Maine operates as a permitless carry state where eligible adults can carry concealed handguns without government permission. Since October 15, 2015, when the state enacted constitutional carry legislation through Public Law 2015, Chapter 327, residents and non-residents aged 21 or older who are not prohibited from possessing firearms may carry concealed without obtaining a permit.
Despite permitless carry being the default legal framework, Maine maintains an optional shall-issue permit system governed by 25 M.R.S. Chapter 252. These permits serve specific purposes including reciprocity with other states, access to restricted locations like state parks, and compliance with federal regulations. Understanding both the permitless framework and the permit system is essential for anyone carrying a firearm in Maine.
This guide provides accurate, statute-based information for Maine residents, non-residents, and visitors. Laws change, and this overview should not substitute for verification with official state sources or consultation with qualified legal counsel.
Is Concealed Carry Legal in Maine?
Maine is a permitless carry state, also known as constitutional carry. Any person 21 years of age or older who is not prohibited from possessing firearms may carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a government-issued permit.
An important exception exists for younger adults with military service. Individuals between 18 and 20 years old may carry concealed without a permit if they are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard, or have been honorably discharged from military service. This military exception recognizes the firearms training and responsibility demonstrated through service.
The permitless carry framework applies equally to Maine residents and non-residents. A visitor from another state has the same permitless carry rights as a Maine resident, provided they meet the age and eligibility requirements. There are no residency requirements for permitless carry in Maine.
Individuals carrying without a permit have one critical legal duty: they must immediately inform any law enforcement officer upon contact during a routine stop, detention, or arrest that they are carrying a concealed handgun. This duty to inform is mandatory and applies regardless of whether the officer asks.
Concealed Carry Permits in Maine
While no permit is required for concealed carry, Maine continues to issue optional Permits to Carry Concealed Handgun through a shall-issue system. These permits provide specific advantages that permitless carriers do not have.
Permit Benefits
Maine concealed handgun permits allow holders to:
- Carry concealed in other states that recognize Maine permits through reciprocity agreements
- Carry concealed in Maine state parks where permitless carry is prohibited
- Carry a handgun during archery deer hunting season
- Store a handgun in their vehicle on employer premises (vehicle must be locked and firearm not visible)
- Carry concealed in Acadia National Park (resident permit holders only, or non-residents with permits from reciprocal states)
Issuing Authority
The Chief of the State Police, municipal officers, or designated local chief of police issue permits depending on the applicant's municipality. The Maine State Police issues permits for approximately 360 municipalities statewide. Applicants should verify which authority handles permits for their location before applying.
Application Requirements
Applicants must be 18 years or older and not disqualified from possessing firearms under state or federal law. The issuing authority must grant a permit to any applicant who demonstrates good moral character and meets statutory criteria.
In evaluating "good moral character," the issuing authority may only consider government records from the preceding five years, including incidents of family or household abuse, three or more misdemeanor convictions, juvenile adjudications involving conduct punishable by less than one year imprisonment, reckless or negligent conduct, or convictions for drug possession or trafficking offenses.
Training Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate handgun safety knowledge by providing proof of completing an approved firearms safety course within the previous five years. Acceptable courses include training offered by or under the supervision of law enforcement agencies or certified firearms instructors recognized by private firearms associations.
Alternatively, applicants may personally demonstrate handgun safety knowledge to the issuing authority if that authority offers this option. The waiver for military training applies—individuals with basic training or active duty service meet the training requirement without additional coursework.
Fees and Validity
Resident permits cost $35 for new applications and $50 for renewals. Non-resident permits cost $80 for both new applications and renewals. Active duty military members who are Maine residents must apply through the Maine State Police regardless of their municipality.
All permits remain valid for four years from the date of issuance. Permit holders who renew within six months after expiration receive a new permit that extends from the prior expiration date rather than the renewal date.
Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited in Maine
Maine law establishes specific locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for those carrying under permitless provisions. Violations can result in criminal charges.
Statutory Prohibited Locations
Firearms are prohibited in the following locations under Maine law:
Courthouses: Carrying in any courthouse is prohibited under 17-A M.R.S. § 1058 with no permit exception.
Schools: Possession on public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school property is prohibited under 20-A M.R.S. § 6552 with limited exceptions for authorized law enforcement and specific educational purposes.
State Parks: Firearms are prohibited in state parks under 12 M.R.S. § 1803(6)-(7) and Bureau of Parks and Lands Rules, Chapter 1. However, permit holders may carry concealed in state parks—open carry remains prohibited even with a permit.
Acadia National Park: Firearms possession requires either a Maine resident concealed handgun permit or a resident permit from a state that Maine recognizes under reciprocity provisions (12 M.R.S. § 756).
State Capitol Area: Carrying in the state capitol and surrounding restricted area is prohibited under 25 M.R.S. § 2904 and Department of Public Safety Rule Chapter 41.
Federal Buildings: Federal law prohibits firearms in federal facilities under 18 U.S.C. § 930, including courthouses, post offices, and Social Security offices.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Firearms are prohibited in designated wildlife sanctuaries listed in 12 M.R.S. § 12707.
Labor Disputes: Carrying firearms during labor disputes or strikes is prohibited under 32 M.R.S. § 9412(5).
Baxter State Park and Allagash Wilderness Waterway: These areas prohibit firearms under their own administrative rules separate from general state law.
Establishments Licensed for Alcohol Consumption
Establishments licensed for on-premises liquor consumption may prohibit concealed carry if they post appropriate signage. These posted prohibitions carry legal force—entering while armed after seeing a prohibition sign is unlawful.
Regardless of signage, carrying a firearm in any establishment licensed for on-premises alcohol consumption while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs is illegal under 17-A M.R.S. § 1057.
Private Property
Property owners have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. While Maine does not have a specific statute governing signage requirements for private property beyond liquor-licensed establishments, property owners can enforce firearm prohibitions through trespass law.
A person who refuses to leave private property after being informed that firearms are prohibited may be charged with criminal trespass.
Permit Exceptions
A valid Maine concealed handgun permit allows carry in some otherwise restricted locations:
- State parks (concealed only, not open carry)
- Employee vehicles on employer premises (firearm locked and not visible, 26 M.R.S. § 600)
- During archery deer hunting season (12 M.R.S. § 11403)
- Acadia National Park (for resident permit holders or non-residents with reciprocal permits)
Concealed Carry Reciprocity in Maine
Maine's reciprocity system operates on a conditional basis tied to whether other states recognize Maine permits. This creates a more complex reciprocity landscape than states with broad recognition agreements.
Maine Recognition of Other States' Permits
Maine recognizes concealed carry permits issued by other states only if those states recognize Maine resident permits. This is a true reciprocal relationship—Maine will honor another state's permits only when that state honors Maine's permits.
The recognition applies specifically to resident permits from reciprocal states. If a state issues both resident and non-resident permits, Maine recognizes only that state's resident permits. A non-resident permit from another state, even if that state has reciprocity with Maine, is not valid for carry in Maine.
Visitors carrying under reciprocity must still comply with all Maine laws regarding prohibited locations, duty to inform law enforcement, and carry while intoxicated. Recognition of another state's permit does not exempt the holder from Maine's legal restrictions.
States That Recognize Maine Permits
Maine concealed handgun permits are recognized in numerous states with varying levels of reciprocity. However, recognition agreements change regularly, and some states impose restrictions on out-of-state permits that differ from their treatment of their own residents.
The Maine State Police maintains current reciprocity information on their website at maine.gov/dps/msp. Permit holders planning to travel should verify current reciprocity status and any specific requirements or restrictions imposed by destination states before traveling.
One-Way Recognition Complications
Some states may recognize Maine permits without Maine recognizing their permits in return, creating a one-way reciprocity relationship. Travelers should never assume symmetrical reciprocity exists between Maine and any other state without verification.
Each permit holder bears personal responsibility for determining whether their permit is valid in any state they travel through or to. State laws change frequently, and recognition agreements can expire or be modified with limited notice.
Federal Restrictions That Still Apply in Maine
Federal firearms laws apply throughout Maine regardless of state permitless carry provisions. These federal restrictions override state law and carry federal criminal penalties.
Federal Gun-Free Zones
The Gun-Free School Zones Act prohibits possessing firearms within 1,000 feet of school grounds unless the person holds a valid concealed carry permit from the state where the school is located. Maine concealed handgun permits satisfy this federal requirement, but permitless carriers do not have this exception.
Federal buildings including post offices, courthouses, Social Security offices, and military installations prohibit firearms under 18 U.S.C. § 930 with limited exceptions for law enforcement. No state permit or permitless carry provision overrides this federal ban.
Federal Prohibited Persons
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922 prohibits certain categories of people from possessing firearms, including those with felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanor convictions, dishonorable military discharges, individuals subject to restraining orders, fugitives, unlawful drug users, individuals adjudicated as mental defectives, and non-citizens without legal immigration status. Maine's permitless carry law does not change federal prohibitions.
A person who is federally prohibited from possessing firearms remains prohibited in Maine, even though no permit is required under state law. Federal prohibitions often exceed state prohibitions in scope.
Interstate Transportation
The Firearm Owners Protection Act provides "safe passage" provisions allowing travelers to transport firearms through states where they lack carry authorization, provided the firearm is unloaded and neither readily accessible from the passenger compartment nor in plain view. Maine's permitless carry provisions do not extend protection for interstate travel through other states.
Travelers leaving Maine should research the carry laws of all states they will travel through and ensure they comply with each state's requirements. Assuming Maine's permitless framework extends to other locations creates serious legal risk.
Recent Legal Changes or Trends
Maine's permitless carry framework has remained stable since its 2015 enactment. The most significant recent legal developments involve proposed legislation and administrative changes rather than major legal shifts.
October 2015 Constitutional Carry Implementation
Public Law 2015, Chapter 327 (LD 652) took effect on October 15, 2015, establishing Maine's current permitless carry system. This legislation eliminated the permit requirement for concealed carry while maintaining the optional permit system for those seeking reciprocity or enhanced carry privileges.
The law allowed loaded pistols and revolvers in motor vehicles for the first time without requiring permits. This change addressed previous restrictions that made vehicle carry impractical for permitless carriers.
2025 Legislative Proposal LD 829
During the 2025 legislative session, LD 829 proposed standardizing and expanding concealed carry privileges in state parks. The bill aimed to clarify permit holder access and potentially reduce restrictions. As of early 2026, this legislation has not been enacted, and current state park restrictions remain unchanged.
January 2026 Firearm Serialization Law
Maine enacted a new law requiring serial numbers on certain firearms effective January 2026. This legislation addresses privately manufactured firearms but does not affect concealed carry rights, permit requirements, or prohibited locations. It represents Maine's response to federal concerns about untraceable firearms rather than a change to carry laws.
Permit Fee Structure Changes
Maine updated permit fees in September 2024, establishing current rates of $35 for resident new applications, $50 for resident renewals, and $80 for non-resident new applications and renewals. These fees support the administrative costs of the permit program.
No Major Court Challenges
Maine's permitless carry law has not faced significant legal challenges or court rulings since implementation. The framework appears constitutionally stable, and enforcement practices have settled into consistent patterns. No pending litigation threatens to substantially alter the current legal landscape.
Common Misunderstandings About Concealed Carry in Maine
Several misconceptions about Maine's concealed carry laws persist among gun owners. Clarifying these misunderstandings prevents legal violations.
Misconception: All concealed carry requires a permit.
Maine has been a permitless carry state since October 2015 under 25 M.R.S. Chapter 252 as amended by P.L. 2015, c. 327. Eligible individuals 21 or older need no government permission for concealed carry.
Misconception: Anyone 18 or older can carry concealed without a permit.
The minimum age for permitless carry is 21 years old. The 18-20 age exception applies only to individuals currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard, or those honorably discharged from military service. Civilians aged 18-20 without military qualifications must obtain a permit to carry concealed.
Misconception: Permitless carriers have no duty to inform law enforcement.
Maine law requires anyone carrying concealed without a permit to immediately inform law enforcement officers upon any contact during a routine stop, detention, or arrest. This is a legal duty, not a courtesy. Permit holders do not have this duty to inform.
Misconception: Maine recognizes all concealed carry permits from all states.
Maine recognizes only resident permits from states that recognize Maine resident permits—this is true reciprocity. Non-resident permits from other states are not valid in Maine, even from reciprocal states. Maine's reciprocity framework is more restrictive than many people assume.
Misconception: Permitless carry means no restrictions on where you can carry.
Permitless carry does not override location-specific prohibitions. Courthouses, schools, federal buildings, posted bars, and numerous other locations remain off-limits. Some restricted locations allow permit holders to carry but not permitless carriers, such as state parks.
Practical Notes for Concealed Carriers in Maine
Beyond statutory requirements, several practical considerations affect how concealed carry functions in Maine.
Loaded Firearms in Vehicles
Maine law allows both permitless carriers and permit holders to possess loaded handguns in motor vehicles.
The firearm need not be concealed while in the vehicle. However, employees storing firearms in vehicles on employer premises must have a valid permit, keep the vehicle locked, and keep the firearm not visible from outside the vehicle under 26 M.R.S. § 600.
Interaction with Law Enforcement
The duty to inform applies only when law enforcement makes contact during a routine stop, detention, or arrest.
This duty does not require proactively approaching officers to announce carrying status in other contexts. The notification should be immediate and clear when contact occurs.
Permit holders have no duty to inform law enforcement under Maine law. However, maintaining a permit and carrying the permit card during armed carry can prevent misunderstandings during police encounters.
State Park Carry Logistics
State parks present the most common scenario where a permit provides access denied to permitless carriers.
Visitors planning to carry in state parks must obtain a permit in advance. The permit allows only concealed carry—open carry remains prohibited even with a permit. This restriction creates practical challenges for hiking and outdoor activities where concealment can be difficult.
Acadia National Park Special Rules
Acadia National Park operates under both federal National Park Service regulations and Maine-specific statutes.
While federal law allows firearms in national parks following state law, Maine statute 12 M.R.S. § 756 specifically requires a permit for Acadia. Out-of-state visitors must hold either a Maine resident permit or a resident permit from their home state if Maine recognizes that state's permits.
Bar and Restaurant Carry
Whether a restaurant or bar prohibits concealed carry depends on whether it holds an on-premises liquor consumption license and whether it posts a prohibition.
Many restaurants that serve alcohol do not hold licenses for on-premises consumption and cannot prohibit carry through signage. However, carrying while intoxicated is illegal in any establishment, regardless of signage or license status.
What States Does Maine Have Reciprocity With?
Maine maintains reciprocal recognition agreements with states that honor Maine resident concealed handgun permits. The number of reciprocal states exceeds 20, but the exact list changes as states modify their recognition policies.
Current reciprocity information is available on the Maine State Police website under the Weapons and Professional Licenses section.
The State Police updates this information as recognition agreements change. Because reciprocity agreements can be modified or expire with limited notice, travelers should verify current status within 30 days of travel.
States that recognize Maine permits may impose conditions that differ from how they treat their own residents. Age restrictions, location limitations, and specific requirements vary by state. Simply having a Maine permit recognized does not guarantee identical carry privileges to that state's residents.
Can I Carry a Gun in My Car in Maine?
Yes. Maine law allows any person who may legally possess a firearm to keep a loaded pistol or revolver in a motor vehicle. This provision applies to both permitless carriers and permit holders. The firearm may be concealed or visible inside the vehicle.
However, employees who wish to store firearms in vehicles on employer premises must hold a valid concealed handgun permit. The vehicle must be locked, and the firearm must not be visible from outside the vehicle under 26 M.R.S. § 600. This exception protects employees from termination or other adverse employment actions for exercising their right to keep firearms secured in personal vehicles on work property.
Vehicles driven into prohibited locations carry the same restrictions as individuals entering those locations. A firearm cannot be brought into school grounds, courthouses, or federal facilities merely because it remains in a vehicle. The vehicle's presence in the prohibited zone constitutes a violation.
Is Carrying a Gun Across State Lines Illegal?
Transporting firearms across state lines is legal under federal law when done in compliance with the Firearm Owners Protection Act's safe passage provisions and the laws of each state traveled through. Maine's permitless carry system provides no legal protection once travelers cross into other states.
Most states bordering Maine do not have permitless carry and do not recognize Maine's permitless carry right. Travelers must either obtain a Maine concealed handgun permit that destination states recognize through reciprocity, or ensure firearms are unloaded, cased, and inaccessible during travel through states where they lack carry authorization.
The safe passage provisions of the Firearm Owners Protection Act protect travelers transporting firearms from State A to State B through State C, provided the firearm is unloaded, not readily accessible from the passenger compartment, and legal in both the origin and destination states. However, safe passage does not authorize stopping for extended periods or carrying firearms outside vehicles in intermediate states.
Each state maintains independent authority over firearms carry within its borders. Understanding and complying with every state law along a travel route is the carrier's legal responsibility.
What Is the New Gun Law in Maine?
The most recent firearms legislation in Maine enacted a serialization requirement for privately manufactured firearms effective January 2026.
This law requires individuals manufacturing firearms for personal use to obtain serial numbers and mark their firearms. It addresses the "ghost gun" issue but does not affect concealed carry rights, permit requirements, or where firearms may be carried.
No new laws have recently changed Maine's concealed carry framework. The permitless carry system implemented in October 2015 remains Maine's current legal structure. Proposed legislation like LD 829 regarding state park carry has not been enacted as of early 2026.
Administrative updates to permit fees and procedural matters occur periodically, but these represent regulatory adjustments rather than substantive legal changes. The core concealed carry legal framework—permitless carry for those 21 and older, optional shall-issue permits, location-based restrictions, and reciprocity provisions—remains unchanged since 2015.
Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Maine concealed carry laws for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Firearms laws change frequently, and individual circumstances vary. Anyone with questions about their specific legal rights or obligations should consult qualified legal counsel or verify information with the Maine State Police or other official state sources. Carrying firearms involves serious legal responsibilities, and improper carry can result in criminal charges.
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