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🚨 MARYLAND STATE POLICE REJECT FEDERAL GUN REGISTRATION RELIEF — GUN OWNERS STILL REQUIRED TO REGISTER SHORT-BARRELED FIREARMS
Maryland State Police issued an October 15 advisory declaring that Maryland’s registration requirements remain in force despite the Trump administration’s decision to stop enforcing major National Firearms Act restrictions.
▪️ FEDERAL RELIEF: On October 9, ATF announced it would stop enforcing registration and prior-approval requirements for short-barreled rifles, shotguns, suppressors and certain other firearms.
▪️ MARYLAND SAYS NO: State Police insist short-barreled rifles and shotguns must still receive federal approval and registration.
▪️ STATE LAW: Maryland Public Safety § 5-203 explicitly requires federal registration, creating a conflict with Washington’s new enforcement policy.
▪️ CONTINUED PAPERWORK: Maryland gun owners must still submit ATF Forms 1 or 4 and obtain approval before completing applicable state transactions.
▪️ LEGAL DISTINCTION: ATF acknowledges its policy does not override state law. Maryland’s advisory specifically addresses short-barreled rifles and shotguns, not all NFA items.
Washington has stopped enforcing these federal registration requirements, but Maryland continues tying lawful ownership to them. How long can Annapolis maintain restrictions dependent on a federal system the administration no longer requires nationwide?
SOURCES: Maryland State Police Advisory LD-FRU-26-001 (Oct. 15, 2026); ATF (Oct. 9, 2026).