
| Honorably discharged Armed Forces or National Guard | 18 years | No |
| Ages 18–20 without qualifying military service | 18 years | Yes — must obtain a concealed handgun permit |
If an individual is carrying a concealed handgun without a permit, the individual has a legal duty to immediately inform any law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun when coming into contact with that officer during a routine stop, detention, or arrest. This duty does not apply to permit holders.
Open and concealed carry (with or without a permit) is prohibited in the following locations, with very limited exceptions:
| Location | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Courthouses | 17-A M.R.S. § 1058 | — |
| Schools and school property | 20-A M.R.S. § 6552 | Possession prohibited on public or approved private school property; discharge prohibited within 500 feet. Violation is a Class E crime. |
| State Parks | 12 M.R.S. § 1803(6), (7) & Bureau of Parks and Lands Rules Ch. 1 | Open carry not permitted; permit required for concealed carry (see Permit Advantages below) |
| Acadia National Park | 12 M.R.S. § 756 | Permit required — Maine or recognized reciprocal state resident permit |
| State Capitol area (Augusta) | 25 M.R.S. § 2904 & DPS Rule Chapter 41 | — |
| Federal buildings and property | 18 U.S.C. § 930 | Federal law |
| Private property | — | When the property owner has posted notice or communicated firearms are not permitted |
| Liquor establishments | 17-A M.R.S. § 1057 | Establishments licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor, if premises are posted. Even without posting, it is illegal to carry while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries | 12 M.R.S. § 12707 | As listed in statute |
| Labor disputes and strikes | 32 M.R.S. § 9412(5) | — |
| Baxter State Park | Park Rules | As prohibited by Baxter State Park Authority rules |
| Allagash Wilderness Waterway | Waterway Rules | As prohibited by rules |
The school firearms prohibition does not apply to:
Although a permit is not required for general carry, a Maine concealed handgun permit (or recognized reciprocal permit) authorizes carry in locations where unpermitted persons cannot:
| Location / Activity | Statute | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Acadia National Park | 12 M.R.S. § 756 | Maine permit or recognized reciprocal state resident permit required per 25 M.R.S. § 2001-A(2)(F) |
| State Parks | 12 M.R.S. § 1803(7) | Permit required; open carry not permitted |
| Regular archery hunting (deer only) | 12 M.R.S. § 11403 | Permit required to carry a handgun while archery hunting deer |
| Employee vehicles on work premises | 26 M.R.S. § 600 | Permit required; vehicle must be locked and firearm must not be visible |
Persons prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) or Maine state law cannot carry openly or concealed. The permitless carry law does not change any existing prohibitions. Prohibitions include but are not limited to:
Maine has a state preemption law under Title 25, § 2011, which generally prevents municipalities from enacting local ordinances more restrictive than state law regarding firearm possession or carry. Municipalities may regulate the discharge of firearms within their boundaries.
Although not required for general carry, Maine continues to issue concealed handgun permits (CHPs) under Title 25, § 2003, which are useful for:
Permit applications are handled by either the Maine State Police (for approximately 360 municipalities) or local police departments, depending on the applicant's municipality of residence.
Note: Maine State Police announced updated permit fees starting September 24 — applicants should consult the Permit Fee Statute Amendment Memo for current fee amounts.
| Statute | Description |
|---|---|
| Title 25 M.R.S. § 2001-A | Permitless carry provisions |
| Title 25 M.R.S. § 2003 | Concealed handgun permit issuance |
| Title 25 M.R.S. § 2011 | State preemption of local firearms regulations |
| Title 25 M.R.S. § 2904 | Restrictions in the Capitol area |
| Title 17-A M.R.S. § 1057 | Carrying in liquor establishments |
| Title 17-A M.R.S. § 1058 | Prohibition on firearms in courthouses |
| Title 20-A M.R.S. § 6552 | Firearms on school property |
| Title 12 M.R.S. § 756 | Acadia National Park firearms provisions |
| Title 12 M.R.S. § 1803 | State Parks firearms provisions |
| Title 12 M.R.S. § 11403 | Handguns during archery deer hunting |
| Title 12 M.R.S. § 12707 | Wildlife sanctuaries |
| Title 26 M.R.S. § 600 | Employee vehicles on work premises |
| Title 32 M.R.S. § 9412 | Labor disputes and strikes |
| 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) | Federal prohibited persons |
| 18 U.S.C. § 930 | Federal buildings |
| 18 U.S.C. § 926A | Federal interstate transport (FOPA) |
| 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B–926C | LEOSA protections |
| P.L. 2015, Ch. 327 (LD 652) | Permitless carry enabling legislation |
Disclaimer: Firearms laws are complex. This summary is necessarily an overview based on Maine Revised Statutes and official Maine State Police guidance. The Maine State Police notes that it is not authorized to give legal advice and that this summary cannot be used as a defense to illegal activity involving firearms or ammunition. Persons should consult qualified private counsel and review applicable law for specific questions. Verify current statute text at legislature.maine.gov.
This page covers one part of our Maine concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Maine guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.