Maryland Concealed Carry (Wear and Carry Permit) — Application Process

Issuing Authority

The Maryland Wear and Carry Permit (handgun permit) is issued by the Maryland Department of State Police (MSP), Licensing Division.

Who Must Apply

Any person who wishes to legally wear, carry, or transport a handgun in Maryland must possess and maintain on their person a valid Maryland Handgun Wear and Carry Permit issued by the Maryland Department of State Police.

Important: Submission of the Wear and Carry Permit application does not authorize the applicant to wear, carry, or transport a handgun.

How to Apply

The Maryland State Police application to Wear and Carry a firearm can ONLY be completed through the MSP Licensing Portal at licensingportal.mdsp.maryland.gov.

Prerequisites and Minimum Documentation

Before submitting an application, the following must be completed:

1. LiveScan Fingerprints

• Prior to submitting the application, the applicant must submit LiveScan fingerprints for a background investigation.
• Fingerprints must be submitted to Maryland CJIS and the FBI under the wear and carry authorization code.
• A receipt from the LiveScan vendor documenting the submission must be uploaded into the Wear and Carry Permit application in the Licensing Portal.
• LiveScan fingerprinting must be performed by a provider approved by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Unapproved providers may not be used.
• The wear and carry authorization code and additional fingerprinting information is available on the MSP Fingerprinting page.

2. Firearms Safety Training Course

• Unless exempt from the training requirement, the applicant must successfully complete the MSP-approved 16-hour Firearms Safety Training Course provided by a Qualified Handgun Instructor.
• The training must be completed within 2 years prior to the submission of the Wear and Carry Permit application.
• The applicant must upload a completed and signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet to the documents section of the application in the Licensing Portal.
• Information on exemptions from the training requirement can be found on the MSP Wear and Carry Permit Training page.

3. Color Passport-Style Photograph

• The applicant must upload a color passport-style photograph into the application in the Licensing Portal.
• A photo editor and complete instructions are provided on the photograph page of the application.
• It is not necessary to purchase passport-style photographs; the portal provides tools for this process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete prerequisites — Submit LiveScan fingerprints and complete the 16-hour firearms safety training course (unless exempt).
2. Create a Licensing Portal account — Applicants who do not have an account must create one. A personal email account is required. Licensing Portal accounts shall not be shared.
3. Begin the application — Log in and start the "Application for Wear & Carry Permit (Handgun Permit)."
4. Complete all sections — Fill out each section of the application and upload all required documentation (LiveScan receipt, qualification score sheet, photograph).
5. Submit payment — Upon completing all application requirements, the applicant is directed to the payment page. Once fees are entered, the application is finalized and submitted to the Licensing Division.
6. Licensing Division review — The Licensing Division reviews the application for completeness and accepts all complete applications.
   • Applications that do not meet minimum requirements will be sent back to the applicant for corrections.
   • After corrections are made, the application can be resubmitted.
   • Incomplete applications are typically reviewed within 1–5 business days; applicants are notified via email within 5 business days.
7. Background investigation — Accepted applications are placed in the queue for a criminal history background investigation.
   • The MSP investigates the character, reputation, and qualifications of each applicant.
   • A computer-generated criminal history background investigation is conducted to determine if the applicant is prohibited by State or federal law from purchasing or possessing a regulated firearm.
   • During the investigation, the applicant may be contacted by a background investigator to schedule an interview if necessary.
8. Final disposition — Once the background investigation is complete, the Licensing Division renders a final disposition.
   • The applicant receives an email notification to log into their Licensing Portal account to review the final disposition.
   • If approved: An approval letter and the wear and carry permit card are sent via US Mail to the address on file.
   • If disapproved: The application is denied. The applicant may, within 10 days after receipt of the final disposition, request an informal review and/or file an appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings. Detailed instructions are provided in the final disposition notification.

Application Notes

• The application must be completed on a computer, then printed and signed. Handwritten applications will be returned as incomplete.
• If the online application will not accept a valid email address, the applicant may handwrite the email address on the printed application (must be accurate and legible).
• The LiveScan receipt number field at the top of the application may be left blank; just include a copy of the LiveScan receipt with the application.
• Applications with false information may result in a criminal investigation of the applicant.
• Returned/incomplete applications are not considered received by the Licensing Division until they are returned satisfactorily completed with necessary attachments and fees.

Processing Time

• Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.
• Once the Licensing Division electronically receives the completed application and required fee, the applicant will be notified of the final disposition within 90 days.
• The application itself can be completed in the Licensing Portal within approximately 1.5–2 hours (after prerequisites are met).

Permit Duration and Renewal

Initial Permit

• The initial Wear and Carry Permit expires on the last day of the permit holder's birth month following two (2) years after the date the permit is issued.
• Modified or duplicate permits expire on the date provided on the initial permit.

Renewal

• Permits may be renewed for successive periods of three (3) years each.
• At the time of renewal, the applicant must possess the qualifications for issuance and pay the renewal fee.
• The renewal process should be started 90 days before expiration of the permit.
• Timely renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder.
• The Licensing Portal sends renewal reminders via email to the confirmed email address associated with the applicant's account.

Address and Email Changes

• It is the permit holder's responsibility to update their Licensing Portal account with any email or address changes.
• Alternatively, the Licensing Division must be notified in writing within 30 days of any change.
• Updated information may be sent to: msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov

Contact Information

• Wear and Carry Permit / LEOSA questions: msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov
• Firearms Registration / Application status: msp.firearmsregistration@maryland.gov
• Licensing Portal: licensingportal.mdsp.maryland.gov

Key Legal References

• Maryland Public Safety Article, Title 5 (including § 5-118, Firearm Applications)
• Fingerprinting administered under authority of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services