Maine Concealed Carry Quick Facts
- Permit Type: Shall Issue
- Constitutional Carry (Permitless): Yes
- Issuing Authority: Maine State Police or local municipal officers
- Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years old (18 for active duty military or honorably discharged veterans)
- Permit Validity: 4 years (for optional concealed handgun permits)
- Application Fee: $35 for residents; $60 for non-residents
- Processing Time: Within 30 days for residents of 5+ years; within 60 days for others
Latest Defensive Gun Uses and Firearm News in Maine
Maine Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)
As of October 15, 2015, Maine allows permitless carry, enabling individuals 21 years or older who are not prohibited from possessing firearms to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. For active duty military personnel or honorably discharged veterans, the minimum age is 18.
While a permit is not required for eligible individuals, Maine continues to issue Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs) for those seeking reciprocity with other states or preferring to have a permit.
Maine Concealed Handgun Permits (CHP)
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for a Maine Concealed Handgun Permit, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Demonstrate good moral character
- Not be prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law
- Complete an approved firearms safety training course
Application Process:
- Obtain and complete the application: Applications are available through the Maine State Police or local municipal offices.
- Submit the application: Provide the completed application, proof of firearms training, and the applicable fee to the issuing authority.
- Background check: Undergo a background check conducted by the issuing authority.
- Permit issuance: The issuing authority must issue or deny the permit within 30 days for residents of 5 or more years, and within 60 days for non-residents or residents of less than 5 years.
Maine Concealed Handgun Permit Example
Maine Open Carry Laws
- General Rule: Open carry is legal in Maine for individuals who are not prohibited from possessing firearms.
- Exceptions: Open carry is prohibited in certain locations, including:
- Establishments licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor if the premises are posted prohibiting firearms or if the individual is under the influence.
- Federal buildings and other restricted areas.
Maine Concealed Carry in a Vehicle
- With a Permit: Individuals with a valid Maine Concealed Handgun Permit or a recognized out-of-state permit may carry a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle.
- Without a Permit: Under permitless carry, eligible individuals may carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a permit.
Maine Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Maine recognizes concealed carry permits from several other states. However, individuals should verify the specific laws of other states when carrying concealed firearms outside Maine.
Check the our Concealed Carry Maps for up-to-date information.
Prohibited Locations for Concealed Carry in Maine
Even with permitless carry or a valid permit, carrying concealed firearms is prohibited in certain locations, including:
- Courthouses
- State Parks
- Acadia National Park
- Schools
- Federal buildings
- State Capitol area
- Private property where firearms are prohibited by the property owner
- Establishments licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor, if the premises are posted prohibiting firearms or if the individual is under the influence
Recent Changes in Maine Gun Laws (2025 Updates)
- Three-Day Waiting Period: In 2024, Maine enacted a three-day waiting period on gun purchases. This law is currently facing legal challenges and has been temporarily suspended by a federal judge.
- Proposed Legislation on Concealed Carry in Schools: A bill introduced in 2025 aims to allow individuals over 21 with a concealed carry permit to carry firearms on school property. This proposal is under legislative consideration.
Additional Resources
- Maine State Police – Concealed Carry Information
- Maine Revised Statutes – Title 25, Chapter 252: Permits to Carry Concealed Handguns
Changelog
3/12/2025 – Format updated along with all information.
Go To Another State’s Concealed Carry Page
To view a state’s concealed carry permit information click on the state. The state’s color represents whether a state is Shall Issue, May Issue, Constitutional Carry, or Right Denied.
Shall Issue to Residents Only:
California, Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Michigan, New Mexico
Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
May Issue to Residents Only:
Delaware, Virgin Islands
May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York
Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming
Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia
Constitutional Carry and Does Not Issue Permits:
Vermont
Right Denied:
American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands
Disclaimer
We try to keep the information on this page as up-to-date as possible, but it is your responsibility to verify all information due to changing laws. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Website, emails, or any links within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between USA Carry LLC and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the views of USA Carry LLC.