Maryland Gun Laws
2026 Compliance Guide
Maryland prohibits assault weapons by name and feature test under the Firearm Safety Act of 2013; handgun magazines are limited to 10 rounds; a Handgun Qualification License is required for handgun purchases; and suppressors require federal NFA compliance with no separate state restriction.
📅 Last updatedMaryland Firearm Laws at a Glance
The table below summarizes Maryland's key firearm regulations for 2026. Each item links to the relevant statute in the section below.
| Assault Weapons Ban | YES — restricted |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 10 rounds |
| Suppressors (NFA) | Legal with NFA |
| Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Legal with NFA |
| Permit Required to Purchase | Yes |
| Background Check on Private Sales | Required |
| Ghost Guns / Unserialized | Prohibited |
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Run a Free MD Compliance Check →Assault Weapons Ban in Maryland
Maryland's Firearm Safety Act of 2013 (codified primarily in Md. Code, Crim. Law §§ 4-301 to 4-307, with related provisions in Md. Code, Pub. Safety §§ 5-101 et seq.) prohibits the sale, transfer, and possession of firearms classified as 'assault weapons.' The ban operates through three categories: assault long guns (named-model list), assault pistols (separate named-model list), and copycat weapons (defined by feature test). Maryland also limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds. The compliance checker applies the full statutory analysis for your specific firearm.
Practical impact: Standard AR-15 and AK-pattern rifles sold in most states are typically prohibited in Maryland. Compliant configurations exist (featureless builds, fixed-magazine variants) but selection is limited. If you are buying a semi-automatic centerfire rifle, run it through the compliance checker before purchase.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Maryland
Maryland limits the sale and transfer of magazines holding more than 10 rounds (Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-305). Possession of pre-ban magazines is permitted but sale within Maryland is prohibited.
NFA Items: Suppressors, SBRs, and Machine Guns
Suppressors
Suppressors are legal in Maryland following federal NFA Form 4 approval. State law does not separately prohibit possession.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)
Short-barreled rifles are legal in Maryland following federal NFA approval. State law does not separately prohibit possession.
Machine Guns and Other NFA Items
Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are restricted under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act and require ATF Form 4 approval. Maryland separately prohibits civilian machine gun ownership.
Permits and Licensing Requirements
Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) for all handgun purchases. The HQL requires a 4-hour firearms safety course, fingerprinting, and a background check. Long gun purchases do not require a state license but require a NICS check through an FFL.
Carry Laws
Shall-issue concealed carry as of 2023 (post-Bruen). Permit requires training and a background check.
Private Sales and Background Checks
Maryland requires all handgun transfers — including private — to be processed through an FFL with a background check. Long gun private sales currently do not require a background check.
Ghost Guns and Unserialized Firearms
Maryland prohibits the sale or transfer of unfinished firearm frames and receivers without a serial number (Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 5-703).
Federally, ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F (effective August 24, 2022) reclassified most unfinished receiver kits as firearms requiring serialization and FFL transfer. State law in Maryland adds additional requirements on top of the federal rule.
Key Maryland Firearm Statutes
The following statutes form the legal basis for Maryland's firearm regulations. Citations are kept current with the official state code.
- Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 5-101 — Regulated firearm definition
- Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-303 — Assault weapon prohibition
- Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-305 — Detachable magazine capacity limit
- Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety § 5-117.1 — Handgun Qualification License
Frequently Asked Questions: Maryland Gun Laws
How do I get a Handgun Qualification License in Maryland?
Apply to the Maryland State Police. Requirements include completion of a 4-hour firearms safety course conducted by a Qualified Handgun Instructor, fingerprinting at an MDPS-approved location, and a background check. Total cost runs approximately $150–$300 including training.
Are AR-15 rifles legal in Maryland?
Most standard AR-15 configurations are prohibited under Maryland's regulated firearms list. Some Maryland-compliant variants without prohibited features are legal. The 'copycat' assault weapon test applies to feature-based determinations.
Are suppressors legal in Maryland?
Yes. Civilian ownership of suppressors is legal in Maryland following federal NFA Form 4 approval and the $200 federal tax stamp.
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Run a Free Compliance Check →Compare Maryland to Other States
Maryland's firearm laws differ significantly from neighboring states. View laws for any U.S. state below.