Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Maine

State

Carry allowed with Maine permit?

Yes

No

Yes, with Restrictions

Selected State

Maine Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

*Page Last Updated: March 5, 2024

Maine is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that allows both residents and non-residents to conceal or open carry with or without a CCW license.

In Maine, constitutional carry became legal in 2015, allowing anyone over the age of 21 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm to conceal carry without needing to obtain a permit. Those aged 18-20 who wish to conceal carry may do so with a CCW permit. Active duty members of the U.S. military and honorably discharged veterans are an exception to the permitless carry age requirement and are allowed to practice permitless carry at the age of 18 so long as they may legally do so. 

To qualify for a Maine concealed carry permit, you must be at least 18 years old; demonstrate knowledge of handgun safety; be of good moral character; and meet all federal requirements. There are also a number of factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a permit. 

In Maine, open carry is also legal for anyone over 21 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm. No permit is required for open carry in the state of Maine. 

To learn more about Maine concealed carry law, read state statutes here, visit the Maine State Police’s website, or contact state authorities. 

*Disclaimer: This Maine concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney.

Maine Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Issue Type

Shall issue

Constitutional Carry

Yes

Open Carry

Yes

Nonresident Permits

Yes

Enhanced Permits

No

Legal Age

18

Permit Valid

4 years

Legal to Conceal Weapons Other Than Handguns? 

No

Reciprocating States

23

States Honored

49

Duty to Inform

Maybe. There is no duty to inform if you have a CCW permit, but if you are practicing permitless carry, you must disclose you have a firearm. 

Castle Doctrine

Yes

Stand Your Ground

No

Issuing Agency

Department of Public Safety through the Maine State Police

Maine Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Maine Concealed Carry Reciprocity States

Maine allows permitless carry, meaning anyone 21 years or older can conceal carry in the state with or without a license – regardless of their state of residence – so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm. 

Which States is a Maine CCW Honored In?

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states offer Maine concealed carry reciprocityPlease note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Maine CCW reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

  • 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*
  • Wyoming

Can I Carry a Gun Without a Permit in Maine?

Yes. Maine became a constitutional carry state on October 15, 2015, allowing anyone 21 years of age or older to conceal carry without a permit so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm. Additionally, those actively serving in the U.S. military, or were honorably discharged, can conceal carry without a permit at the age of 18.

How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit in Maine: Requirements

To obtain a Maine Concealed Handgun Permit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of handgun safety.  

  • Be of good moral character. 

  • Meet all federal requirements.

There are also certain factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a Maine CCW. 

  • Having been convicted in a Maine court for illegally possessing a firearm in an establishment licensed for on-premise consumption of alcohol within the past 5 years. 

  • Be the subject of a domestic violence investigation in the past 5 years. 

  • Having been investigated for reckless or negligent conduct within the past 5 years. 

  • Having been convicted in a Maine court for any drug crime in the past 5 years. 

  • Certain other criminal convictions. 

For a full, detailed list of concealed carry eligibility requirements in the state of Maine, visit the Maine State Police’s website

Maine Concealed Carry: Non-resident Laws

Maine honors concealed carry permits from every U.S. state. However, regardless of your CCL status, non-residents may conceal carry under the Maine constitutional carry law, as long as they are legally eligible to do so. Additionally, Maine concealed carry permits are issued to non-residents who qualify under the same conditions.

Is Maine an Open Carry State?

Yes. In Maine, open carry is legal for anyone at least 21 years old who is legally permitted to possess a handgun. No permit is required for open carry in Maine. 

Where CAN’T You Conceal Carry in Maine? 

Even with a concealed carry permit, some locations are off-limits to concealed carry in Maine, including schools; courthouses; the State Capitol area; establishments licensed for on-site consumption of liquor; wildlife sanctuaries; labor disputes and strikes; Baxter State Park; Allagash Wilderness Waterway; private property on which firearms are prohibited by the owner; and any place where firearms or concealed carry is federally prohibited. 

Where Can I Learn More About Maine Concealed Carry Laws? 

You can visit the Maine State Police’s website for the most up-to-date information on permit eligibility or to apply for a Maine CCW. For the official laws regarding Maine concealed carry reciprocity and regulations, you can read state statutes here.

This reciprocity map is provided for informational purposes only. Any activity involving firearms is potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, serious injury, disabling injury or death. All firearms must be handled in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable law. The author disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, misuse of, or misinterpretation of information contained in this reciprocity map.