Maryland Concealed Carry | Capitol 1st Responder

Get the Best Security and Self-Defense Training in Accokeek MD

Maryland is a Shall-Issue State with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the state police. A permit to purchase, a background check, and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun from a private individual. Private firearms sellers must process transfers of handguns and assault weapons through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency, which then conducts a background check. In addition, Maryland has established a handgun roster that, subject to limited exceptions, lists the only handguns that dealers or any private sellers are allowed to sell in the state. 

Open carry is legal in Maryland only for Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders. To obtain a WCHP, applicants must be at least 21 years old and must show a good and substantial reason to carry a handgun. WCHPs require a state-approved 16-hour firearms training course that includes live-fire training. An additional 8 hours of training is required at each WCHP renewal. Permits are issued to residents and non-residents. Some areas are off-limits, including rest areas and state parks. 

Maryland is a Castle Doctrine state. In Maryland, deadly force is only legal when defending one's self from the immediate threat of serious injury or death. A person must have reasonable grounds to believe himself or herself in apparent imminent circumstances and may be more serious under other circumstances. 

Penalties For a Concealed Weapon
If you do not have a concealed-carry permit and you are caught with a concealed weapon, you may be charged with the crime of illegal possession of a concealed weapon. This is a serious offense and could result in jail time or incarceration.

What Are The Penalties For Carrying a Weapon Where Guns Are Not Allowed?
If you are carrying weapons in a place where that is not permitted, then your concealed-carry permit will not be considered valid and you will be in violation of the concealed weapon law under Virginia Code Section 18.2 – 308 et al.