Maine Concealed Carry Firearm Laws

Maine: Gun Laws Summary

As a shall-issue, permitless carry state, Maine allows for both open and concealed carry without a permit. As long as an individual is at least 21 years old, or at least 18 and active duty or honorably discharged military, and can legally possess a firearm, they are allowed to carry openly or concealed. Maine also issues permits for reciprocity purposes. (source)

While there is no permit, background check or firearms registration required to buy a handgun from a private individual, Maine Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns (CCHs) require a state-approved firearms training course. These permits are issued to residents and non-residents who are at least 18 years old. Some areas are off-limits for concealed carry, including schools and courthouses. (source)

Self-Defense

Maine is a Castle Doctrine state, which means that an individual has no duty to retreat inside their dwelling place. (source)

Physical Force in Defense of a Person

Maine law states that a person is justified in using a reasonable degree of non-deadly force upon another person in order to defend themselves or a third party from what they reasonably believe to be the imminent use of unlawful, non-deadly force by such other person. (source)

Deadly force is justified when a person reasonably believes it necessary and reasonably believes that the other person is about to use unlawful, deadly force against them or a third party, or committing or about to commit a kidnapping, robbery, or sexual assault against them or a third party. (source)

Use of Force in Defense of Premises

A person who is in possession or control of premises or is licensed or privileged to be there is justified in using non-deadly force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent or terminate the commission of a criminal trespass by such other person in or upon such premises. Deadly force is justified when the person reasonably believes that such other person has entered or is attempting to enter 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. (source)

Maine: Gun Laws at a Glance


Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Maine?	Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. They may be used in defense of a person or that person’s dwelling place.[17-A Me. Rev. Stat. 41 § 1004]
Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Maine?	Yes, disabling chemicals can be used to defend a person, premises, retaking property, preventing that taking or preventing criminal mischief.[17-A Me. Rev. Stat. 41 § 1002]
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.[Me. Stat., 17-A § 1056]
Does Maine allow permitless carry?	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 permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued?	Maine is a shall-issue state.
What is the minimum age in Maine to get a concealed carry permit?	Any person 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm is allowed to concealed carry. Anyone at least 18 years old can carry with a Maine Permit to Carry Concealed Handguns or a permit from a state that Maine recognizes. In addition, any active duty member of the military or honorably discharged at least 18 years of age may carry a concealed handgun.
Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Maine with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)?	No. You are not allowed to carry concealed weapons that are not handguns.

Maine: Carry Locations


Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Maine?	Yes. You can concealed carry in a vehicle without a permit in Maine. [25 Me. Rev. Stat. 2001-A(3)(D)]
Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Maine?	Yes. You may carry concealed at roadside rest areas in Maine. [25 Me. Rev. Stat. 2001-A(3)(D)]
Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Maine?	Yes, with a permit in state or national parks and state or national forests. Permitless carry is not allowed. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Maine. [State Park Rule 20(b) and Title 12 Me Rev. Stat. 220, §1803(7) ] Anyone may carry concealed in Maine WMAs. A permit is not required.
Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Maine?	Yes, unless posted and provided you are not under the influence. [17-A Me. Rev. Stat. 43, § 1057]
Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Maine?	An innkeeper or campground owner may eject from a hotel, lodging house or campground, or may refuse or deny any accommodations, facilities or privileges to any person the innkeeper or campground owner reasonably believes is bringing in firearms. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it’s concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information. [Me. Stat., 30-A § 3838(3)]
Does Maine have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?	An employer or an agent of an employer may not prohibit an employee who has a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun from keeping a firearm in the employee’s vehicle as long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible. [26 Me. Rev. Stat. 7 §600]

Maine: Key State Laws


Can the public access Maine’s concealed carry registry?	No. The public has no access to Maine’s concealed carry registry. [25 Me. Rev. Stat. 252 § 2003-A]
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. [25 Me. Rev. Stat. 252 § 2003-A]
Does Maine have preemption laws related to concealed carry?	Yes. There is full state preemption of all gun laws. [25 Me. Rev. Stat. 252-A, § 2011]
Does Maine have a red flag law?	No. Maine does not have any Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) laws.
Does Maine issue concealed carry permits to non-residents?	Yes. Maine allows non-resident permitting.
Is violating a “no firearms” sign considered a criminal offense in Maine?	Yes. A person is guilty of criminal trespass if they enter a location that is clearly posted. In addition, a person is guilty of criminal possession of a firearm if they possess a firearm in an establishment licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor that is clearly posted to prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms or while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs or with an excessive alcohol level. [Me. Rev. Stat. 17, § 402.1.C] [17-A Me. Rev. Stat. 43, § 1057]
Is a Maine driver’s license linked to a Maine carry permit?	No. A Maine driver’s license is not linked to a Maine permit to carry a concealed handgun, unless it is requested by the permit holder. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder immediately when they run your driver’s license.
Does Maine state law define brandishing?	No definition of brandishing was found in Maine law. A person may not display in a threatening manner a firearm, slungshot, knuckles, bowie knife, dirk, stiletto or other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person. [25 Me. Rev. Stat. § 2001-A]
Are there laws in Maine regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs?	Not while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or a combination of liquor and drugs or with an excessive alcohol level (BAC of 0.08 or greater) in a licensed establishment. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences. [17-A Me. Rev. Stat. 43, § 1057]

Maine: Handgun Purchase and Possession


Minimum Age for Handgun Possession and Transportation	You must be at least 18 years old to concealed carry in Maine. [17A Me. Rev. Stat. 23 §554-B]
Permitless Carry in Home	Yes. Permitless carry is allowed for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in Maine.
Permit Requirement for Handgun Purchase	No. A permit is not required for the purchase of a firearm in Maine.
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales	No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. [List of Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs)]
Concealed Carry Permit and Background Check Exemption	No.
Handgun Waiting Period	No. There is no waiting period to buy a handgun in Maine.
Handgun Registration	No. Gun owners are not required to register their handguns in Maine.