CarryReciprocity

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 CHP Requirements

How to get a Maine Maine Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.

How to apply

Application fee
$35 — $35 for a resident permit; $60 for a non-resident permit (25 M.R.S. §2003).
Minimum age
18 (permitless carry: 21)
Training
Required — Proof of knowledge of handgun safety is required — satisfied by an approved firearms-safety/hunter-safety course or equivalent law-enforcement/military training (25 M.R.S. §2003).
Fingerprints
Not required
Processing time
See official source
Validity / renewal
4 years, then renewal
Residency
Open to non-residents
Non-resident permit
Available

Applications are processed by Maine State Police (Division of Weapons and Professional Licensing) and some municipalities.

Steps to get a Maine CHP

  1. Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
  2. Complete the required firearms training. Proof of knowledge of handgun safety is required — satisfied by an approved firearms-safety/hunter-safety course or equivalent law-enforcement/military training (25 M.R.S. §2003).
  3. Submit your application to Maine State Police (Division of Weapons and Professional Licensing) and some municipalities. File your Maine Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) application with Maine State Police (Division of Weapons and Professional Licensing) and some municipalities. See the official page for forms and instructions.
  4. Pay the application fee. Pay the CHP application fee of $35. $35 for a resident permit; $60 for a non-resident permit (25 M.R.S. §2003).
  5. Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CHP is valid for 4 years, after which it must be renewed.

Note: Maine allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.

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

Verify Maine rules on the official page →

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Maine CHP FAQ

What are the requirements for a Maine CHP?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The application is processed by Maine State Police (Division of Weapons and Professional Licensing) and some municipalities.
Is training required for a Maine CHP?
Yes. Maine requires firearms training to obtain the CHP. Proof of knowledge of handgun safety is required — satisfied by an approved firearms-safety/hunter-safety course or equivalent law-enforcement/military training (25 M.R.S. §2003).
How long does it take to get a Maine CHP?
Maine has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CHP — check with Maine State Police (Division of Weapons and Professional Licensing) and some municipalities for current wait times.
Can non-residents get a Maine CHP?
Yes. Maine issues a CHP to qualifying non-residents.
How much does the Maine CHP cost, and how long is it valid?
The application fee is $35. $35 for a resident permit; $60 for a non-resident permit (25 M.R.S. §2003). The permit is valid for 4 years before renewal.

Sources