Iron Sights Firearms
Maryland Firearms Compliance
ATF’s 36th Edition index of Maryland firearms law, for Iron Sights Firearms in Frederick. ATF lists 64 state statutes plus 55 local ordinances across 14 jurisdictions. Each entry links to its official source — last reviewed 2026-06-14.
Informational, not legal advice. This is ATF’s published index and may not be a complete statement of the law. Firearms laws change and vary by locality — confirm current requirements with the ATF and your state and local authorities before any transfer. We link to official sources; we do not host or interpret them.
Maryland at the counter
Handguns need an HQL
Maryland requires a Handgun Qualification License to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun, with limited exemptions. New to handguns? Ask us where to start.
The 7-day wait
Handguns and other regulated firearms carry a state waiting period: 7 days from when your application reaches the State Police. Most rifles and shotguns have no state wait.
The Handgun Roster
A handgun made after January 1, 1985 can be sold in Maryland only if it is on the official state Handgun Roster. Buying online? We can help you confirm the model is listed before you order.
Your 77R application
The state application for a regulated firearm (the 77R) is filed electronically through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. We walk you through it in person.
Magazines over 10 rounds
Maryland bars the sale, purchase, receipt, or transfer of detachable magazines over 10 rounds. Ordering a pistol online? Make sure it ships with compliant magazines, or ask us first.
One regulated firearm per 30 days
Maryland allows one regulated firearm purchase every 30 days. Collectors and some multiple purchases can be approved by the State Police in advance. Ask us if that is you.
Informational, not legal advice, and may not be a complete statement of the law. Firearms laws change and vary by locality — confirm current requirements with the ATF and your state authorities before any transfer. We link to official forms; we do not host or supply them.
Buying for the first time?
Most of it happens in person, and we walk you through every step. You complete the federal form with us. Buying a handgun? Your HQL comes first (if you do not have one yet, we will point you to it), and your 77R application goes to the State Police for review.
Maryland handguns carry the state 7-day wait. Once everything clears and the wait has passed, you come pick it up. Long guns are simpler: most have no wait and can go home the same day.
Not sure what applies to you? Ask us. We handle this every day.
Maryland state statutes
Md. Code, Crim. Law
Deadly weapons on school property
Child’s access to firearms
Restricted firearm ammunition
Regulation of weapons and ammunition
Scope of Assault Weapons & Detachable Magazines
Assault Weapons - Prohibited
Detachable Magazines - Prohibited
Rapid fire trigger activator
Registration of machine gun
Destructive Device Definitions
Scope of Destructive Devices
Destructive Device
Firearm crimes
Md. Code, Pub. Safety
Scope of Regulated Firearms
Effect of Regulated Firearms
Preemption by State
Dealer’s license
Application for dealer’s license
Disapproval of dealer’s license application
Term of dealer’s license
Non-transferability of dealer’s license
Display of dealer’s license
Suspensions and revocations
Application for regulated firearm required
Handgun qualification license required for purchase of handguns
Firearm application
Copies of firearm application; fees
Investigation of firearm applicant
Disapproval of firearm application
Time for licensee to complete transactions
Secondary transactions
Approved, on hold, and disapproved applications
Purchases within 30 days – In general
Purchases within 30 days – Multiple purchases allowed
Gun Shows
Handgun safety devices
Restrictions on possession of regulated firearms
Restrictions of possession of ammunition
Restrictions on sale, rental, or transfer of regulated firearms
Straw purchases
Out-of-state purchases
Sale, transfer, or disposal of stolen regulated firearm prohibited
False information or misstatement on application
Transporting regulated firearm from unlawful sale or trafficking
Knowing participation in straw purchase
Removal or alteration of identification mark or number on firearm
Knowing participation in violation of subtitle
Record keeping duties of licensed dealers
Conduct of business off premises
Lost or stolen regulated firearms
Possession of short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun
Purchasers of rifles or shotguns
Transfer of firearms by non-licensed persons
Disqualification for possession
Possession of rifle or shotgun prohibited
Restrictions on firearm transfers to certain persons
Application of Handgun Roster
Manufacture or sale of handguns (misdemeanor) (Effective until 10/1/2025)
Manufacture or sale of handguns (felony) (Effective 10/1/2025)
Applicability (Untraceable Firearms)
Sale or transfer of unfinished frame or receiver to be imprinted with serial number (Effective until 10/1/2025)
Sale of transfer of an unfinished frame or receiver to be imprinted with a serial number (Effective 10/1/2025)
License required; exceptions
Explosives for use in firearms
Local ordinances
These apply only within the named county or municipality. Expand a jurisdiction to see its ordinances.
Annapolis
3 ordinances
Firearms and ammunition—Register of purchasers.
Firearms and ammunition—Registration of sellers.
Firearms and ammunition—Minors under eighteen years.
Baltimore
2 ordinances
Police ordinances - Weapons
Ammunition sales to minors.
Baltimore County
11 ordinances
Firearms & Weapons - Minors
Secure All Firearms Effectively (SAFE) Act - Application
License Required.
Fee; Duration; Cessation of Business
License Application
Transference of License and Relocation of Establishment
Review; Monitoring; Security Elements
Security Plan for Gun Shows
Inventory List
Order Denying, Refusing to Renew, Revoking, or Suspending a License; Appeal
Finding of Violation; Consequences
Carroll County
5 ordinances
Operating Requirements
Trading with Minors Prohibited
Record Keeping Requirements
Holding Periods
Inspections and Right of Entry
Cheverly
1 ordinance
Supplying firearm materials or dangerous weapons to underage persons
Edmonston
1 ordinance
Selling or giving firearms or ammunition to certain minors
Kent County
4 ordinances
License required.
Registration.
Prohibited Transactions
Recording keeping and retention of property
Howard County
15 ordinances
Definitions
Licenses Required
Requirement to maintain license.
Transferability
Fees
Applications in general.
Application for pawnbroker or secondhand dealer establishment license.
Application for an employee license.
Granting application.
Operating requirements.
Trading with minors.
Recording keeping requirements.
Holding periods.
Inspections and right of entry
Denial, revocation or suspension of license
La Plata
1 ordinance
Weapons
Montgomery County
3 ordinances
Secondhand Personal Property
Weapons – Access to guns by minors; Child safety; Unlawful ownership or possession; Firearm in public assembly; Exemptions)
Secondhand Personal Property – Regulations
Myersville
1 ordinance
Public Safety Offenses - Weapons
Prince George County
5 ordinances
Secondhand Dealer and Pawn Dealer's and Employee Licenses
Requirement for record
Loaded weapons prohibited; exceptions
Transfer of weapon to minor prohibited; exceptions
Handgun sales or transfers; child safety handgun lock required; notice.
Princess Anne
1 ordinance
Weapons
Takoma
2 ordinances
Exemption from County weapons law
Child safety handgun devices