286 ★★★★★ REVIEWS
contact us phone
menu






Published on 6/24/2025, 3:00:00 PM

Major Firearm Law Changes Coming to Maryland in 2025

On October 1, 2025, sweeping changes to Maryland firearm laws will take effect under House Bill 413 (Chapter 136). These reforms significantly raise the stakes for individuals found in violation of certain gun-related statutes. Here's what you need to know:

Key Felony Upgrades

Previously misdemeanors, several firearm offenses will now be charged as felonies:

  • Transporting firearms into Maryland for illegal sale or trafficking is now a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $25,000 fine, or both Public Safety Section 5-140.
  • Possessing, selling, or transferring stolen regulated firearms is now a felony with penalties of up to 5 years or a $10,000 fine Public Safety Section 5-138.
  • Selling handguns not listed on the Maryland Handgun Roster now carries felony penalties, including up to 5 years and fines Public Safety Section 5-406.

Serialization and Ghost Guns

Unserialized firearms and unfinished frames or receivers face new scrutiny:

  • Selling or transferring unserialized guns or parts is a felony with up to 5 years' imprisonment.
  • Mere possession of such unserialized components remains a misdemeanor but can lead to up to 2 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
  • There are limited exceptions for inheritance and self-manufacture, provided steps are taken within 30 days to bring the item into compliance.

Learn more about the implications for ghost gun charges.

Impact on Gun Owners and Dealers

These changes represent a major shift in Maryland's firearms regulatory landscape. Law-abiding gun owners, especially those with self-manufactured or inherited firearms, must ensure compliance with serialization rules.

For dealers, the stakes are higher: improperly marked or unregistered firearms could result in felony charges and severe penalties.

What This Means for You

  • If you're facing gun charges under the new laws, penalties may be steeper than ever.
  • Those previously charged under misdemeanor provisions may now see felony exposure.
  • Contact an experienced Maryland gun crime attorney if you're unsure whether your firearm complies with state law.

FAQs

Q: When do these changes take effect?

A: October 1, 2025, although most of the law changes concern the classification of already existing criminal offenses.

Q: Does this affect previously purchased guns?

A: It may, particularly if the gun is unserialized or lacks a manufacturer marking.