State Laws · ME
Maine Gun Laws
Effective as of October 15, 2015 (LD 652 (constitutional carry)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
Maine adopted constitutional carry under LD 652, effective October 15, 2015. Persons aged 21 and older (18 for military) who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Open carry is legal. Maine issues a Concealed Handgun Permit for reciprocity.
Key statute: Maine Revised Statutes Title 25, § 2001-A — carrying concealed weapons. Exemptions for eligible persons.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, fugitives from justice, persons adjudicated as mentally ill, persons involuntarily committed to a mental institution, persons under 21 (18 for military), and persons prohibited under federal law.
Prohibited Locations
Maine prohibits carry in: courthouses, schools and school grounds, the state capitol (when the legislature is in session), federal buildings, and establishments licensed to serve alcohol (if the person is consuming alcohol). Maine does not broadly restrict carry in government buildings or churches.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase any firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check (a 2016 ballot initiative to require universal background checks was defeated). There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction. Maine enacted a yellow flag law (a modified red flag law requiring a medical evaluation) in 2019, strengthened in 2024 following the Lewiston tragedy.
Citations
Maine Revised Statutes Title 25, Chapter 252 (firearms); LD 652 (2015).
Look up statutes at Maine Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Maine statutes
Maine Legislature →This link goes to Maine's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.