MARYLAND · STUDENT GUIDE · CURRENT AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
How to Get a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit
Maryland residents apply entirely online through the State Police Licensing Portal. The initial permit costs $125, requires 16 hours of training, and the Licensing Division has up to 90 days to decide.
Overview
Maryland is a shall-issue state
Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision struck down Maryland's old "good and substantial reason" standard, the State Police must issue a permit to anyone who meets the objective requirements below.
There is no reciprocity, period. Whether you live in Maryland or are just visiting, a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit is the only permit that lets you legally carry here — an out-of-state CCW gets you nothing in Maryland.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
Under Md. Code, Public Safety § 5-306, the Secretary must issue a permit to an applicant who:
- Is at least 21 years old (18 if applying for employment/business purposes)
- Is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Has no felony conviction or disqualifying criminal history
- Is not currently under a disqualifying mental health finding or substance abuse history
- Has successfully completed the required firearms safety training (unless exempt — e.g., current or retired law enforcement)
- Has a "good and substantial reason" to wear, carry, or transport a handgun — self-defense or personal protection is explicitly sufficient under the statute
The full qualification language is in Md. Code, Public Safety § 5-306. If you're unsure whether something on your record disqualifies you, ask an attorney before applying — a denial still costs the $125 fee.
The Process
Steps to apply
Complete the 16-hour training course
Take the MSP-approved Firearms Safety Training Course from a Qualified Handgun Instructor, including a live-fire qualification (70% minimum accuracy, scored on MSP Form 29-14 — this will be completed by your instructor). It must be completed within 2 years of your application.
Submit Livescan fingerprints
Get fingerprinted through an authorized Livescan vendor for your Maryland CJIS and FBI background check, before you start your application.
Create a Licensing Portal account
Register at the MSP Licensing Portal — every Wear and Carry application is submitted online, with no paper option.
Upload your documents
You'll need your training certificate and signed MSP 29-14 score sheet, a color passport-style photo, and your Livescan fingerprint receipt. Download and fill in your own details ahead of time — your instructor will complete and sign the certification portion after the range test, if you qualify with the required accuracy.
Complete the application and pay the fee
The application itself typically takes 1.5–2 hours once you have your prerequisites in hand. Pay the $125 initial fee by Visa or MasterCard to submit.
Wait for your decision
The Licensing Division has up to 90 days from a complete application to notify you of approval or denial.
Receive your permit
Your first permit is valid for 2 years; every renewal after that is valid for 3 years, provided you complete an 8-hour refresher course each time (unless exempt).
A Related, Separate License
Wear & Carry Permit vs. Handgun Qualification License
These are two different pieces of paper, and it's easy to mix them up.
Wear & Carry Permit (WCP)
What this whole page is about — the permit that lets you carry a handgun on your person in Maryland.
Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
A separate license required before you can purchase, rent, or receive a handgun in Maryland. If you don't already have one, you can apply for it at no added cost and without further training once your WCP is issued.
Fees
Application fees
All fees are collected electronically through the Licensing Portal and are non-refundable.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original / initial application | $125 |
| Renewal application | $75 |
| Replacement permit | $20 |
| Modification to application | $20 |
| Active/retired MD law enforcement | Waived |
Fees don't include fingerprint or training costs, which are paid separately to your Livescan vendor and instructor.
Know Before You Carry
Where you can't carry, even with a permit
The 2023 Gun Safety Act created an extensive "sensitive places" list. As of this writing, it includes:
- Preschools, pre-kindergarten facilities, and private primary/secondary schools (and their grounds)
- Public school property
- Health care facilities — hospitals, nursing facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, rehabilitation centers
- Child care centers (with a small-residence exception)
- Private property of any kind, unless the owner has posted permission or given express consent
A federal judge struck down the Act's bans on carrying in businesses that serve alcohol, on private property by default, and near public demonstrations (Novotny v. Moore, 2024). The Fourth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part on appeal, and both sides have pending petitions before the U.S. Supreme Court as of 2026. The list above reflects what's currently enforced — confirm the live list on the official MDSP prohibited-places page before you carry.
Ready to knock out Step 1? Book the Maryland Wear & Carry course.
Sources
Where this guide comes from
This is a general guide, not legal advice. Several pieces of Maryland's carry law are actively being litigated, so confirm details with the Licensing Division or an attorney before you apply or carry.
- Maryland State Police: Wear & Carry Permit
- Maryland State Police: Handgun Qualification License
- Maryland State Police: Prohibited Places to Carry a Firearm
- Maryland State Police Licensing Portal
- Kipke v. Moore, 4th Cir. (2026): Gun Safety Act carry restrictions
- Md. Code, Public Safety §§ 5-301 through 5-314 (permit scheme); § 5-306 (qualifications & fees)
Not legal advice. This guide reflects Maryland's permitting process as currently known at the time of publishing and is a general summary — it is not guaranteed to be current, and parts of the Gun Safety Act of 2023 remain under active litigation. Before applying, verify current requirements directly with the Maryland State Police Licensing Division or a licensed attorney in Maryland.
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