Is a California Non-Resident Permit Valid in Maryland?

Why

• California does not issue carry permits to non-residents (penal code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city or have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path).

MSP FAQ: 'Maryland does not recognize permits/CCWs from any other state.' Maryland law does not authorize reciprocity agreements with any state.

Carry rules in Maryland

Whatever your permit status, Maryland law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• No Maryland statute imposes a proactive duty to tell an officer you are carrying; the permit must be in your possession whenever you carry, wear or transport a handgun (Pub. Safety §5-308).
• Maryland limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
• Maryland is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Maryland recognizes.
• A Wear and Carry Permit allows carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle; without a permit, handguns may only be transported unloaded between enumerated locations under the Crim. Law §4-203 transport exceptions.

Off-limits places in Maryland

• Public and private K-12 schools, preschools and child care centers (CR 4-102, CR 4-111(c))
• State and local government buildings and higher-education buildings (CR 4-111(d))
• Health care facilities including hospitals and nursing facilities (CR 4-111(c))
• Polling places and ballot canvassing facilities (CR 4-111(d))
• Stadiums, museums, casinos, racetracks and amusement parks (CR 4-111(e))
• State parks and state forests (COMAR 08.07.06.04, 08.07.01.04)

Frequently asked questions

Is a California non-resident permit valid in Maryland?

None issued, so none recognized. California keeps its permits resident-only (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path). Your route to carrying in Maryland runs through a permit you are eligible to obtain elsewhere.

Do I have to tell police in Maryland that I am carrying?

No Maryland statute imposes a proactive duty to tell an officer you are carrying; the permit must be in your possession whenever you carry, wear or transport a handgun (Pub. Safety §5-308).

Does Maryland limit magazine capacity?

Maryland limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.

Does California issue non-resident carry permits?

No. California issues carry permits to residents only (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.