Gun Waiting Period in Maryland (2026): How Many Days?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Maryland requires a 7-day waiting period for handgun purchases and transfers. Long guns have no waiting period requirement.
What This Means for You
The Maryland waiting period applies specifically to handguns and affects both new purchases and private transfers. This creates timing considerations for builders working on pistol projects or completing lower receivers that will become handguns. The waiting period begins when you complete the purchase transaction, not when you submit paperwork.
The Detail
Maryland's handgun waiting period law requires a seven-day delay between the time you complete your purchase and when you can take possession of the firearm. This applies to all handgun transfers, whether from licensed dealers or private parties. The waiting period is calculated in full days, so if you complete your purchase on a Monday, the earliest you can take possession is the following Monday.
Long guns including rifles and shotguns have no waiting period requirement in Maryland. You can complete the background check and take possession immediately, assuming you pass all other legal requirements. This distinction is important for builders who may be working on projects that could be configured as either rifles or pistols.
The waiting period applies to completed firearms, not to firearm parts or components sold separately. However, if you're purchasing a lower receiver that will be transferred as a handgun, the waiting period will apply to that transfer. The key factor is how the item is classified on the transfer paperwork, not necessarily how you intend to build it.
There are limited exceptions to the waiting period, typically involving law enforcement officers and certain other specific circumstances. These exceptions are narrowly defined and you should verify your eligibility rather than assume you qualify. The waiting period cannot be waived for convenience or expedited through any standard process available to general consumers.
Build Impact
If you're building a pistol project, factor the seven-day wait into your timeline when ordering your serialized lower receiver. This can affect project scheduling, especially if you're coordinating with training courses or competition dates.