The short answer is yes – the Steyr AUG is legal to own in Maryland today, but it is classified as an “assault weapon” under state law, which imposes strict registration, transfer, and purchase‑permit requirements. Starting January 1 2026, a new amendment to the Maryland Firearms Safety Act will tighten the definition of assault weapons, expand the list of prohibited features, and add a mandatory background‑check‑plus‑training clause for all existing AUG owners who wish to retain the rifle.
Current Legal Status of the AUG in Maryland
Maryland’s assault‑weapon ban, enacted in 2013, defines a prohibited rifle as any semi‑automatic firearm with a detachable magazine that possesses any of the following: pistol grip, folding or telescoping stock, or a barrel shorter than 16 in. The standard Steyr AUG (A3) includes a pistol grip and a folding stock, so it falls squarely within the ban. However, the law contains a “grandfather” provision: rifles lawfully possessed before the ban may be retained if they are registered with the State Police and the owner possesses a valid Maryland Firearms Registration Card (MD Code § 4‑101). New purchases are prohibited, and any transfer must be processed through the state’s detailed registration system.
What Changes Take Effect in 2026
Effective January 1 2026, Maryland will adopt the 2025 amendment to the Firearms Safety Act. The amendment does three things:
- Expands the feature list – adds “forward‑assist” and “magazine‑release button” to the prohibited characteristics, which many aftermarket AUG kits now include.
- Eliminates the grandfather clause for rifles with modular conversions – owners who have installed non‑original accessories that add any new prohibited feature must either permanently disable the rifle or surrender it.
- Imposes a mandatory “Enhanced Permit” – every AUG owner must complete a 12‑hour safety and tactical‑training course and obtain a supplemental permit, in addition to the existing registration card, before the state will approve any transfer or renewal after the amendment’s effective date (MD Code § 4‑115).
These changes aim to standardize what constitutes an assault weapon and ensure that all owners meet heightened safety standards.
Practical Implications for Current Owners
If you already own a registered AUG, you will need to:
- Verify that no prohibited accessories have been added since the original registration.
- Enroll in the state‑approved training program and obtain the Enhanced Permit before March 2026, when the first renewal cycle opens.
- Update the registration with the State Police to reflect any modifications that remain legal under the new definition.
Failure to comply could result in the seizure of the firearm, civil penalties up to $5,000, or criminal charges for unlawful possession. Buyers should be aware that illegal attempts to import or purchase an AUG after the ban will be prosecuted under Maryland’s strict “no‑sale” provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an AUG with a fixed stock legal in Maryland?
A fixed‑stock AUG removes one prohibited feature, but it still retains a pistol grip and detachable magazine, so it remains an assault weapon and is subject to registration and the 2026 requirements.
Can I transfer my AUG to another state?
Yes, provided the receiving state allows the rifle and you follow both Maryland’s export procedures and the destination state’s import laws. A Maryland export permit and a federal ATF Form 4473 are required.
Do I have to surrender my AUG if I add a new scope?
No. Adding an optical sight does not trigger the new definition. Only the newly listed mechanical features are disqualifying.
What happens if I miss the 2026 training deadline?
The state will temporarily suspend your registration, making possession illegal until you successfully complete the training and obtain the Enhanced Permit.
Are there any exemptions for law‑enforcement or military personnel?
Active‑duty service members and certified law‑enforcement officers may petition for an exemption, but the request must be approved by the Maryland State Police and is evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.