Skip to Main Content

Handgun Wear and Carry Permit


  • Effective October 1, 2016 Fingerprints will no longer be required for renewal application submissions.  Fingerprints are still required for all initial/origin​al Handgun Permit applications. (MD SB208 2016)​

  • Please note: expired wear and carry permit applications must be submitted as an original application regardless of the expiration date. Please check the "Frequently Asked Questions" page for further definition.


    •  

ATTENTION: Before you may legally wear and carry a regulated firearm, you must possess and maintain on your person the MSP-issued Handgun Wear and Carry Permit. Submission of the application does not authorize you to wear, carry, or transport a handgun.

To Access the Wear and Carry Application click on the link below:

Wear and Carry Application​​​​​ 

Can't download or open the application? Click for help in the format of your choice: PDF | MS Word

 ​

Training must be successfully completed prior to submitting the application, unless you are exempt from training. Please click here for information on Wear and Carry Permit Training

Who Should Apply?
 

Wear and Carry Permits may be issued to any adult (18 years of age or over) who meets the following criteria:

  1. An applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment. - P.S. 5-133 (d)(2)(v)
  2. Has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for which a sentence of imprisonment for more than one year has been imposed; or convicted of a criminal offense for which you could have been sentenced to more than 2 years incarceration.
  3. Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
  4. Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;
  5. Based on an investigation, has not exhibited a propensity for violence or instability that may reasonably render the person’s possession of a handgun a danger to the person or others;
  6. Has a good and substantial reason​ to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against danger.
  7. As of October 1, 2013, has successfully completed the Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within 2 year prior to submitting the original or renewal application.

Active, Former, and Retired Maryland Law Enforcement Officers​​

  1. Active, Former, and Retired Maryland Law Enforcement Officers​​ and retired or former federal law enforcement officers, who permanently reside in Maryland and who were assigned in Maryland during their employment- as long as the application is submitted within one year from the date the officer either retired in good standing or separated in good standing and/or the officer has a valid LEOSA permit/certification/identification, the Handgun Permit Unit may accept that the applicant has a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun as a reasonable precaution against the apprehended danger originating from his/her law enforcement position. ​
  2. For retired or former federal law enforcement officers and retired or former out-of -state law enforcement officers, who permanently reside in Maryland but were not assigned in Maryland during their employment, LEOSA is a nationally recognized credential and a Maryland Wear and Ca rry Permit is not required or necessary.  The Maryland Police & Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) may serve as the certifying agency for LEOSA if eligible and the application and guidelines can be found on the MPCTC website at mdle.net  Should you desire a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit you will be required to provide a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger.

How To Apply

 

As of October 1, 2013, all new and renewal applicants must successfully complete required firearms training, within 2 years, prior to submitting the application. 

The Handgun Permit Unit will only accept applications completed electronically on the PDF form(s) provided below under Documents for initial and renewal applications. Please answer all questions accurately, completely and honestly. Once completed, the PDF form should be printed, and all documentation required and clarifications you feel may assist investigators in processing your application should be included. Too much is better than too little. The application, and all applicable documents, must be signed.

Mail the application packet to the Licensing Division at the address provided below. Allow 90 business days for the completion of the application process. If the Licensing Division does not receive the renewal application, satisfactorily completed, by the expiration date, the applicant must begin as a new applicant and complete all requirements necessary for an initial application.

The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the handgun permit. Timely renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder. The Licensing Division does not send out renewal reminders.

The applicant must submit, with the application, the electronic fingerprint transmission receipt and two (2) color passport type photographs depicting the applicant from

the shoulders up. The photographs must be taken within the last 30 days and should be 2 inches by 2 inches. The applicant should not be wearing a hat or sunglass in the photograph.

How Much Does It Cost?

 

Fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to the Maryland State Police. Checks must be drawn on active accounts with sufficient funds. If the check is returned for insufficient funds or due to a closed account, the applicant will be required to pay for future requests of the Licensing Division by cashier’s check or money order.

Original/Initial – $75.00 - Fingerprint Fees not included
Renewal – $50.00 - Fingerprints No Longer Required
Duplicate/Modification – Total $10.00

Active/Retired Law Enforcement Officers of this State or a County/ Municipality – $0.00


Where to Mail Applications


 

Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
ATTN: Handgun Permit Unit

 

When Should I Renew?


 

The initial Handgun Permit expires on the last day of the holder’s birth month following two (2) years after the date the permit is issued. Permits that have been modified or are a duplicate expire on the date provided on the initial permit.

A Handgun Permit may be renewed for successive periods of three (3) years each if, at the time of an application for renewal, the applicant possesses the qualifications for the issuance of a permit and pays the renewal fee as established in the subtitle.

The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the permit. Timely renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder. The Licensing Division does not send out renewal reminders. The expiration date is on the face of the permit.

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to notify the Licensing Division of address changes, in writing, within 30 days of any change. You must mail this change to the same address as you would mail an application.

Where are Firearms Prohibited?


Restriction on the wear, carry and transport of handguns and firearms in certain places appear throughout Maryland law and regulations.  Below are statutes and regulations detailing the handgun and firearm restrictions.  This list should not be considered all-inclusive.  

1. On school property (CR 4-102)

2. Within 1,000 feet of a demonstration in a public place (CR 4-208)

3. In legislative buildings (SG 2-1702)

4. Aboard aircraft (TR 5-1008)

5. In lodging establishments where the innkeeper reasonably believes individuals possess property that may be dangerous to other individuals, such as firearms or explosives (BR 15-203)

6. On dredge boats, other than two 10 gauge shotguns (NR 4-1013)

7. In or around State-owned public buildings and grounds (COMAR 04.05.01.03)

8. On Chesapeake Forest Lands (COMAR 08.01.07.14)

9. In State Forests (COMAR 08.07.01.04)

10. In State Parks (COMAR 08.07.06.04)

11. In State Highway Rest Areas, unless properly secured within vehicle (COMAR 11.04.07.12)

12. In community adult rehabilitation centers (COMAR 12.02.03.10)

13. In child care centers, except for small centers located in residences (COMAR 13A.16.10.04)​

Cases Referencing Good and Substantial Reason


 

SCHERR VS HANDGUN PERMIT REVIEW BOARD​

Snowden v Handgun Permit Review Bd of Maryland Dept of Public Safety and Corrections​


 

Note: Armored Car Company Supplemental Background Investigation Applications Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ
  
Category
  
Answer
collapse Category : Wear and Carry Permit ‎(18)
  
Wear and Carry Permit

​No.  Maryland does not recognize permits/CCWs from any other state.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​ Yes, however, Maryland and Federal laws require specific conditions be met while transporting a handgun. Please refer to Maryland Annotated Code, Criminal Law, Title 4, Section 203 for a detailed account of wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun. You may access the Maryland General Assembly website at http://mlis.state.md.us/ You can access the Federal requirements through www.atf.gov​ and conduct a search for “27 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 178” and then look for “Transportation of Firearms.” The basic requirement during transport is the handgun must be unloaded and in an enclosed case or enclosed holster with the ammunition separate from the handgun AND you must be transporting the handgun to or from the locations listed in the statute.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​Yes, under Title 18, Section 926A, of the United States Code, a person who is not prohibited from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked compartment other than the glove compartment or console.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​To find a fingerprinting service provider, please Click Here​.

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​No.  They must be approved by the Dept. of Public Safety and Correctional Services.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​No.  Out-of-state providers are not approved by the Dept. of Public Safety and Correctional Services.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​Click Here​ to see the exemptions

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​A list of Qualified Handgun Instructors is available online here​.

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​No.  The handgun instructor must be registered with the Maryland State Police on-line registration.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​The application is not supported by certain internet service providers.  Therefore, Internet Explorer must be used for the application to download.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​No.  The application must be completed on the computer, then printed and signed.  Handwritten applications will be returned as incomplete.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​You may handwrite the email address or you can print the application out with the red banner showing.  If handwriting the email address make sure it is accurate and legible.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​ You may leave this area blank.  Send in a copy of the LiveScan receipt with the application.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​You must submit a notarized letter advising the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the permit.  Submit a $10 check or money order and one (1) passport size photograph taken within the last 30 days.  If you are a security guard, private detective, armored car guard or special police officer, also provide a company letter from your current employer verifying your employment.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​You need to submit the same documentation as when you first applied.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit

​As long as the renewal application has been received at the Handgun Permit Section at least two (2) weeks prior to the expiration date of the current handgun permit, you are still allowed to carry on the expired permit until you receive your renewed permit.  If the application is returned to you for incompleteness and you resubmit it after the two (2) weeks, you will not be allowed to carry your handgun.​

  
Wear and Carry Permit
No. All expired wear and carry permit applications must be submitted as an Original application. This includes all Original application fees, fingerprints, training, and documentation requirements.
  
Wear and Carry Permit

​No. For security and identification purposes, "status checks" will not be given over the telephone. To receive an application "status check", please respond to the Licensing Division with a valid state or government issued picture identification. Please note, wear and carry permit applications can take up to 90 days to process. If your application has been submitted for more than 90 days, please contact the Handgun Permit Unit for further instructions. 

Statutes

Below you will find links to PDFs of relevant Maryland statutes, provided for your convenience. Please note that laws change over time. The below documents were created on July 15, 2014, and are for reference purposes only. To obtain the most recent text of any legislation, please go online to LexisNexis to access the up-to-date Maryland code.

Note:  In order to view documents that are PDFs please utilize Internet Explorer or disable the PDF Viewer in Google Chrome.  Instructions for disabling the PDF Viewer can be found HERE​.​

​​​​​​​​​ ​
Doc Title
  
Description
File Size
  
collapse Wear and Carry : 2014 Advisories & Bulletins ‎(1)
LD-HPU-Bulletin-14-001
LIVE SCAN FINGERPRINTING FOR MARYLAND STATE POLICE WEAR AND CARRY PERMIT APPLICANTS
67 KB
collapse Wear and Carry : Application Documentation ‎(4)
Employer Form Letter - Sample
Used by Security Guards, Private Detectives, Armored Car Guards and Special Police Officers Only.
47 KB
W&C Permit Application Help (MS Word)
If you have trouble opening the application, read this. (MS Word Version)
316 KB
W&C Permit Application Help (Adobe PDF)
If you have trouble opening the application, read this. (PDF Version)
234 KB
Wear and Carry Application
1568 KB
collapse Wear and Carry : Armored Car Company Supplemental Background Application ‎(1)
Supplemental Background Investigations Application
Application for armored car companies to perform supplemental background investigations.
1385 KB
collapse Wear and Carry : Statutes ‎(14)
MD Public Safety Article 5-313
42 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-301
32 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-302
35 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-303
29 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-304
36 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-305
38 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-306
45 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-307
31 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-308
30 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-309
31 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-310
32 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-311
34 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-312
37 KB
MD Public Safety Article 5-314
32 KB
​​