Multi-State Carry Permits: What Marylanders Should Know

For Maryland residents who own firearms or are considering carrying concealed, understanding multi-state carry permits is an essential part of navigating the legal landscape. While Maryland has strict regulations regarding handgun ownership and concealed carry, neighboring and nearby states may have more flexible or more restrictive laws. This makes it critical to know how to legally carry your firearm across state lines—without putting your rights or safety at risk.

At our firearms training centers in Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Baltimore, we help everyday citizens understand the rules and responsibilities of concealed carry—not just in Maryland, but across multiple states. With a strong foundation in legal education and real-world defensive training, we’re your regional leader in practical firearms instruction and multi-state permit guidance.

Here’s what Marylanders should know about multi-state carry permits—and how to get started.

Why Consider a Multi-State Carry Permit?

Maryland’s Wear and Carry Permit is one of the most difficult to obtain in the country. Even with recent improvements to accessibility, it still only covers one state. If you plan to travel with your firearm—whether for business, personal protection, or recreation—you may find yourself restricted when crossing state lines.

A multi-state permit helps expand your legal carrying rights into other jurisdictions, allowing you to stay protected and compliant when traveling.

Here’s why it matters:

• You may travel frequently to neighboring states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia
• You want to legally carry during interstate trips or vacations
• You seek peace of mind and legal protection while on the road
• You value consistent rights regardless of where you are in the U.S.

The good news is that many states honor concealed carry permits from other states, thanks to reciprocity agreements.

Understanding Reciprocity: How It Works

Reciprocity is the legal term used when one state recognizes another state’s concealed carry permit. For example, a Utah permit may be recognized in over 30 other states. Unfortunately, Maryland has very limited reciprocity with other states, which is why obtaining an additional non-resident permit is often the best path forward.

Popular states that offer non-resident permits include:

• Utah
• Florida
• Arizona
• Virginia

These permits are particularly appealing to Marylanders because they’re relatively easy to obtain, have broad reciprocity, and don’t require in-state residency. When combined with your Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, you can legally carry in over 30 states.

Ready to expand your legal carry options? Sign up here for our next multi-state permit class.

What Is Covered in Our Multi-State Permit Courses?

We offer dedicated training courses specifically designed to help Marylanders qualify for non-resident permits in states like Utah and Florida. These courses include everything required by the issuing state, such as:

• Firearms safety instruction
• Legal education on use-of-force laws
• Concealed carry best practices
• Fingerprinting (if required)
• Application and document guidance

In most cases, students can complete the course in one day, submit their paperwork by mail, and receive their permit in a few weeks.

We’ll walk you through each step, including:

• Choosing the right non-resident permit based on your travel habits
• Completing required forms and background checks
• Avoiding common application mistakes
• Staying up to date with law changes and renewal timelines

Enroll today to reserve your spot in our upcoming Lexington Park or Annapolis multi-state permit training sessions.

Which States Will Recognize Your Multi-State Permit?

Permit recognition depends on which non-resident license you obtain. For example:

• A Utah non-resident permit is recognized in over 30 states, including Delaware, Georgia, and Ohio.
• A Florida non-resident permit is valid in over two dozen states.
• An Arizona non-resident permit is also widely accepted across the South and Midwest.

However, each state has its own list of recognized permits, and these lists can change over time. That’s why we provide you with the latest reciprocity maps and tools during your course, so you know exactly where you can legally carry.

Have a specific state in mind? Contact us and we’ll help you determine the best path for coverage.

Staying Legal Across State Lines

It’s not enough to have a valid permit—you also need to know and follow the local laws of the state you’re entering. Carry laws vary widely by state and cover issues like:

• Where you can legally carry (schools, restaurants, government buildings)
• Magazine capacity limits
• Duty to inform law enforcement
• Vehicle transport rules
• Open carry vs. concealed carry laws

When you train with us, we give you the tools to research and comply with each state’s laws, so you never end up in a legal bind.

Who Should Take a Multi-State Permit Class?

Our students come from all walks of life. Some carry for work. Others want protection while traveling. And many simply value the freedom to exercise their Second Amendment rights beyond Maryland’s borders.

This course is ideal for:

• Maryland residents who travel frequently
• Business professionals who cross state lines
• Truck drivers and commercial transporters
• Gun owners with vacation homes in other states
• Anyone wanting broader legal protection

If any of these describe you, our multi-state permit class is a smart investment in your safety and legal peace of mind.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step is easy. We offer multi-state permit training at our Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Baltimore locations on a rotating schedule. All instructors are certified and experienced in both Maryland and multi-state legal training.

Final Thoughts

Carrying a firearm comes with responsibility—but it shouldn’t come with confusion. If you’re a Maryland gun owner who wants to legally carry in other states, our multi-state permit classes provide everything you need to do so legally, safely, and confidently.

Let our experienced team guide you through the process, from paperwork to practical skills. We’re not just instructors—we’re your partners in responsible gun ownership.

Southern Maryland Firearms Training
Your trusted resource for multi-state permits, safety education, and real-world carry confidence.
Train smart. Carry legal. Stay protected.