Maryland Concealed Carry Permit Basics

Maryland issues the Wear and Carry Permit (commonly called a concealed carry permit), administered by the Maryland State Police (MSP) Licensing Division. The permit is governed primarily by MD Code, Public Safety Title 5, Subtitle 3 (§§ 5-301 through 5-314).

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), Maryland transitioned from a may-issue to a shall-issue state. The previous requirement to demonstrate a "good and substantial reason" for carrying was struck down, and Maryland's permitting framework was updated by the Firearms Safety Act of 2023 (SB 1), which took effect October 1, 2023.

Permit Type and Legal Authority

Maryland's concealed carry authorization is officially called the Wear and Carry Permit, issued by the Secretary of State Police under MD Public Safety § 5-306. Under MD Criminal Law § 4-203, it is generally illegal to carry, wear, or transport a handgun in Maryland without authorization. An individual issued a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit is one of the statutory exceptions to this prohibition.

A violation of MD Criminal Law § 4-203 (wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun without authorization) is a misdemeanor carrying penalties of up to 2 to 10 years of imprisonment depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.

Wear and Carry Permit Application Requirements

Under MD Public Safety § 5-306, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Age: Must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if active military)
• Residency: Must be a Maryland resident, or have a regular place of business or employment in Maryland
• Training: Must complete a firearms training course approved by the Secretary, including both classroom instruction and live-fire qualification
• Background: Must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or Maryland state law
• Character: Must not exhibit a propensity for violence or instability that may reasonably render possession of a handgun a danger to the applicant or others
• Application Fee: Initial and renewal fees apply (set by MSP regulation)

Permit Duration and Renewal

Wear and Carry Permits are valid for a period of 2 to 3 years from the date of issuance, depending on the type. Renewal applications must be submitted prior to expiration and require updated training certification and a new background check.

Carry Requirements

Under MD Public Safety § 5-308, a permit holder must carry the permit on their person whenever they carry, wear, or transport a handgun:

"A person to whom a permit is issued or renewed shall carry the permit in the person's possession whenever the person carries, wears, or transports a handgun."

Failure to have the permit in possession while armed may result in a violation.

Sensitive Locations (Post-Bruen, SB 1 — 2023)

The Firearms Safety Act of 2023 established a list of sensitive places where carrying is prohibited even with a valid Wear and Carry Permit, including:

• Government buildings (legislative, executive, and judicial)
• Schools, colleges, and universities (public and private)
• Polling places on election days
• Hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities
• Places of worship (unless authorized by the property owner)
• Stadiums, arenas, and amusement parks
• Public demonstrations or events requiring a permit
• Establishments licensed to sell or serve alcohol for on-premises consumption
• State parks and forests
• Child care centers
• Museums and libraries

Note: Several sensitive-location provisions have been subject to legal challenges since enactment. Permit holders should consult the MSP website or legal counsel for the current status of enforcement.

Private Property Restrictions

Under the 2023 law, carrying is prohibited on private property unless the property owner has given express permission to carry. The default is no carry on another person's private property absent affirmative consent.

Handgun Qualification License (HQL)

Before purchasing, renting, or receiving a handgun in Maryland, most individuals must obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) under MD Public Safety § 5-117.1. Per the statute:

"A person may purchase, rent, or receive a handgun only if the person possesses a valid handgun qualification license issued to the person by the Secretary."

HQL Qualifications

The Secretary shall issue an HQL to a person who:

1. Is at least 21 years old
2. Is a resident of the State
3. Has demonstrated satisfactory completion of a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary, completed within 3 years prior to application submission
4. Is not otherwise prohibited from purchasing or possessing a handgun under state or federal law

HQL Details

• Expiration: The HQL is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance
• Presentation: The MSP will issue a physical Handgun Qualification License to present to the dealer at the time of purchase
• Lower Receivers: An HQL is not required to purchase a lower receiver. Per MSP: "A lower receiver of a banned assault long gun is classified by the State as a 'firearm,' but not a 'handgun.' A Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is only needed if you are purchasing a handgun that is not classified as a curio and relic."

HQL Exemptions

The following individuals are exempt from the HQL requirement (§ 5-117.1):

• Holders of valid credentials or retirement credentials from a U.S., state, or local law enforcement agency
• Active or retired members of the U.S. armed forces or National Guard with a valid military ID
• Purchasers of antique, curio, or relic firearms as defined by federal law or ATF determinations

Wear and Carry Permit Holders — Automatic HQL

Under MD Public Safety § 5-306, the Secretary may issue an HQL without an additional application or fee to a person who:

• Meets the requirements for issuance of a Wear and Carry Permit; and
• Does not already have a handgun qualification license issued under § 5-117.1

Background Check Requirements

A background check is required for every regulated firearm transaction, even if the buyer recently passed one. According to MSP, each check verifies that since the last purchase the applicant has not:

• Been served a protective order
• Been arrested or convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Been placed on supervised probation
• Become subject to other disqualifying conditions

This applies regardless of how recently the individual was confirmed eligible.

Waiting Period

Under MD Public Safety § 5-123, there is a mandatory 7-day waiting period for regulated firearm purchases. A licensed dealer may not sell, rent, or transfer a regulated firearm until after 7 days following the execution of the firearm application by the applicant.

Exceptions to the Carry Prohibition (MD Criminal Law § 4-203)

The following individuals are authorized to carry a firearm without a Wear and Carry Permit:

• Law enforcement officials of the United States, the State of Maryland, or a county or city of the State
• Members of the armed forces of the United States or of the National Guard while on duty or traveling to or from duty
• Law enforcement officials from other states or subdivisions of other states temporarily in Maryland on official business
• Correctional officers or wardens of a correctional facility in the State
• Sheriffs or full-time, part-time, or temporary assistant or deputy sheriffs of the State
• Individuals issued a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit
• Individuals transporting a firearm for lawful purposes (e.g., to a repair shop, shooting range, or hunting), provided each handgun is unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or enclosed holster

LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act)

The Maryland State Police issues LEOSA identification cards to qualified individuals separating from the Maryland Department of State Police. This includes Maryland State Troopers and Maryland Deputy State Fire Marshals only. This identification card authorizes separated law enforcement officers to carry a handgun under the federal LEOSA provisions (18 U.S.C. §§ 926B–926C).

Note: LEOSA cards are issued only to individuals separating from the Maryland Department of State Police, not to officers from local agencies. Officers from other Maryland agencies should contact their respective departments for LEOSA qualification.

Military Veterans and Families — Expedited Licensing

Under Maryland Business Regulation § 2.5-101 and amendments effective October 1, 2019 (Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013), Maryland provides expedited occupational and professional licensing for veterans, active service members, and their spouses. Qualifying applicants who hold a valid license in another state may receive expedited processing, with licenses issued within 60 days of a completed application.

Eligible Individuals

Important: This expedited licensing provision applies to occupational and professional licenses administered by the Maryland Department of Labor's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. For firearms-specific licensing (Wear and Carry Permit, HQL), contact the Maryland State Police Licensing Division directly. The expedited processing rules under § 2.5-101 do not directly govern MSP firearms permit timelines.

Key Contacts and Resources

• Maryland State Police Licensing Division: mdsp.maryland.gov — Wear and Carry Permit
• Handgun Qualification License: HQL Page
• Regulated Firearm Purchases: Purchase Information
• LEOSA Information: LEOSA Page
• Maryland Department of Labor — Veterans Licensing: labor.maryland.gov

Disclaimer: This content is compiled from official Maryland State Police, Maryland Department of Labor, and Maryland General Assembly sources for informational purposes. Firearms laws are subject to change — particularly given ongoing litigation over provisions of the Firearms Safety Act of 2023. Applicants should consult the Maryland State Police website and applicable Maryland statutes for the most current requirements. Specific details on application fees, training hour requirements, and processing times should be obtained directly from MSP.