Bullet Proof Body Armor Permit
In Maryland, certain individuals must have a permit to purchase, possess, or use bulletproof body armor. The Maryland State Police regulates these permits to help ensure body armor is used and distributed according to state law. Learn about eligibility requirements, application steps, renewals, and important laws related to bulletproof body armor permits in Maryland.
Who needs a permit?
Only persons who have a prior conviction for a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime must apply for a permit before you can purchase, possess, or use bulletproof body armor in Maryland.
If you don’t have any prior convictions as stated above, you do not need a permit to purchase, use or possess bulletbproof body armor.
Application process changes/updates
- There have been no application or process changes in the last 12 months
Pre-application requirements
Have a digital color passport style photograph taken within the last 30 days prior to the date that you submit the application.
Justification documentation:
Applicants requesting bulletproof body armor for employment purposes should include a letter from their employer, on the employer's letterhead, explaining in detail why bulletproof body armor is needed as part of your employment duties.
Applicants requesting bulletproof body armor for personal use should include documentation of recent threats and or assaults supported by police reports or signed statements.
How to apply
- Create or log into your existing Maryland Licensing Portal account.
- Complete all application requirements in the Licensing Portal.
- Upload the pre-application requirements and any additional documentation to the document section of the application.
- Submit the application.
- The Licensing Division will review your application for completion and conduct a background investigation.
- A decision regarding your application will be communicated via email within 90 days.
- If your application is approved, you will receive your permit via the US mail. Your permit is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
- If your application is disapproved, you’ll need to contact the Licensing Division for more information.
Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.
Renewal
The bulletproof body armor permit expires 5 years after the date the permit is issued. The permit may be renewed for an additional 5-year term if the applicant:
- submits the renewal application within 90 days prior to the expiration of the permit; and
- at the time of application, possesses the qualifications for the issuance of a permit.
It is the bulletproof body armor permit holder’s responsibility to update their Licensing Portal account with any email or address changes. Alternatively, you may notify the Licensing Division in writing, within 30 days of any change. You may send your updated information to: [email protected]. Renewal reminders and other important notifications will be sent to the email or physical address associated with the bullet proof body armor permit holder's Licensing Portal account.
Application fees
There are no fees for this appliction type.
Application timeline
APPLICANT - The bullet proof body armor application can be completed in the Licensing Portal within 45 minutes - 1 hour.
PROCESSING TIME - Once the Licensing Division electronically receives and accepts the completed bullet proof body armor application and the required application fee, the applicant will be notified of the final disposition within 90 days.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS - Applications received by the Licensing Division will typically be reviewed for completeness within 5-10 business days. Applicants who submitted incomplete applications will be notified of the status of their application via email within 5 business days of the review.
Statutes
The statutes pertaining to bullet proof body armor can be found in §4–106 and §4–107 of the Criminal Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Current versions of any statute can be found at LexisNexis or on the Maryland General Assembly's website.