Skip to Main Content
Last updated .

Maine prohibits any person from knowingly transferring a handgun to a person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is under age 18.1

Maine also prohibits anyone other than a parent, foster parent or guardian (or another adult approved by the parent, foster parent or guardian) from knowingly selling or transferring a long gun to a person under age 16.2 Maine also prohibits anyone other than a parent, foster parent or guardian or another adult approved by the parent, foster parent or guardian from knowingly selling a long gun to minors between the ages of 16 and 18 but this restriction does not apply to transfers.3

 Federal age restrictions impose stricter limits.

MEDIA REQUESTS

Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.

Contact
  1. Me. Stat., 17-A § 554-B(2). The term “minor” is defined as a person under 18 years of age, per Me. Stat., 17-A § 554-B(1)(B). However, section 554-B does not apply to:

    • The temporary transfer of a handgun to a minor: 1) with the prior written consent of the minor’s parent or guardian and that parent or guardian is not prohibited by federal, state or local law from possessing a firearm; or 2) in the course of employment, target practice, hunting or instruction in the safe and lawful use of a handgun;
    • A minor who is a member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard who possesses or is armed with a handgun in the line of duty;
    • A transfer by inheritance of title to, but not possession of, a handgun to a minor; or
    • The transfer of a handgun to a minor when the minor takes the handgun in self-defense or in defense of another person against an intruder into the residence of the minor or a residence in which the minor is an invited guest.

    Section 554-B(3).[]

  2. Me. Stat., 17-A § 554-A.[]
  3. Id.[]