Concealed Handgun License No Longer Needed in Maine

As of October 15^th, 2015, Maine law allows for the concealed carry of a handgun without a permit for residents and non-residents that are legally allowed to own a firearm. There are some limitations; with some exceptions carry is limited to people over the age of 21. The law also limits where one may carry.  Currently, the following are off limits, per the Maine State Police:

• Courthouses
• State Parks
• Acadia National Park
• Schools
• Federal buildings
• State Capitol area
• Private property when prohibited by the property owner.
• Establishments serving liquor, if posted.

These restricts are consistent with those placed on the concealed carry permit. The CCW permit is still issued in Maine for those wishing to carry in other states which honor Maine’s permit. For more information see our Maine Concealed Carry page.The law also adds an additional restriction to those carrying without a permit. Again, per the Maine State Police: “If an individual is carrying a concealed handgun without a permit, he/she has a duty, when coming into contact with any law enforcement officer during a routine stop, to immediately inform the law enforcement officer that the individual is carrying a concealed handgun.”

Maine joins a number of other states which allow permit-less carry, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Vermont.  What effect Maine’s new law has remains to be seen, though officials and gun shop owners have yet to notice an increase in sales.