Non-Resident permit · CT → MD
Is a Connecticut Non-Resident Permit Valid in Maryland?
Not recognizedVerified 2026-08-08
Maryland says no. Your Connecticut non-resident permit isn't recognized, permitless carry isn't available to you, and carrying regardless is a chargeable offense. Check Maryland's own permit options, which it does issue to non-residents, if you travel there often.
Why
- Maryland does not recognize any out-of-state carry permit.
MSP FAQ: 'Maryland does not recognize permits/CCWs from any other state.' Maryland law does not authorize reciprocity agreements with any state.
The permit (Connecticut)
- Permit
- State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers (Connecticut State Pistol Permit)
- Issued by
- Two-step - local police chief/chief executive officer issues a temporary state permit, then the DESPP Special Licensing and Firearms Unit issues the state permit
- Issue policy
- May-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- Yes — A bona fide US resident with no Connecticut residence who holds a carry permit or license issued by another state or subdivision may apply directly to the DESPP commissioner for a non-resident Connecticut permit (CGS 29-28(f)); DESPP requires that non-resident applicants already hold a home-state carry permit.
The destination (Maryland)
- Recognition policy
- Honors no out-of-state permits
- Permitless carry
- No
- Duty to inform
- No (present permit on demand)
- Magazine limit
- 10 rounds
Carry rules in Maryland
Crossing into Maryland swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.
- 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 Connecticut non-resident permit valid in Maryland?
- Maryland says no. Your Connecticut non-resident permit isn't recognized, permitless carry isn't available to you, and carrying regardless is a chargeable offense. Check Maryland's own permit options, which it does issue to non-residents, if you travel there often.
- 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.
- Where does Maryland publish its official reciprocity list?
- Maryland publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.
Official sources
- Maryland State Police — Wear & Carry Permit — accessed 2026-08-08
- Maryland State Police — Firearms FAQs (reciprocity statement) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Maryland State Police — Prohibited Places to Carry a Firearm (incl. Kipke v. Moore status) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Md. Public Safety §5-306 (permit qualifications, no residency or good-and-substantial-reason requirement) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Md. Criminal Law §4-305 (detachable magazines over 10 rounds) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Md. Public Safety §5-308 (permit must be carried) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CT DESPP - Connecticut State Pistol Permit — accessed 2026-08-08
- CT DESPP - Pistol Permit FAQ (non-resident application process) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Chapter 529 - Secs. 29-28 (permits) and 29-35 (carrying without permit prohibited) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Sec. 53-202w - Large capacity magazines (10-round limit) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Sec. 53a-217b - Possession of a weapon on school grounds — accessed 2026-08-08