What disqualifies you from buying a gun in Maryland centers on strict state and federal prohibitions aimed at preventing dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms, especially regulated ones like handguns and assault weapons. Maryland goes beyond federal law with additional disqualifiers, including certain misdemeanors, mental health history, protective orders, juvenile adjudications, and mandatory safety training requirements. All regulated firearm purchases require a background check through the Maryland State Police, plus a 77R application and fingerprinting.
Understanding these rules is essential whether you’re a first-time buyer, gifting a firearm, or verifying eligibility. Below is a complete, up-to-date breakdown, including Maryland’s official disqualifiers, so you know exactly what blocks a purchase.
Maryland Regulated Firearm Purchase Disqualifiers
To buy a regulated firearm, the Maryland State Police must deny your application if any of the following apply:
| Category | Specific Disqualifier |
| Criminal History | Convicted of a crime of violence (e.g., murder, rape, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon) |
| Convicted of any felony in Maryland | |
| Convicted of conspiracy to commit a felony | |
| Convicted of a common law crime with >2 years imprisonment | |
| Convicted of a misdemeanor with a statutory penalty >2 years | |
| Fugitive Status | Currently a fugitive from justice |
| Substance Abuse | Habitual drunkard |
| Addict or habitual user of controlled substances (including marijuana) | |
| Mental Health (Purchase) | Has a mental disorder + history of violent behavior (physician certificate may allow exception) |
| Confined >30 consecutive days to a mental health facility (physician certificate may allow exception) | |
| Age & Training | Under 21 years old |
| Has not completed certified firearms safety training (required for 77R approval) | |
| Protective Orders | Subject to a non-ex parte civil protective order |
| Straw Purchase | Participating in a straw purchase (using someone else to buy for you) |
| Juvenile Record | Under 30 and adjudicated delinquent for an act that would be a disqualifying crime if committed as an adult |
Note: These apply to regulated firearms only. Rifles and shotguns have fewer purchase restrictions, but possession bans still apply.
Who Is Prohibited from Possessing Any Firearm in Maryland?
Maryland’s possession prohibitions are broader and do not allow physician exceptions for most mental health cases. You cannot legally possess any firearm if you:
- Were convicted of a crime of violence or certain drug distribution offenses
- Are a fugitive from justice
- Are you a habitual drunkard or drug addict/user
- Suffer from a mental disorder with a violent history
- Were found incompetent to stand trial or not criminally responsible
- Were voluntarily admitted >30 days to a mental health facility
- Were involuntarily committed to a mental health facility
- Are under guardianship (unless solely due to physical disability)
- Are subject to a current protective order (Maryland or out-of-state)
- Are under 30 and have a juvenile adjudication for a disqualifying crime
- Are on supervised probation for DUI (certain serious cases) or violating a domestic violence protective order (effective Oct 1, 2023)
Federal Disqualifiers (Still Apply in Maryland)
Maryland enforces all federal prohibitions, including:
- Felony convictions
- Domestic violence misdemeanor convictions
- Court-ordered mental health commitments
- Dishonorable military discharge
- Illegal or nonimmigrant alien status (with limited exceptions)
- Renounced U.S. citizenship
FAQs
Can I buy a handgun at 21 in Maryland?
Yes, you can purchase a handgun at age 21 if you meet all other requirements, including completing firearms safety training and passing the background check. You must be at least 21 to buy any regulated firearm from a dealer.
Does medical marijuana disqualify me?
Yes, any use of marijuana, even with a Maryland medical card, disqualifies you under federal law. You must answer “no” to Question 21e on ATF Form 4473, and marijuana users are federally prohibited.
What if I was committed to a mental hospital 10 years ago?
You are likely prohibited from possessing firearms unless you successfully petition for relief under Maryland law and prove you pose no danger. A physician’s certificate may help with purchase, but not possession.
Can I buy a rifle without a background check?
Yes, private sales of long guns (rifles/shotguns) do not require a background check in Maryland. However, you must not be a prohibited person—federal and state possession bans still apply.
How do I appeal a denial?
You can request an informal review with the Maryland State Police. If denied again, you may appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) within 30 days.
Don’t Risk a Felony
Firearm laws in Maryland are among the strictest in the nation. A single mistake can lead to denied purchases, confiscated guns, or criminal charges.
The Maryland gun attorneys at The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates specialize in Maryland gun rights restoration, 77R appeals, and firearm eligibility reviews.
