Is a West Virginia Non-Resident Permit Valid in Maryland?

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.

Carry rules in Maryland

Maryland's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.

• 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 West Virginia non-resident permit valid in Maryland?

Not legal. West Virginia non-resident permits are outside Maryland's recognition rules, and Maryland still requires a license to carry. Unloaded, locked transport under federal law is the lawful fallback.

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.