Maryland gun owners who want a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun still need federal approval and registration, despite ATF’s decision to stop enforcing those requirements, the Maryland State Police said Thursday.
In an advisory dated October 15, 2026 (LD-FRU-26-001), the MSP Licensing Division said it had reviewed ATF’s October 9 open letter and concluded that it “does not change Maryland’s requirements for NFA firearms.”
Why Maryland is different
ATF said on October 9 that it would stop enforcing NFA approval and registration for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and “any other weapons.” ATF’s own guidance says that decision does not override state or local law.
Maryland’s law makes federal registration the deciding factor. Under Public Safety Article § 5-203, a person may not possess a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun unless it “has been registered with the federal government in accordance with federal law,” apart from exceptions for police, the military and similar officials. In a prosecution, the defendant has to prove the weapon was lawfully registered. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
What MSP says Maryland buyers must do
According to the advisory, anyone in Maryland making, acquiring or transferring a short-barreled rifle or shotgun must:
- Submit the federal NFA application, ATF Form 1 to make or Form 4 to transfer
- Wait for ATF approval
- Only then complete the federal Form 4473 and Maryland’s 77R regulated-firearm process
In other words, the process in Maryland looks the way it did before October 9, minus the tax. ATF says it will keep accepting registrations voluntarily, so the federal paperwork is still available.
What the advisory does not address
The advisory covers short-barreled rifles and shotguns only. It does not mention suppressors. Maryland does not ban suppressors, and § 5-203 does not cover them. Owners with questions about suppressors or other NFA items should check with the State Police or a Maryland firearms attorney before acting.
Bottom line for Maryland owners
If you live in Maryland, do not take an unregistered short-barreled rifle or shotgun home because of the ATF change. Under state law, federal registration is still what makes it legal, and the burden is on you to prove it.
Questions can go to the MSP Licensing Division at msp.firearmsregistration@maryland.gov. Fully Loaded Clip has asked the State Police for comment and will update this story.
This article explains published guidance and state law. It is not legal advice.
Sources
- Maryland State Police Licensing Division, Advisory LD-FRU-26-001, “Maryland Guidance for National Firearms Act Updates,” October 15, 2026
- Maryland Code, Public Safety § 5-203
- ATF: Update to NFA Transfer Guidance
