Can I carry concealed in Maine without a permit?

Yes. Maine is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in Maine without first obtaining the CHP.

Should I still get a Maine CHP if I can carry permitless?

Yes. The CHP remains available in Maine and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside Maine's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to Maine's permitless-carry law. A Maine CHP lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.

Does permitless carry in Maine work in other states?

No. Permitless carry is a Maine-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

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Maine Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)

Who can carry concealed in Maine without a permit, the minimum age, and why the CHP still matters for reciprocity when you travel.

Permitless carry in Maine

Minimum age (permitless): 21
Carry regime: constitutional
Residency: Residents and non-residents

Maine has permitless (constitutional) carry since October 15, 2015 (LD 652). A person 21 or older — or 18+ if active-duty/honorably discharged military — who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit; residency is not required. A permitless carrier is subject to Maine's duty to inform (25 M.R.S. §2003-A).

official source · verified 2026-07-10

The Maine Maine Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) still matters

The CHP remains available in Maine even though a permit is not required to carry concealed within the state. It is worth obtaining anyway: most states that grant reciprocity honor a valid out-of-state permit, not another state's permitless-carry law. Holding the CHP is typically what lets a Maine resident carry concealed while traveling to a state that recognizes it.

Mainepermit overview & reciprocity summary →Full Maine CHP requirements →Where a Maine CHP is honored →

Last verified 2026-07-10 against Maine State Police — Concealed Handgun Reciprocity.

Verify Maine rules on the official page →

Maine constitutional carry FAQ

Can I carry concealed in Maine without a permit?: Yes. Maine is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 21 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in Maine without first obtaining the CHP.
Should I still get a Maine CHP if I can carry permitless?: Yes. The CHP remains available in Maine and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside Maine's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to Maine's permitless-carry law. A Maine CHP lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.
Does permitless carry in Maine work in other states?: No. Permitless carry is a Maine-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.