Law Summary
Last reviewed: May 3, 2026
Constitutional Carry
Yes. Both residents and non-residents 21+ may carry concealed without a permit.
Open Carry
Lawful
Permit honored in
29 states
Maine honors
28 states
Maine Gun Laws
Reciprocity of Maine's Basic Resident Permit
Permit honored
Permitless carry
Not honored
Open Carry
Lawful
Duty to Notify Law Enforcement
If permitted there is no duty to notify until asked. If carrying under constitutional carry one must notify upon official contact.
State Parks
Carry in State Parks and Acadia National Park is legal ONLY with an honored permit. Open carry is not permitted.
Restaurants Serving Alcohol
Concealed Carry lawful if not posted otherwise
Firearms at Colleges
Schools individually decide the weapons policy.
Firearms at K-12 Schools
Firearm possession fully prohibited
Church Carry
Churches act like any other private property and may restrict
on a church by church basis
on a church by church basis
Hotels
No legal restriction - Reference article on page 67
Secure Storage Requirements
There are legal consequences if one fails to secure their firearm and that leads to a minor (under 16) gaining unauthorized access.
Magazine Capacity Limitations
No restrictions
Suppressor Ownership
Ownership & Hunting Legal.
Vehicle Possession Without Recognized Permit
Anyone 21+ may carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle
Firearm Law Uniformity
Uniform throughout State
Permit Training Requirements
Basically any NRA official course qualifies.
Non-Resident Permits
Non-residents may apply
Constitutional Carry
Yes. Both residents and non-residents 21+ may carry concealed without a permit.
Duty to Retreat
Duty to Retreat before using Deadly Force except when in your dwelling (108.2)
Places Off Limits
Courthouses (17-A M.R.S. § 1058)
State Parks (12 M.R.S. § 1803(6), (7) and Bureau of Parks and Lands Rules Chapter 1)
Acadia National Park (12 M.R.S. § 756)
Schools (20-A M.R.S. § 6552)
Federal buildings (18 U.S.C. § 930)
State Capitol area (25 M.R.S. § 2904 & DPS Rule Chapter 41)
Private property when prohibited by the property owner
Establishments licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor, if the premises are posted. Note that even if there is no posted prohibition, it is illegal to carry on these premises while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. (17-A M.R.S. §1057)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (as listed in 12 M.R.S. § 12707)
Labor disputes and strikes (32 M.R.S. § 9412(5))
Baxter State Park (as prohibited by Rules)
Allagash Wilderness Waterway (as prohibited by rules)
State Parks (12 M.R.S. § 1803(6), (7) and Bureau of Parks and Lands Rules Chapter 1)
Acadia National Park (12 M.R.S. § 756)
Schools (20-A M.R.S. § 6552)
Federal buildings (18 U.S.C. § 930)
State Capitol area (25 M.R.S. § 2904 & DPS Rule Chapter 41)
Private property when prohibited by the property owner
Establishments licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor, if the premises are posted. Note that even if there is no posted prohibition, it is illegal to carry on these premises while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. (17-A M.R.S. §1057)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (as listed in 12 M.R.S. § 12707)
Labor disputes and strikes (32 M.R.S. § 9412(5))
Baxter State Park (as prohibited by Rules)
Allagash Wilderness Waterway (as prohibited by rules)
State Contact / Source
Maine Dept. of Public Safety
45 Commerce / State House 164
Augusta ME 04333
207-624-7210
www.maine.gov/dps
45 Commerce / State House 164
Augusta ME 04333
207-624-7210
www.maine.gov/dps
Permit Issuing Authority
Depending on where you live you may need to apply directly to the state police. Otherwise you may need to apply from your local issuing authority.
Length of Permit Validity
4 Years
Permit Application Process
Submit paperwork along with the fee and proof of training.
Maine Permit Reciprocity
Reciprocity shown is for a standard resident permit. Non-resident and enhanced permit holders may have different reciprocity. Always verify before carrying. Use our full permit reciprocity map for all permit types →
Your Maine resident permit is honored in 29 states
AK
AL
AR
AZ
DE
FL
GA
IA
ID
IN
KS
KY
LA
MI
MO
MS
NC
ND
NE
NH
OH
OK
SD
TN
TX
UT
VA
VT
WY
Maine honors resident permits from 28 states
AK
AL
AR
AZ
DE
FL
GA
IA
ID
IN
KS
KY
LA
MI
MO
MS
NC
ND
NE
NH
OH
OK
SD
TN
UT
VA
VT
WY
Disclaimer:
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website from publicly available sources; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not a government agency is not affiliated with a government agency and is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.
Legal Summaries for all 50 states are available free on our site and mobile app.
While Concealed Carry Inc strives to maintain legal reference information updated on this website from publicly available sources; you as the reader and gun owner are responsible to do any and all necessary research and consult with a local attorney before making any decisions. Concealed Carry Inc is not a government agency is not affiliated with a government agency and is not liable for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or actions taken based on this information. We are not attorneys and this information is not legal advice. If you see any information you feel is outdated or incorrect please contact us.
Legal Summaries for all 50 states are available free on our site and mobile app.
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