Open Carry Laws in Maryland

General Overview

Maryland is a restrictive state regarding open carry of firearms. Under Maryland law, the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun — whether openly or concealed — is generally prohibited without a valid Maryland Wear and Carry Permit.

Key Statute: Maryland Criminal Law § 4-203

Maryland Criminal Law, Title 4, Section 203 governs the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun. The Maryland State Police FAQ directs individuals to "Maryland Annotated Code, Criminal Law, Title 4, Section 203 for a detailed account of wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun."

Under this statute, it is generally unlawful to wear, carry, or transport a handgun — whether openly or concealed — on or about the person, unless the individual falls within specific statutory exceptions.

Permit Requirement

Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit for both open and concealed carry of handguns. There is no separate open carry allowance without a permit. The same permit covers both open and concealed carry.

Permit Details:

• Initial Training Requirement: 16 hours of training for the initial issuance of a handgun (carry) permit
• Renewal Training Requirement: 8 hours of training for renewal
• Application Process: Must be completed and submitted online through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division Portal
• Instructors: Must be registered with the Maryland State Police

No Reciprocity

Maryland does not recognize permits or CCWs from any other state. According to the Maryland State Police FAQ: "Maryland does not recognize permits/CCWs from any other state."

Transporting Handguns Without a Permit

Without a Wear and Carry Permit, handguns may only be transported under very limited circumstances and with strict conditions:

• The handgun must be unloaded
• It must be in an enclosed case or enclosed holster
• Ammunition must be separate from the handgun
• It is recommended to keep the unloaded handgun in the trunk where the person does not have access to it
• Transport is limited to specific purposes, including:
  • Between residences
  • To and from a repair shop
  • To and from a shooting sporting event
  • Between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person

Renewal and Expired Permits

If a Wear and Carry Permit expires before the renewed permit card is received, the permit holder may still carry on the expired permit provided:

• The renewal application was submitted in the Licensing Portal at least two (2) weeks prior to the expiration date
• If the application is returned for incompleteness and resubmitted after the two-week deadline, carrying is not permitted

Lost or Stolen Permits

Replacement requests for Wear and Carry cards must be submitted through the online portal account with:

• A notarized letter explaining the circumstances of the loss or theft
• A $10 fee paid via credit card

Interstate Transport Through Maryland

Under 18 U.S.C. § 926A, a person not prohibited from possessing firearms may transport a firearm through Maryland if:

• The firearm is unloaded
• Neither the firearm nor ammunition is readily accessible from the passenger compartment
• If the vehicle has no separate compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked compartment other than the glove compartment or console

Important Notes

• Maryland law applies the same restrictions to both open and concealed carry — a valid Wear and Carry Permit is required for either
• Open carrying without a valid permit is a criminal offense under Maryland law
• The governing statute is Maryland Annotated Code, Criminal Law, Title 4, Section 203