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Maine Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

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Maine Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on November 18, 2024

Maine Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

1.3M

STATE POPULATION

27K

LICENSES ISSUED

2%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

50

STATES HONORED

18

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

4

YEARS LICENSE VALID

29

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

1

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Be a Responsible Gun Owner in Maine

If you live in Maine and want to become a responsible gun owner, you need a concealed coalition certification. To obtain certification to get your concealed carry permit, you need an education partner you can trust.

Concealed Coalition has trained over a million U.S. citizens on how to carry their firearms and other weapons safely and effectively. Contact us via phone at (207) 241-4437 or go online for local training to get your Maine concealed carry permit.

Summary of Maine Gun Laws

Maine is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Concealed weapons permits are issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety through the Maine State Police.

Shall-issue means that the issuing authority, county sheriff, or police department is compelled to issue a permit if the applicant passes the basic requirements set out by state law. The Maine permitless carry status encompasses constitutional carry and means no state permit is required to carry a handgun.

Maine is fully unrestricted. There is also no permit, background check, or firearms registration required to buy a handgun from a private individual.

Open Carry in Maine

Open carry is legal in Maine without a permit for any person 21 or older. It is also legal for individuals who are at least 18 and on active duty or who have been honorably discharged from the military. Those who can legally possess a firearm are allowed to carry their firearm openly.

Concealed Carry in Maine

If you’ve ever wondered, Can you conceal carry in Maine, here’s your answer. Concealed carry is legal in Maine without a permit for any person 21 or older. It is also legal if you are at least 18 and on active duty or have been honorably discharged from the military. Those who can legally possess a firearm are allowed to carry their firearm concealed.

Self Defense Laws in Maine

Maine is a Castle Doctrine state. However, there is no stand your ground law, so an individual has a duty to retreat outside of his or her dwelling place. Someone in possession or control of a premise or someone who is licensed or privileged to be there is justified in:

Use of Force

Using non-deadly force upon another person is permitted when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or terminate the commission of criminal trespass by such other person in or upon such premises.

Use of Deadly Force

Using deadly force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent an attempt by the other person to commit arson.

Using deadly force upon another person when the person reasonably believes:

That such other person has entered or is attempting to enter a dwelling place or has surreptitiously remained within a dwelling place without a license or privilege to do so and is committing or is likely to commit some other crime within the dwelling place
That deadly force is necessary to prevent the infliction of bodily injury by such other person upon the person or a third party present in the dwelling place
Only if the person first demands that the trespasser terminates the criminal trespass and the trespasser fails to immediately comply with the demand unless the person reasonably believes that it would be dangerous to the person or a third person to make the demand

“Dwelling place” refers to a structure that is adapted for overnight accommodation of persons or sections of any structure similarly adapted. A dwelling place does not include garages or other structures, whether adjacent or attached to the dwelling place, that is used solely for the storage of property or structures formerly used as dwelling places that are uninhabitable.

“Premises” includes, but is not limited to, lands, private ways, and any buildings or structures thereon.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

A person is justified in using a reasonable degree of non-deadly force upon another person in order to defend the person or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful, non-deadly force by such another person, and the person may use a degree of such force that the person reasonably believes to be necessary for such purpose. However, such force is not justifiable if:

The person provoked the use of unlawful, non-deadly force by the other person
The person was the initial aggressor unless the person withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to such other person the intent to do so, but the other person continues the use or threat of unlawful, non-deadly force
The force involved was the product of a combat by agreement not authorized by law

A person is justified in using deadly force upon another person:

When the person reasonably believes it necessary and reasonably believes such other person is:

About to use unlawful, deadly force against the person or a third party
Committing or about to commit a kidnapping, robbery, or sexual assault against the person or a third party

However, a person is not justified in using deadly force if he or she provoked the encounter or knows that he or she or the third party can, with complete safety:

Retreat from the encounter (except that the person or the third party is not required to retreat if the person or the third party is in the person’s dwelling place and was not the initial aggressor)
Surrender property to the person
Comply with a demand that the person abstains from performing an act that the person is not obliged to perform

Maine Gun Laws by Statute

It is vitally important for all Maine firearms owners to remember that firearms laws can and do change. As a result, legislators or law enforcement agencies may alter any regulations listed below at any time. Current and prospective CC licensees should regularly visit the attorney general’s website for the latest information.

Contact us today at (207) 241-4437 or email to discuss your concealed carry Maine permit educational needs.

Quick Links

MAINE CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY - THE BASICS

QUESTION

ANSWER

What States Have Reciprocity with Maine?

Maine issues firearm permits for reciprocity purposes. Resident permits issued by the following states will be recognized in Maine, and Maine permits held by Maine residents will be recognized in these states; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Which States’ Permits Does Maine Honor?

The state of Maine honors the permits of all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico.

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Maine

Maine offers resident and non-resident permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors Maine resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents). These states include Arizona, Alaska, Florida (resident only), Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan (resident only), Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota (resident only), Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Does Maine recognize constitutional carry?

Many people want to know, “Can you carry a gun in Maine without a permit?” and the answer is yes, Maine is a permitless carry state.

Is open carry permitted in Maine?

Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 21 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.

If Maine requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

Maine is a shall-issue state. Shall issue means that as long as an applicant passes the basic requirements set out by state law, the issuing authority county sheriff or police department is compelled to issue a permit.

What is the minimum age in Maine to get a concealed carry license?

Any person 18 years or older can carry with a Maine Permit to Carry Concealed Handguns or a permit from a state that Maine recognizes. Any active duty member of the military or honorably discharged 18 years old minimum is allowed to carry a concealed handgun.

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Maine with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

No. You are not allowed to carry concealed weapons that are not handguns.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Maine?

Yes. It is legal in Maine to purchase and possess stun guns and tasers without a permit. They are allowed to be used in defense of a person or that person’s dwelling place.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Maine?

Yes. It is legal to purchase and use disabling chemicals in Maine. They are allowed to be used to defend a person, premises, retaking property, preventing that taking, or preventing criminal mischief.

Does Maine have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No. Maine does not restrict magazine capacity for handguns.

Does Maine have ammunition restrictions?

Yes. Armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN MAINE

QUESTION

ANSWER

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Maine?

Yes.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Maine?

Yes.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Maine?

Yes, although open carry is prohibited in state parks.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Maine?

Yes, as long as you are not under the influence or unless posted.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Maine?

Not if the hotel owner prohibits it. Hotels have their own policies and procedures so you should contact the hotel to find out.

Does Maine have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

As long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible, an employer or an agent of an employer may not prohibit an employee who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm from keeping a firearm in their vehicle.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN MAINE

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Maine?

Yes, you have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm in Maine if you are carrying without a permit. No, if you are concealed carrying with a permit.

Are "No Weapons Allowed? signs enforced in Maine? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

Yes. If entering a location that is clearly posted, they are guilty of criminal trespassing.

Does Maine have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes. All gun laws are under state preemption.

Does Maine have a red flag law?

No.

Does Maine state law define brandishing?

No, Maine law has no definition of brandishing. However, no one is permitted to display a firearm, slungshot, knuckles, bowie knife, dirk, stiletto, or another dangerous or deadly weapon usually in the attack on or defense of a person in a threatening manner.

Does Maine have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

It is not permitted to conceal carry a firearm in a licensed establishment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a combination of alcohol or drugs, or with an excessive level of alcohol (BAC of 0.08 or greater).

Does Maine issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

Yes. Maine allows non-resident permitting.

Does Maine allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No. The public has no access to Maine’s concealed carry registry.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN MAINE

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Maine?

A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in Maine.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Maine?

No. Private firearms transfers do not require a background check. However, federal guidelines still apply.

Does my current Maine concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

No.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Maine?

Yes, as of August 2024 there is a 72-hour waiting period for purchasing a firearm in Maine.

Do handguns need to be registered in Maine?

Gun owners are not required to register their handguns in Maine.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Maine?

You must be at least 18 years old to transport or concealed carry in Maine.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in Maine without a license?

Yes, permitless carry is allowed for anyone meeting the legal requirements in Maine.

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in Maine

Quick Links

MAINE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Maine

Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Not be prohibited by state law from possessing a firearm
Demonstrate to the issuing authority knowledge of handgun safety
Be of good moral character (the issuing authority will make this determination based on past evidence recorded through government entities within the last 5 years)
Not have been convicted in a Maine court of a violation of possession of firearms in an establishment licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor within the past 5 years
Not have been the subject of an investigation by any law enforcement agency regarding the alleged abuse of a family or household members within the past 5 years
Not have been convicted in any jurisdiction within the past 5 years of 3 or more crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment of less than 1 year or of crimes classified under the laws of a state as a misdemeanor and punishable by a term of imprisonment of 2 years or less
Not have engaged within the past 5 years in reckless or negligent conduct that has been the subject of an investigation by a governmental entity
Not have been convicted in a Maine court of any drug crime within the past 5 years
Meet federal law requirements

Fees:

New permits $35

Renewals $20

$2 for duplicates, change of address, or name changes.

Valid For:

4 years

Processing Time:

30 days for a resident of 5 or more years and 60 days for nonresidents or residents of less than 5 years.

Applications:

Download and complete the following application form.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Non-residents use the same process as residents with this non-resident application.

Name & Address Changes:

You must notify local authorities of changes of address within 30 days of moving. Waiting more than 30 days will make your permit invalid and you must start again as a new applicant at full cost. If you currently hold a valid firearm permit issued through the Maine State Police (MSP):

If you move to another address in the same town, you can call the MSP and update your address over the phone; you do not need to send any money and you will not receive a new permit; if you want a new permit reflecting your new address in the same town, send in page one of the application, filled out completely, and include a check/money order for $2.00 payable to Treasurer, State of Maine.
If you move to another town in which the MSP is still the Issuing Authority, you must fill out page one of the resident application or non-resident application completely and send it in with a check/money order for $2.00.
If your current valid permit has been issued from an Issuing Authority other than the MSP – a police department or the town’s selectmen – and you move to a town in which the Maine State Police is the Issuing Authority, you must fill out the complete resident application packet, even the authority to release information pages at the back of the packet, and send it to the MSP with a check/money order for $2.00. Note: The MSP requires a photo, a copy of your birth certificate, a copy of your current concealed carry permit, and a copy of a handgun safety certificate. Normally the handgun safety certificate must be less than 5 years old, but in this instance only, it does not have to be; it can be more than 5 years old.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

Contact your local State Police Office.

Residency Changes:

Maine issues resident and non-resident permits. You can apply as a resident once you have a voter’s registration card, a Maine driver’s license, or a state ID. If a person with a Maine permit to carry concealed handguns establishes residency in another state, the permit is valid provided the procedures are followed for changing name and address.

MAINE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Read Maine’s Laws related to Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns.

Step Two:

Download and complete the application (link to the application in the previous section).

Step Three:

Mail your completed application to the state police, or deliver in person. You will need the following:

A completed application for a concealed carry permit
Two “Authority to Release Information” forms
A valid copy of a birth certificate or INS document
One 2-inch by 2-inch color passport photograph
A copy of a certificate which has been issued within the past 5 years that shows proof of knowledge of handgun safety
Any necessary copies of CCW permits issued by other states or municipalities within Maine
A valid copy of the DD-214 form for members of the Armed Forces; and
The appropriate fees.

Step Four:

You will be notified within 30 days whether your application has been approved or denied.

MAINE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Step One:

You must submit your application for a concealed carry permit renewal 6 months prior to expiration of your current CC permit. If you’re a current resident, download the resident application renewal form. If you’re a non-resident, download this form.

Step Two:

Mail your completed application to the state police, or deliver to your local police station in-person. You will need the following:

An application for a concealed carry permit
Two “Authority to Release Information” forms
One 2-inch by 2-inch color passport photograph
Any necessary copies of CCW permits issued by other states or municipalities within Maine
A valid copy of the DD-214 form for members of the Armed Forces
The appropriate fees.

Step Three:

You will be notified when your application is approved.

Get Certified for a Maine Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Maine. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Maine concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

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