Maine Gun Laws

Maine permits a person 21 or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm — or a person 18 or older who is on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard or has been honorably discharged — to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Effective October 15, 2015 (PL 2015, ch. 327).

"A handgun carried by a person who is 21 years of age or older and is not otherwise prohibited from carrying a firearm or is 18 years of age or older and under 21 years of age and is on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard or is an honorably discharged veteran."

25 M.R.S. § 2001-A(2)(A-1) statute

The Maine State Police's official summary confirms that PL 2015 ch. 327 (LD 652) took effect October 15, 2015, allows a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, and also authorizes carrying a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle, trailer, or other vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle.

"Effective October 15, 2015, Public Law 2015, Chapter 327 (LD 652)... allows a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a concealed handgun in the State of Maine without a permit. This law also authorizes a person to possess a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle."

Maine Department of Public Safety — Summary of PL 2015, Chapter 327 (LD 652) ag

The optional Concealed Handgun Permit is issued by the chief of police of the applicant's municipality, the sheriff of the applicant's county (if the municipality has no chief of police), or the Chief of the State Police (for residents of unorganized territories, nonresidents, and active-duty military). Minimum age is 18; applicant must demonstrate good moral character and knowledge of handgun safety. The permit is valid for 4 years.

"All concealed handgun permits are valid for 4 years from the date of issue, unless sooner revoked."

25 M.R.S. § 2003 statute

The Maine State Police Weapons & Professional Licensing Unit processes concealed handgun permits for approximately 360 municipalities that do not issue locally; resident application fee is $50 and renewal is $35, nonresident fees are $80. Required documentation includes a passport-quality photo, proof of identity/citizenship, and documentation of handgun safety training.

"Concealed Carry in Maine"

Maine State Police — Concealed Carry in Maine ag

Maine has no statute requiring a permit to openly carry a handgun. The unlawful-carrying statute (§ 2001-A) reaches threatening display and concealed carry without permit; open carry by a person not federally prohibited has long been permitted without a permit.

"A person is guilty of the crime of threatening display of or carrying concealed weapon if... the person, in a threatening manner, displays in public any firearm... [or] wears under that person's clothes or conceals about that person's person any firearm."

25 M.R.S. § 2001-A statute

Maine's 2015 permitless-carry law expressly authorized a person to possess a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle, trailer, or other vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle. With permitless carry eligibility (21+, or 18+ military), no statutory restriction limits where in the vehicle a handgun may be carried — glove box, center console, and trunk are all permitted with the firearm loaded.

"This law also authorizes a person to possess a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle, trailer or other vehicle being hauled by a motor vehicle."

Maine Department of Public Safety — Summary of PL 2015, Chapter 327 (LD 652) ag

Maine's employer parking-lot statute protects employees who hold a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm from being prohibited by their employer from keeping a firearm in their personal vehicle on company property, provided the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible. Permitless carriers under § 2001-A(2)(A-1) are NOT covered by this protection. Employers receive civil-liability immunity unless they intentionally procured harmful actions.

"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 the employee's vehicle as long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible."

26 M.R.S. § 600 statute

Maine recognizes a concealed handgun permit issued by another state to its own resident only if that state recognizes Maine's resident concealed handgun permits. As of June 2026, that reciprocal list includes 23 states: AL, AK, AZ, DE, FL, GA, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NH, NC, ND, OH, OK, UT, VA, WY. Several reciprocal states impose additional conditions (e.g., 21+ age).

"Maine will recognize a concealed handgun permit issued by another state to its resident if that state recognizes Maine's resident concealed handgun permits."

Maine State Police — Concealed Handgun Reciprocity ag

Maine recognizes a limited castle doctrine: a person is not required to retreat before using deadly force against another person who has entered, attempted to enter, or surreptitiously remained in their dwelling without license or privilege, when deadly force is reasonably believed necessary to prevent infliction of bodily harm. The exception applies only in the person's dwelling place and only if the person was not the initial aggressor.

"the person or the 3rd person is not required to retreat if the person or the 3rd person is in the person's dwelling place and was not the initial aggressor."

17-A M.R.S. § 108(2)(C) statute

Maine is NOT a stand-your-ground state. Under § 108(2), a person may not use deadly force in self-defense if the person knows that he or a third person can retreat from the encounter with complete safety. The only carve-out is being in one's own dwelling and not the initial aggressor.

"A person is not justified in using deadly force as provided in paragraph A if... [the person] knows that the person or a 3rd person can, with complete safety: Retreat from the encounter."

17-A M.R.S. § 108(2) statute

Unlike most permitless-carry states, Maine imposes a statutory duty on permitless concealed-handgun carriers to immediately inform any law enforcement officer of the fact that they are carrying a concealed handgun upon first contact during any arrest, detainment, or routine traffic stop. The duty applies only to those carrying WITHOUT a valid Maine concealed handgun permit.

"When an individual who is carrying a concealed handgun pursuant to the authority of this chapter and who does not have a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun... first comes into contact with any law enforcement officer... that individual shall immediately inform that law enforcement officer of the fact that the individual is carrying a concealed handgun."

25 M.R.S. § 2003-A statute

It is a Class E crime to possess a firearm on public school property or property of an approved private school, or to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of public school property, subject to limited exceptions for law enforcement, supervised educational programs, unloaded-firearm storage in vehicles for hunter's breakfasts, and school-operated ranges.

"A person may not possess a firearm on public school property or the property of an approved private school or discharge a firearm within 500 feet of public school property."

20-A M.R.S. § 6552 statute

Possession of a firearm in a courthouse is a Class D crime. Limited exceptions cover law enforcement, corrections officers performing official duties, persons presenting unloaded firearms as evidence with prior written judicial approval, and approved security/courier service employees. Holding a valid Maine concealed handgun permit is not a defense.

"It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the person holds a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun."

17-A M.R.S. § 1058 statute

A person commits a Class D crime by possessing a firearm in an establishment licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor that is posted to prohibit firearms, or by possessing a firearm in such an establishment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A conviction under § 1057 disqualifies the person from applying for or holding a concealed handgun permit for 5 years.

"Any person convicted of violating section 1057 is not eligible to obtain or apply for a permit to carry a concealed handgun for 5 years from the date of the conviction."

17-A M.R.S. § 1057 statute

Maine state parks and Acadia National Park require a valid Maine concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on the property; permitless carriers may not carry in state parks or in Acadia. Open carry in state parks is not permitted under any circumstance.

"Acadia National Park (Maine permit required; 12 M.R.S. §756); State Parks (Permit required; open carry not permitted; 12 M.R.S. § 1803(7))."

12 M.R.S. § 1803(7) (state parks); 12 M.R.S. § 756 (Acadia) ag

The Maine State Capitol area is a firearm-prohibited zone under 25 M.R.S. § 2904 and DPS Rule Chapter 41, regardless of permit status.

"State Capitol area (25 M.R.S. § 2904 & DPS Rule Chapter 41)"

25 M.R.S. § 2904 (State Capitol area) ag

Federal law makes it a crime (up to 1 year imprisonment) to knowingly possess or cause to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal court facility), with limited exceptions for authorized personnel and certain lawful purposes. This applies in Maine independent of state law.

"Except as provided in subsection (d), whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both."

18 U.S.C. § 930(a) (federal) secondary

Effective August 9, 2024, a private (non-dealer) seller who sells a firearm at a gun show or pursuant to an advertisement must facilitate the transaction through a federally licensed firearms dealer who runs a NICS background check on the buyer; the dealer may charge a reasonable fee. Violations are a Class C crime. Sales between family members and certain curio/relic and antique-firearm transfers are exempt. Enacted by PL 2023 ch. 675 (LD 2224).

"PL 2023, c. 675, §6 (NEW)."

15 M.R.S. § 395 statute

Federal law requires a federally licensed dealer to sell handguns only to buyers 21 or older and long guns only to buyers 18 or older. Maine imposes no additional state purchase-age minimum beyond federal law for FFL sales; private in-state transfers between unlicensed individuals are not governed by these federal minimums.

"A licensee may not sell a handgun to anyone under the age of 21. A licensee may not sell a long gun to anyone under the age of 18."

18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) (federal) atf

Maine does not require firearm registration. State law expressly prohibits any state agency or political subdivision from keeping a comprehensive registry of privately owned firearms or their owners.

"a government agency of this State or a political subdivision of this State may not keep or cause to be kept a comprehensive registry of privately owned firearms and the owners of those firearms within its jurisdiction."

25 M.R.S. § 2014 statute

Maine's distinctive 'yellow flag' weapons restriction law (enacted 2019, amended 2024) requires that, after law enforcement takes a person into protective custody, a medical practitioner must assess whether the person presents a likelihood of foreseeable harm before a judicial officer may endorse a restriction on weapons possession. This differs from typical red-flag laws by mandating a medical evaluation step.

"a medical practitioner shall assess whether the person presents a likelihood of foreseeable harm."

34-B M.R.S. § 3862-A (yellow flag) statute

On November 4, 2025, Maine voters approved Question 2 with approximately 62.9% in favor, enacting a true red-flag law layered on top of the existing yellow flag. The new law allows family or household members (in addition to law enforcement) to petition a court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order without requiring the medical-practitioner evaluation; a court must hold a hearing within 14 days and may order weapons confiscation for up to one year. The law took effect approximately February 22, 2026.

"Do you want to allow courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having dangerous weapons if law enforcement, family, or household members show that the person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or others?"

Maine Question 2 (November 2025) — Extreme Risk Protection Orders Initiative secondary

Maine has no state assault-weapon ban. The state firearms preemption statute (§ 2011) bars political subdivisions from adopting their own regulations of firearm ownership, sale, transfer, possession, bearing, or use.

"The State intends to occupy and preempt the entire field of legislation concerning the regulation of firearms, components, ammunition and supplies."

25 M.R.S. § 2011 (preemption); no state AWB statute

Maine imposes no statewide magazine-capacity limit on firearms; preemption bars local restrictions. A separate 6-round limit applies under hunting rules to certain firearms used while taking game, but that is a hunting regulation rather than a possession limit.

"The State intends to occupy and preempt the entire field of legislation concerning the regulation of firearms, components, ammunition and supplies."

25 M.R.S. § 2011 (preemption); no capacity statute statute

Suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and machine guns are regulated under the federal National Firearms Act and require ATF registration. Maine does not separately prohibit suppressors, SBRs, or SBSs at the state level; suppressors are legal for hunting under Maine law.

"The National Firearms Act (NFA) imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms and mandates the registration of those firearms."

26 U.S.C. ch. 53 (National Firearms Act) / ATF atf

Maine preempts the entire field of firearm regulation: political subdivisions may not adopt ordinances concerning the sale, purchase, transfer, ownership, use, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration, or taxation of firearms. Limited carve-outs exist for ordinances that mirror state law, for regulating discharge within the jurisdiction, and for emergency-power firearm protections enacted in 2011.

"Political subdivisions cannot adopt regulations concerning the sale, purchase, purchase delay, transfer, ownership, use, possession, bearing, transportation, licensing, permitting, registration, taxation or any other matter pertaining to firearms."

25 M.R.S. § 2011 statute

The codified 72-hour waiting-period statute (created by PL 2023 ch. 678 / LD 2238, effective August 9, 2024) prohibits a seller from knowingly delivering a firearm to a buyer sooner than 72 hours after the purchase agreement. The waiting period runs concurrent with any background-check waiting period required by federal or state law. Exemptions cover sales to law enforcement, FFL dealers, family members, licensed curio/relic collectors, antique firearms, and transactions where no background check is required.

"A seller may not knowingly deliver a firearm to a buyer pursuant to an agreement sooner than 72 hours after the agreement."

25 M.R.S. § 2016 statute

Effective October 15, 2015, Maine enacted permitless carry via PL 2015 ch. 327 (LD 652), allowing eligible adults to carry a concealed handgun without a permit and to possess a loaded pistol or revolver while in a motor vehicle.

"Effective October 15, 2015, Public Law 2015, Chapter 327 (LD 652)... allows a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry a concealed handgun in the State of Maine without a permit."

PL 2015, Chapter 327 (LD 652) ag

Signed by Governor Mills on April 26, 2024, PL 2023 ch. 675 (LD 2224) — 'An Act to Strengthen Public Safety by Improving Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System' — strengthened the yellow flag protection-from-restricted-weapons-possession system and created 15 M.R.S. § 395 requiring NICS-facilitated background checks for advertised private sales and gun-show sales (effective August 9, 2024).

"An Act to Strengthen Public Safety by Improving Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System."

PL 2023, Chapter 675 (LD 2224) statute

PL 2023 ch. 678 (LD 2238) created a 72-hour waiting period (codified at 25 M.R.S. § 2016) between an agreement to purchase a firearm and the seller's delivery to the buyer, effective August 9, 2024. The waiting period runs concurrent with any background check time and carries civil fines of $200-$500 for first violation, $500-$1,000 for subsequent violations. Exemptions include LEOs, corrections officers, security guards, dealer-to-dealer sales, family members, curio/relic transfers between licensed collectors, and antique firearms. Governor Mills allowed the bill to become law without her signature.

"A seller may not knowingly deliver a firearm to a buyer pursuant to an agreement sooner than 72 hours after the agreement. This 72-hour waiting period is concurrent with any waiting period imposed by any background check process required by federal or state law."

PL 2023, Chapter 678 (LD 2238) ag

On April 3, 2026, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit reversed a preliminary injunction and upheld Maine's 72-hour waiting period law, holding that laws regulating the purchase or acquisition of firearms do not target conduct covered by the Second Amendment's plain text. Enforcement of the waiting period resumed on April 24, 2026.

"Beckwith v. Frey, No. 25-1160 (1st Cir. 2026)"

Beckwith v. Frey, No. 25-1160 (1st Cir. Apr. 3, 2026) court

On November 4, 2025, Maine voters approved Question 2 (approximately 62.9% yes) creating a true extreme risk protection order law layered on top of the existing yellow flag system. Family or household members and law enforcement may petition a court for an ERPO without requiring the medical-practitioner assessment that yellow flag requires. The new law took effect approximately February 22, 2026.

"Mainers pass Question 2, enacting red-flag gun law."

Maine Question 2 (November 2025 ballot initiative) — ERPO / Red Flag Law secondary

On April 3, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit reversed a preliminary injunction and upheld Maine's 72-hour firearm purchase waiting period, holding that laws regulating the purchase or acquisition of firearms do not target conduct covered by the Second Amendment's plain text. Enforcement of the waiting period resumed on April 24, 2026.

Beckwith v. Frey, No. 25-1160 (1st Cir. Apr. 3, 2026)

On November 4, 2025, Maine voters approved Question 2 with approximately 62.9% yes, creating a true extreme risk protection order law layered on top of the existing yellow flag system. Family or household members and law enforcement may petition a court for an ERPO directly, without the medical-practitioner assessment that yellow flag requires. A hearing must occur within 14 days and an order may restrict weapons possession for up to one year. Effective approximately February 22, 2026.

Maine Question 2 (November 2025)

After the October 2023 Lewiston mass shooting, Governor Mills signed PL 2023 ch. 675 on April 26, 2024. It strengthened the yellow flag protection-from-restricted-possession system and created 15 M.R.S. § 395 requiring non-dealer sellers at gun shows or in response to advertisements to route the transfer through an FFL for a NICS background check. Family-member and certain curio/relic and antique transfers are exempt.

PL 2023, Chapter 675 (LD 2224)

Governor Mills allowed PL 2023 ch. 678 to become law without her signature. Codified at 25 M.R.S. § 2016, it requires that a seller wait at least 72 hours after the purchase agreement before delivering the firearm; the period runs concurrent with any background check. Civil fines apply ($200-$500 first offense; $500-$1,000 subsequent). Exemptions cover LEOs, corrections officers, security guards, FFL dealers, family members, antique firearms, and curio/relic transfers between licensed collectors.

PL 2023, Chapter 678 (LD 2238)

Governor Mills vetoed LD 2086, which would have updated Maine's machine-gun definition to include conversion devices such as bump stocks and align with federal law. Mills cited concern that certain language risked unintentionally reaching weapons used for hunting or target shooting. Maine therefore has no state-level bump-stock ban; federal regulations still apply.

LD 2086 (131st Legis., vetoed 2024-04-29 by Gov. Mills)

Maine enacted permitless concealed carry: a person 21 or older not federally prohibited (or 18+ with active or honorably discharged military service) may carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The law also expressly authorized loaded handgun possession while in a motor vehicle.

PL 2015, Chapter 327 (LD 652)