Maryland

Secure Storage
Laws in Maryland

Maryland has strong gun laws and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include an updated child access prevention law, which took effect in Maryland in 2023.

State Requirements

Secure Storage in Maryland

Maryland state law requires gun owners to securely store their loaded firearms to prevent unsupervised children under the age of 18 from accessing them. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.

The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.

Gun owners in Maryland are required to securely store their loaded firearm(s) in a location, including their homes, to keep unsupervised children under the age of 18 from accessing them.

Secure storage in Maryland means that a person may not store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where the person knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor has access to the firearm.

Gun owners in Maryland may be subject to criminal penalties if they store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where an unsupervised child under age 18 has access to it.

By the Numbers

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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.

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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.

Best Practices

Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles

Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.

There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.

Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.

Remember

Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely

Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.

Locked Up

With keys or codes kept private

Unloaded

Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun

Separate from ammunition

Store ammunition in a different place from guns

Download

Maryland Secure Gun Storage Sheet

Download information about secure gun storage in Maryland in English or Spanish.