This information was copied directly from the licensing division of the Maryland State Police.
Handgun Wear and Carry Permit
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING MARYLAND WEAR AND CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL, MODIFICATION AND SUBSEQUENT APPLICATIONS
On March 12, 2020, Governor Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr., issued an Executive Order entitled “Extending Certain Licenses, Permits, Registrations, and Other Governmental Authorizations, and Authorizing Suspension of Legal Time Requirements”. This order extends the Maryland Wear and Carry Handgun permit expiration date to the thirtieth (30th) day after the COVID-19 state of emergency has been lifted. The Licensing Division is making every effort to notify allied law enforcement agencies of the extension of these permit expirations pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order. The Governor’s Executive Order can read by clicking the following link. Licenses and Permits-Extension (March 12).
To Access the Wear and Carry Application click on the link below:
Licensing Portal
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:
How To Apply
As of October 1, 2013, all new, renewal, and subsequent applicants must successfully complete required firearms training, within 2 years, prior to submitting the application.
As of October 1, 2019, all Wear and Carry permit applications (original, renewal and subsequent) and requests (modification and replacement) must be submitted online in the Licensing Portal. All documentation requirements and any clarifications you feel may assist investigators in processing your applications must be uploaded and electronically attached to the application in the Licensing Portal. You may access the Licensing Portal by clicking the link below:
Licensing Portal
The minimum documentation required for the acceptance of the Wear and Carry permit application are:
Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.
For further guidance in regard to submitting a Wear and Carry permit application or request please refer to the Wear and Carry Portal Users Guide.
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
Subsequent – $50.00 – Fingerprint Fees not included
Replacement/Modification – $10.00 – Fingerprints not required
Active/Retired Law Enforcement Officers of this State or a County/Municipality (PS 5-304) – $0.00
Where to Mail Application Payment
Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
ATTN: Handgun Permit Unit
Please ensure all payments have the application number and applicant name printed clearly. Attach payment to the email generated by the Licensing Portal at the time of application submission.
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 Portal will only send out renewal reminders for Wear and Carry permit applications that have been submitted through the online portal.
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
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING MARYLAND WEAR AND CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL, MODIFICATION AND SUBSEQUENT APPLICATIONS
On March 12, 2020, Governor Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr., issued an Executive Order entitled “Extending Certain Licenses, Permits, Registrations, and Other Governmental Authorizations, and Authorizing Suspension of Legal Time Requirements”. This order extends the Maryland Wear and Carry Handgun permit expiration date to the thirtieth (30th) day after the COVID-19 state of emergency has been lifted. The Licensing Division is making every effort to notify allied law enforcement agencies of the extension of these permit expirations pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order. The Governor’s Executive Order can read by clicking the following link. Licenses and Permits-Extension (March 12).
- Effective October 1, 2019, all Maryland Wear and Carry permit applications (original, renewal and subsequent) and requests (modification and replacement) have been moved online and will be submitted via the Licensing Portal. Paper Wear and Carry permit applications submitted on or after Oct. 1, 2019, will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with instructions to submit the Wear and Carry permit application online through the Licensing Portal.
- Effective October 1, 2016 Fingerprints will no longer be required for renewal application submissions. Fingerprints are still required for all initial/original 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.
To Access the Wear and Carry Application click on the link below:
Licensing Portal
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:
- 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)
- 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.
- Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
- Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;
- 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;
- 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.
- As of October 1, 2013, has successfully completed the Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within 2 years prior to submitting the original or renewal application.
How To Apply
As of October 1, 2013, all new, renewal, and subsequent applicants must successfully complete required firearms training, within 2 years, prior to submitting the application.
As of October 1, 2019, all Wear and Carry permit applications (original, renewal and subsequent) and requests (modification and replacement) must be submitted online in the Licensing Portal. All documentation requirements and any clarifications you feel may assist investigators in processing your applications must be uploaded and electronically attached to the application in the Licensing Portal. You may access the Licensing Portal by clicking the link below:
Licensing Portal
The minimum documentation required for the acceptance of the Wear and Carry permit application are:
- Color passport-size photograph
- Electronic fingerprint transmission receipt
- Certificate of Handgun Training or documentation of exemption
Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.
For further guidance in regard to submitting a Wear and Carry permit application or request please refer to the Wear and Carry Portal Users Guide.
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
Subsequent – $50.00 – Fingerprint Fees not included
Replacement/Modification – $10.00 – Fingerprints not required
Active/Retired Law Enforcement Officers of this State or a County/Municipality (PS 5-304) – $0.00
Where to Mail Application Payment
Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
ATTN: Handgun Permit Unit
Please ensure all payments have the application number and applicant name printed clearly. Attach payment to the email generated by the Licensing Portal at the time of application submission.
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 Portal will only send out renewal reminders for Wear and Carry permit applications that have been submitted through the online portal.
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