​Who Should Apply?

The Maryland Department of State Police provides State of Maryland Qualified Separated Law Enforcement Officers an identification card to carry a concealed handgun to those who have separated from the Maryland Department of State Police only. Members of other Maryland law enforcement agencies seeking this identification card should contact their respective agencies.

Federal law defines a qualified separated law enforcement officer as an individual who:

1. Separated in good standing from service with a public agency as a law enforcement officer;
2. Before such separation, was authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of, or the incarceration of any person for, any violation of law, and had statutory powers of arrest;
1. before such retirement, served as a law enforcement officer for an aggregate of 10 years or more; or
2. separated from service with such agency, after completing any applicable probationary period of such service, due to a service-connected disability, as determined by such agency;
3. During the most recent 12-month period, has met, at the expense of the individual, the standards for qualification in firearms training for active law enforcement officers, as determined by the former agency of the individual, the State in which the individual resides or, if the State, and
4. Has not been officially found by a qualified medical professional employed by the agency to be unqualified for reasons relating to mental health, and as a result of this finding, will not be issued the photographic identification as described; or
5. Has not entered into an agreement with the agency from which that individual is separating from service in which that individual acknowledges he or she is not qualified for reasons relating to mental health, and for those reasons, will not receive or accept the photographic identification as described.
6. Is not under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance; and
7. Is not prohibited by State and Federal law from receiving a firearm. 
   

In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, 18 U.S. Code §926B and §926C, requires that applicants possess a photographic identification issued by the governmental agency (Maryland Department of State Police) from which the individual separated from service as a law enforcement officer.

How To Apply

Please submit applications using the online form found HERE. In addition to the electronic submission, initial and renewal applicants must submit to the Maryland State Police, Licensing Division, Handgun Permit Unit:

1. A front and back photocopy of your Maryland Department of State Police issued separated/retiree photo identification card;
2. A photocopy of your Maryland or Out-of State-Driver’s License identification card;
3. Form 29-40c- Certification of Prior Law Enforcement Employment (Initial Applications Only);
4. Form 29-40e - Documentation of Firearms Training for Separated Police Officers in Maryland;
5. Copy of the printed receipt from your successful eMDSP LEOSA application submission
   

The Maryland State Police Licensing Division will offer qualified separated Troopers/Fire Marshals the ability to renew their LEOSA identification card using our online licensing services. In addition, both the initial and renewal application process have been modified to allow for a self-certification. This modification requires the applicant to attest, under penalties of perjury, that he/she meets the Federal and State's requirements to possess a firearm, in addition to meeting the requirements outlined in the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act.

You must establish an eMDSP account and electronically complete and submit the State of Maryland Qualified Separated Law Enforcement Officer Application to Carry a Concealed Firearm. Follow the directions as provided in the application submission process in eMDSP.

In order to qualify with your firearm, please contact your local barrack or the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission to make arrangements to complete the firearm and training qualifications.  There may be a charge for this service. You can reach the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission at 410-552-6300. A list of barracks may be found her​e​. 

You must receive the firearms qualification through a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission certified firearms instructor. Any qualifications received that are not certified by a Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission certified instructor, will not be accepted.

Once you have satisfied the firearm and training qualification requirements and submitted the required paperwork to the Licensing Division, Handgun Permit Unit at 1111 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland 21208, you will receive your identification card, via U.S. mail, within a reasonable time. The identification card will indicate your information, the firearm type, along with the expiration date and the notation LEOSA in the remarks section.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Maryland Department of State Police charges a non-returnable fee of $8.00 for each application submitted for consideration. The fee may not be returned if your application is denied or returned for deficiencies. The fee will be collected as part of the electronic submission process.

When Should I Renew?

The LEOSA identification card is valid for one year from the date the applicant met the active duty standards for firearms qualification for the same type as the concealed firearm to be carried, as established by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.

IT IS THE RE​SPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO BE RE-QUALIFIED BY THE EXPIRATION DATE ON THE IDENTIFICATION CARD.

It is the Identification Card holder’s responsibility to ensure the Handgun Permit Unit is notified of address or name changes in writing. Email notifications may be sent msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov.​​

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE RENEWAL OF YOUR LEOSA IDENTIFICATION CARD

(The required documents can be located when you click on LEOSA Application Documentation below)

1. Click on LEOSA Guidance Document
2. Print page 6 of 6 - Documentation for Firearms Training for Separated Law Enforcement Officers in Maryland (This is the form you will need to provide to the Firearms Instructor to complete upon qualification)
3. Provide a copy of your Retired Identification Card and Driver's License (Front & Back)
4. ​The required documentation should be uploaded to your electronic app​lication. Any issues with this process can be addressed by email to msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov.​​
   

​Documents

​Frequently Asked Questions