Maryland residents and neighboring out-of-state residents should all have an understanding of Maryland gun laws. Maryland has some of the strictest restrictions in the country regarding the possession, carrying, and concealment of firearms. This can unexpectedly affect residents, visitors, tourists, workers commuting in neighboring states, and more.
If you visit Maryland, live in Maryland, or just want a better understanding of how Maryland’s gun laws compare to neighboring states, this guide will help. We take a look at West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania gun laws. Residents and visitors alike can better comply with local laws and regulations when visiting, commuting, or traveling between neighboring states.
Understand Maryland gun laws so you can avoid arrests, fines, and criminal charges. Have a question on how Maryland gun laws may affect you? Our firearms lawyers in Baltimore can assist if you’re facing firearm charges in Maryland.
Why Do I Need to Compare Maryland Gun Laws to Neighboring States
Out-of-State Residents
Out-of-state residents need to know how Maryland gun laws compare to neighboring states so they do not violate carry restrictions, self-defense laws, or prohibited firearm modifications. These violations can lead to criminal charges, fines, arrests, and more.
Maryland is a hub of activity and tourism: we are home to the Baltimore National Aquarium, the salty and sweet Ocean City beach, Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Raven Stadium, Assateague Island, the US Naval Academy, and more. These attractions can bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, especially from local or neighboring states, for vacations or daytrips where firearm laws need to be considered.
Additionally, it is estimated that 18% of Maryland’s workforce commutes in from out of state. This visitation estimation of work and tourism also does not account for visiting family, living on the border and coming to the local grocery store, and more daily visits that can leave Maryland firearm laws an afterthought.
Out-of-state residents may find themselves in Maryland visiting family, checking out a local tourist attraction, on site for a job, and more and need to be prepared if they have a carry permit in a neighboring state.
Maryland Residents
Maryland residents need to be aware of how gun laws compare when commuting out of state for work, visiting family, and crossing the Maryland state border. An estimated 500,000 of Maryland residents commute out of state for work, which means daily state crossings that could impact firearm laws and carry permits.
Additionally, Maryland residents who live close to a neighboring border may leave the state daily for shopping, groceries, and other errands. Maryland residents need to understand neighboring gun laws to comply with local regulations.
Up North: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania gun laws compared to Maryland gun laws are more lenient and flexible. While the gun laws in PA are not universal across the state, the towns and counties neighboring Maryland are considered less strict than Maryland gun laws. Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to thoroughly research gun laws in Maryland when traveling.
Side by Side: Compare Maryland Gun Laws to Pennsylvania
Overall: Pennsylvania ranks 10 positions lower than Maryland for gun law strength
Purchase and Permits
- Both states require a background check to purchase a handgun
- Maryland requires a permit to purchase a handgun; Pennsylvania does not
- Both states require a concealed carry permit
- Maryland does not recognize carry permits from any other state, including Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania does not recognize Maryland’s carry permit
Self-Defense
Maryland is not a Stand Your Ground state and you have a duty to retreat under threat if able to do so safely; Pennsylvania is a Stand Your Ground state and you do not need to retreat if under threat
Storage, Accessories, Modifications
- For the safety of minors, Maryland requires all guns to be stored and locked unloaded and separately from ammo; Pennsylvania has neither restriction
- Assault weapons are prohibited in Maryland for possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or transport; there are no current restrictions in Pennsylvania
- Bump stocks and high-capacity magazines are prohibited in Maryland but not in Pennsylvania
Public Carry
- Maryland does not allow guns on any college campuses, private or public; Pennsylvania leaves the ruling up to each individual institution
- Neither state allows guns on the grounds of a K-12 school
- Maryland does not allow the carrying of a handgun on state park lands (unless target shooting at a specific range or hunting within season); Pennsylvania allows handguns to those with an LTCF while open carry may be regulated per each park or park property
- Open carry is not regulated in Pennsylvania (exceptions: Philadelphia city and in a vehicle)
What To Know: Traveling Between Maryland and Pennsylvania
Maryland Residents:
- Your carry permit is not recognized in Pennsylvania and you must secure an additional carry permit recognized under Pennsylvania law when visiting the state.
- You are allowed to act in self-defense while in Pennsylvania, but must have reasonable grounds to do so.
- All ammo and guns must be stored separately and/or locked when traveling back to Maryland per Maryland law.
- High-capacity magazines are not illegal to possess but must not be equipped, sold, or transferred in Maryland.
- Bump stocks are illegal to possess in Maryland.
- Open carry is allowed in Pennsylvania for ages 18+ without a permit, but there are restrictions: research these before any open carry in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Residents:
- Your carry permit is not recognized in Maryland. Maryland does not recognize any other state’s carry permits. To obtain a carry permit in Maryland, it is advised to work with a firearm lawyer.
- Carry permits have tight restrictions and it is advised to become familiar with the prohibited places to carry firearms in Maryland.
- You are not permitted to have a handgun on any school property, college campus or otherwise, nor on state park land.
- Maryland is not a “stand your ground” state and you must retreat if safely able to do so under threat.
- All ammo and guns must be stored separately and/or securely locked while in the state.
- High-capacity magazines must not be equipped, sold, or transferred while in Maryland.
- Bump stocks are illegal to possess in Maryland.
- No assault weapons may be transferred into Maryland or possessed in Maryland.
- There is no open carry permitted in Maryland.
To the East: Delaware
While Delaware has some restrictions on gun laws that are considered tighter than most other states, they have more leniency than Maryland gun laws. The primary differences for those traveling between Delaware and Maryland is that neither state recognizes the carry permit of the other state, so a new permit must be obtained. You must become familiar with the restrictions of a carry permit in either state to be compliant with the law.
Side by Side: Compare Maryland Gun Laws to Delaware
Overall: Delaware only ranks 3 positions lower than Maryland on gun law strength
Purchase and Permits
- Both states require a background check to purchase a handgun
- Both states require a permit to purchase a handgun
- Both states require a concealed carry permit
- Maryland does not recognize carry permits from any other state, including Delaware
- Delaware does not recognize Maryland’s carry permit
Self-Defense
Neither Maryland nor Delaware is a Stand Your Ground state – you have a duty to retreat when under threat if able to do so safely
Storage, Accessories, Alterations
- For the safety of minors, Maryland requires all guns to be stored and locked unloaded and separately from ammo; Delaware has similar restrictions under certain circumstances
- Assault weapons are prohibited in Maryland for possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or transport; Delaware passed a similar restriction in 2022
- Bump stocks and high-capacity magazines are prohibited in both states
Public Carry
- Maryland does not allow guns on any college campuses, private or public; Delaware does not allow guns on college campuses or their grounds, with the possible exception of a conceal carry permit with the handgun locked securely in a vehicle
- Neither state allows guns on the grounds of a K-12 school
- Maryland does not allow the carrying of a handgun on state park lands (unless target shooting at a specific range or hunting within season); Delaware allows handguns in state parks but may have limits regarding visitor centers or other sections
- Open carry is not regulated in Delaware
What To Know: Traveling Between Maryland and Delaware
Maryland Residents:
- Your carry permit is not recognized in Delaware and you must secure an additional carry permit recognized under Delaware law when visiting the state.
- You are not allowed to act in self-defense in Delaware, you have a duty to retreat when under threat if able to do so safely.
- Open carry is allowed for ages 18+ without a permit, but there are restrictions: research these before any open carry in Delaware.
Delaware Residents:
- Your carry permit is not recognized in Maryland. Maryland does not recognize any other state’s carry permits. To obtain a carry permit in Maryland, it is advised to work with a firearm lawyer.
- Carry permits have tight restrictions and it is advised to become familiar with the prohibited places to carry firearms in Maryland.
- Those who purchased their assault weapon before 2022 may still not possess or transfer the firearm in the state of Maryland.
- When visiting a Maryland state park, handguns are not allowed.
- When visiting a college campus, handguns are prohibited, even if locked securely in a vehicle.
- There is no open carry permitted in Maryland.
Traveling South: Virginia
Virginia has a similar reputation to Maryland, being strict with gun laws and regulations as compared to other states. However, there are key differences in Maryland and Virginia gun laws, including regulations around high-capacity magazines and open carry. Research each state’s laws thoroughly before travel.
Side by Side: Compare Maryland Gun Laws to Virginia
Overall: Virginia ranks 7 positions lower than Maryland for gun law strength
Purchase and Permits
- Both states require a background check to purchase a handgun
- Maryland requires a permit to purchase a handgun; Virginia does not
- Both states require a concealed carry permit
- Maryland does not recognize carry permits from any other state, including Virginia
- Virginia recognizes Maryland’s permit if you are 21+
Self-Defense
Maryland is not a Stand Your Ground state and you have a duty to retreat under threat if able to do so safely; Virginia does not have an official Stand Your Ground law but courts have declared there is no duty to retreat when under threat
Storage, Accessories, Alterations
- For the safety of minors, Maryland requires all guns to be stored and locked unloaded and separately from ammo; Virginia has similar restrictions when children under 14 may be present
- Assault weapons are prohibited in Maryland for possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or transport; Virginia restrictions vary by county but are not statewide
- Bump stocks are prohibited in both states
- High-capacity magazines are prohibited in Maryland but not in Virginia
Public Carry
- Maryland does not allow guns on any college campuses, private or public; Virginia also has codes and policies in place prohibiting guns on colleges and their grounds
- Neither state allows guns on the grounds of a K-12 school
- Maryland does not allow the carrying of a handgun on state park lands (unless target shooting at a specific range or hunting within season); Virginia allows handguns in state parks with the appropriate carry permit while open carry may have some restrictions
- Open carry is not regulated in Virginia
What To Know: Traveling Between Maryland and Virginia
Maryland Residents:
- Your carry permit is recognized in Virginia, but you must be 21+.
- Virginia does not have an official Stand Your Ground law but courts have ruled you are allowed to stand your ground when under threat.
- High-capacity magazines are not illegal to possess but must not be equipped, sold, or transferred in Maryland.
- Open carry is allowed in Virginia for ages 18+ without a permit, but there are restrictions: research these before any open carry.
Virginia Residents:
- Your carry permit is not recognized in Maryland. Maryland does not recognize any other state’s carry permits. To obtain a carry permit in Maryland, it is advised to work with a firearm lawyer.
- Carry permits have tight restrictions and it is advised to become familiar with the prohibited places to carry firearms in Maryland.
- You are not permitted to have a handgun on any school property, college campus or otherwise, nor on state park land.
- Maryland is not a “stand your ground” state and you must retreat if safely able to do so under threat.
- High-capacity magazines must not be equipped, sold, or transferred.
- No assault weapons may be transferred into Maryland or possessed in Maryland.
- There is no open carry permitted in Maryland.
Going West: West Virginia
Possibly the state with the most differences in gun laws from Maryland is West Virginia. When comparing Maryland gun laws to West Virginia, it is important to note the discrepancies in self-defense, open carry, gun modifications, and where guns are permitted. West Virginia residents are advised to be mindful when visiting Maryland and thoroughly research Maryland firearm laws and their restrictions.
Side by Side: Compare Maryland Gun Laws to West Virginia
Overall: West Virginia ranks 18 positions lower than Maryland for gun law strength
Purchase and Permits
- West Virginia does not require a background check, purchase permit, or a carry permit; Maryland requires all of the above
- Maryland does not recognize carry permits from any other state, including West Virginia
- West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, allowing carry (open or concealed) without a permit for ages 21+
Self-Defense
Maryland is not a Stand Your Ground state; you have a duty to retreat when under threat if able to do so safely. West Virginia does not have a Stand Your Ground law, but they do have a Castle Doctrine, allowing for standing your ground within your home or vehicle when under threat.
Storage, Accessories, Alterations
- For the safety of minors, Maryland requires all guns to be stored and locked unloaded and separately from ammo; West Virginia has neither restriction
- Assault weapons are prohibited in Maryland for possession, sale, transfer, purchase, or transport; there are no current restrictions in West Virginia
- Bump stocks and high-capacity magazines are prohibited in Maryland but not in West Virginia
Public Carry
- Maryland does not allow guns on any college campuses, private or public; West Virginia allows guns on college campuses with a concealed carry permit, but restrictions may apply; there is no open carry allowed
- Neither state allows guns on the grounds of a K-12 school
- Maryland does not allow the carrying of a handgun on state park lands (unless target shooting at a specific range or hunting within season); West Virginia allows the carry of handguns in self-defense with limited restrictions
- Open carry is not regulated in West Virginia
What To Know: Traveling Between Maryland and West Virginia
Maryland Residents:
- West Virginia recognizes all out-of-state carry permits, including Maryland.
- West Virginia does not require a conceal carry permit for any person over 21+.
- You are allowed to act in self-defense in West Virginia within your home or vehicle.
- All ammo and guns must be stored separately and/or secured when traveling back to Maryland.
- High-capacity magazines are not illegal to possess but must not be equipped, sold, or transferred in Maryland.
- Bump stocks are illegal to possess in Maryland.
- West Virginia is a constitutional carry state, allowing for open carry.
West Virginia Residents:
- Your carry permit is not recognized in Maryland. Maryland does not recognize any other state’s carry permits. To obtain a carry permit in Maryland, it is advised to work with a firearm lawyer.
- Carry permits have tight restrictions and it is advised to become familiar with the prohibited places to carry firearms in Maryland.
- You are not permitted to have a handgun on any school property, college campus or otherwise, nor on state park land.
- Maryland is not a “stand your ground” state and you must retreat if safely able to do so under threat.
- All ammo and guns must be stored separately and/or securely locked while in the state.
- High-capacity magazines must not be equipped, sold, or transferred while in Maryland.
- Bump stocks are illegal to possess in Maryland.
- No assault weapons may be transferred into Maryland or possessed in Maryland.
- There is no open carry permitted in Maryland.
Firearms Defense Lawyers in Maryland Can Help
Andrew Saller is an experienced firearms defense lawyer located in Baltimore. On the leading edge of defending the Second Amendment, Saller is constantly fighting for change and helping with public education. If you are facing firearms charges in Maryland or if you need legal assistance with your carry permit in Maryland, we can help.
Disclaimer: articles on sallerlaw.com are not intended as legal advice and should not be taken as such, please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation.
Why Work with Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy for Handgun Defense
Andrew Saller is a leading firearm defense lawyer in Maryland. He is not only a criminal lawyer but an active member of the NRA, a co-host of the Urban Defense Podcast, and an executive member of Maryland Shall Issue.
Andrew Saller and his team are at the forefront of leading new changes to legislation to help their clients be equipped to fight for their Second Amendment rights. We are not just a team of defense lawyers in Baltimore, but a highly dedicated organization that cares about your rights under the Constitution.
