• Background Check Required?
  • Private Sale: Yes, private transfers of regulated firearms generally require a background check and transfer approval through the State Police process.
  • Licensed Dealer: Yes, federally licensed dealers must conduct a background check before completing the transfer. Maryland also requires approval before transfer of regulated firearms.
• Waiting Period: 7 days.
• Registration Requirement: Limited. Maryland has registration-style requirements for certain firearms and new residents.
• Permit Required (to purchase): Yes, a Handgun Qualification License is generally required for a Maryland resident to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun, subject to exemptions.
• Concealed Carry Permit: Yes, a Wear and Carry Permit is generally required to carry a handgun concealed.
• Magazine Capacity Limits: Yes, Maryland generally prohibits detachable magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds from being manufactured, sold, offered for sale, purchased, received, or transferred in the state.
• Assault Weapons Limits: Yes, Maryland restricts assault weapons under state law.

Source: Md. Code, Pub. Safety §§ 5-117, 5-118, 5-117.1, 5-133(b), 5-306; Md. Code, Crim. Law §§ 4-203, 4-301 through 4-306, 18 U.S.C. § 922(t)

• Anyone discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
• Anyone who is a minor.
• Anyone fleeing from justice.
• Anyone unlawfully using or addicted to controlled substances.
• Anyone legally determined to be mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.
• Anyone unlawfully present in the United States or in the country under a non-immigrant visa.
• Anyone who has given up U.S. citizenship.
• Anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
• Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense.
• Anyone restrained by a qualifying court order involving an intimate partner or child.

Source: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)