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Maryland Suppressors & Silencers Laws (2026)

Conditional: Suppressors are legal in Maryland, which has no state ownership ban — they are lawful through the federal National Firearms Act (NFA) process on ATF Form 4.

ConditionalVerified Jul 18, 2026

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Suppressors are legal in Maryland, which has no state ownership ban — they are lawful through the federal National Firearms Act (NFA) process on ATF Form 4. Maryland's DNR names suppressors as authorized deer-hunting equipment, so hunting with one is allowed.

Official source: dnr.maryland.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Suppressors & Silencers in states bordering Maryland

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

DelawareRestricted
Firearm silencers are banned in Delaware: a silencer is a "destructive weapon" under 11 Del. C. 1444, and civilian possession is a class E felony even if the device is registered under the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). The only exceptions are narrow ones for the military, police, and wildlife biologists.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: delcode.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
District of ColumbiaRestricted
Firearm silencers are banned in the District of Columbia: D.C. Code 22-4514 prohibits any person in the District from possessing one, regardless of registration under the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). The only exceptions are for law enforcement and the military.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: code.dccouncil.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
Suppressors are legal in Pennsylvania once you register them with the federal government. Under 18 Pa.C.S. 908 a silent-discharge firearm is an "offensive weapon," but 908(b)(1) makes compliance with the National Firearms Act (NFA) a complete defense. Hunting with a suppressor is permitted.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: palegis.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaConditional
Suppressors are legal in Virginia, which has no ban on possessing a lawfully-registered suppressor, as long as you comply with the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). Hunting with a suppressor is permitted; Virginia's DWR regulations bar only fully-automatic firearms.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaConditional
Suppressors are legal in West Virginia, where no statute bans possession of a registered suppressor, as long as you comply with the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). Hunting with a suppressor is permitted; W. Va. Code 20-2-5 (unlawful methods of hunting) includes no suppressor entry.
Verified Jul 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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