Handgun Wear and Carry Permit

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 below:

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 a person who is at least​ 21 years of age and meets the following criteria:

1. An applicant who is 21 years of age or is a person who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the uniformed services. PS 5-306(a)(1)(i).
   
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. 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, 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)

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 :

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?

All fees will be collected electronically at the time of application submission in the Licensing Portal. Acceptable forms of payment include Visa and MasterCard.

Original/Initial – $125.00 – Fingerprint Fees not included
Renewal – $75.00 – Fingerprints not required
Replacement/Modification – $20.00 – Fingerprints not required

Active/Retired Law Enforcement Officers of this State or a County/Municipality (PS 5-304) – $0.00

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 90 business days from expiration of the permit. Timely renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder. The Licensing Portal will send out renewal reminders for Wear and Carry permit applications that have been submitted through the online portal. The renewal reminder will be sent via email to the confirmed email address associated with the applicant's Licensing Portal account.

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to notify the Licensing Division of address changes, in writing, within 30 days of any change. You may send your updated address information to: msp.handgunp​​ermits@maryland.gov

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 after a law enforcement officer advises that a demonstration is occurring at the public place and orders the person to leave the demonstration area until the person disposes of the firearm (CR 4-2​08)

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 (except for hunting and target shooting as permitted) (COMAR 08.01.07.14)

9. In State Forests (except for hunting and target shooting as permitted) (COMAR 08.07.01.04)

10. In State Parks (except for hunting and target shooting as permitted) (COMAR 08.07.06.04)

11. In State Highway Rest Areas, firearms may not be displayed or discharged (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, firearms may not be kept on the premises​ ​(CO​MAR 13A.16.10.04)​

​Effective October 1, 2023, Senate Bill 1 adds the following areas where firearms are prohibited:​

1. A person may not wear, carry, or transport a firearm in an area for children or vulnerable individuals.
   
   • ​a preschool or prekindergarten facility or the grounds of the facility;
   • a private primary or secondary school or the grounds of the school; or
   • a health care facility, as defined in § 15–10B–01(g)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of the Insurance Article.

• A government or public infrastructure area, owned or leased by a unit of state or local

government, must display a clear and conspicuous sign at the main entrance of the building, or the part of a building that is owned or leased by the unit of state or local government indicating that it is not permissible to wear, carry, or transport a firearm in the building or that part of the building. (CR 4-111(D)(2))

• ​​​​a building or any part of a building owned or leased by a unit of state of local government;
  
• a building of a public or private institution of higher education, as defined in § 10–101 of the Education Article​;
  
• a location that is currently being used as a polling place in accordance with Title 10 of the Election Law Article or for canvassing ballots in accordance with Title 11 of the Election Law Article;
  
• an electric plant or electric storage facility, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article;
  
• a gas plant, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article; or
  
• a nuclear power plant ​facility
  

• ​"Special Purpose Area" means:
  • ​​a location licensed to sell or dispense alcohol or cannabis for on-site consumption;
  • a stadium;
  • a museum;
  • a racetrack; or
  • a video lottery facility, as defined in §​9-1A-01 of the State Government Article.
  • ​enter or trespass on property unless the owner or the owner's agent has posted a clear and conspicuous sign indicating that it is permissible to wear, carry, or transport a firearm on the property; or
  • enter or trespass​ on property unless the owner or the owner's agent has given the person express permission to wear, carry, or transport a firearm​ on the property. (CR 6-411(D))​ ​ ​​ ​

  For a location that is not owned by, leased by, or otherwise under the control of the state or a political subdivision of the state, the prohibitions listed above in items 1, 2 and 3 (effective October 1, 2023), do not apply to:
  

  • ​The owner or lessee of the location; or
    
  • ​A person who is authorized by the owner or lessee of the location to wear, carry, or transport a firearm at the location for the purpose of:
    
    • ​employment as a security guard licensed under Title 19 of the Business Occupations Article; or
      
    • protecting any individual or property at the location with an express agreement between the parties, remuneration, or compensation.​ (CR 4-111(B)(9))
      
    • ​locked in a container; or
    • a handgun worn, carried, or transported in compliance with any limitations imposed under § 5–307 of the Public Safety Article, by a person to whom a permit to wear, carry, or transport the handgun has been issued under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article​​ (CR 4-111(B)(11))​

    ​On August 2, 2024, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland has ordered an injunction after ruling that the following laws restricting the carrying of firearms are unconstitutional:
    

    1. locations selling alcohol, Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-111(a)(2)(8)(i);
       
    2. private buildings or property without the owner’s consent, Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-411; and
       
    3. within 1,000 feet of a public demonstration, Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 4-208.
       

    Additional information will be posted to this site as it becomes available
    

    Frequently Asked Questions​​​

    ​No, Unless exempt, Maryland law requires the completion of an additional eight (8) hour training course for each renewal application submitted.

    ​​No. Federal law bars medical cannabis patients and personal cannabis users from purchasing or possessing firearms. The Federal Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), prohibits any person who is an "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802))" from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition. Marijuana is listed in the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule I controlled substance, and there are no exceptions in Federal law for marijuana purportedly used for medicinal purposes, even if such use is sanctioned by State law.

    Medical cannabis patient information contained in Maryland's patient registry is considered confidential, protected health information and held in compliance with federal HIPPA regulations by the Maryland Cannabis Commission. However, the Maryland State Police query individuals who seek to purchase a firearm about their status as a medical cannabis patient or personal use of cannabis and bar those who disclose that they are a medical cannabis patients or a personal user of cannabis from making the transaction. Individuals who provide false information by failing to disclose that they are a medical cannabis patient or a personal user​ of cannabis when purchasing a firearm are in violation of federal statute, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000. 

    Your current application status can be obtained by logging in to your Licensing Portal account. ​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 at msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov​ for further instructions. ​

    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.​ ​

    ​As long as the renewal application has been submitted in the Licensing Portal at least fourteen (14) days 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 a​llowed to carry your handgun.​​

    ​You will need to submit an updated MSP 29-14 Certified QualificationScore Sheet. If you would like to or are required to update your photo, you will upload an electronic photo to the documents section of the renewal application.​

    Wear and Carry card “Replacement” requests are submitted in your online portal account. If you do not have an existing portal account, you will need to create one to submit this request. You must attach a notarized letter to your online request, explaining the circumstances of the loss/theft. There is a $10 fee, which is paid via credit card upon the submission of your request. If you are a security guard, private detective, armored car driver or special police officer, please attach an updated company sponsorship to your request.​​

    ​The "PCN" or "TCN" is the number located on the Live-Scan fingerprint reciept.

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