Maryland Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Guide

Maryland Wear and Carry Permit Renewal Process

Overview

Maryland Wear and Carry Permit holders must renew their permits through the Maryland State Police (MSP) Licensing Portal. The renewal process closely mirrors the original application process but with some reduced requirements.

Key Requirements

Training Requirement

• Unless exempt from the training requirement, renewal applicants must successfully complete an MSP-approved 8-hour Firearms Safety Training Course provided by a Qualified Handgun Instructor registered with the Maryland State Police.
• Applicants must upload a completed and signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet to the documents section of the renewal application in the Licensing Portal.
• The handgun instructor must be registered with the Maryland State Police online registration. Out-of-state or unregistered instructors are not accepted.

Fingerprints

• Livescan fingerprints are NOT required for renewal applications.

Documentation

• An updated MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet must be submitted.
• Applicants may be prompted to update their passport-style photograph.
• All pre-populated information from the original application should be verified for accuracy and currency.

Application Process

1. Log into the existing Licensing Portal account.
2. Begin the Application for Wear & Carry Permit (Handgun Permit). The system will automatically recognize the existing permit and adjust the application accordingly.
3. Many pages will be pre-populated from the original application. Verify all information is valid and current.
4. Upload all required documentation (qualification score sheet, photo if required).
5. Proceed to the application payment page and submit payment.
6. The application is finalized and submitted to the Licensing Division for review.

Processing

• The Licensing Division reviews the application for completeness.
• Complete applications are accepted; incomplete applications or those missing required information/documentation are sent back to the applicant for corrections.
• Corrected applications can be resubmitted.
• Accepted applications undergo a criminal history background check and receive a final disposition.
• Allow 90 days for completion of the renewal application process.

Fees

• Acceptable forms of payment: Visa and MasterCard
• All application fees are collected electronically upon submission in the Licensing Portal.
• Application fees are non-refundable.

Critical Timing Requirements

• Renewal applications MUST be submitted prior to the expiration date of the current Wear and Carry Permit.
• If a renewal application is submitted at least 14 days (two weeks) prior to the expiration date, the permit holder is still allowed to carry on the expired permit until the renewed permit is received.
• If the application is returned for incompleteness and resubmitted after the two-week window, the applicant will NOT be allowed to carry their handgun on the expired permit.
• Applications submitted after the permit expiration date will be REJECTED. In that case, the applicant must submit a new original application with:
  • A new 16-hour firearms safety training certificate (rather than the 8-hour renewal course)
  • Proof of a new Livescan fingerprint submission
  • The full original application fee of $125.00 (plus fingerprint fees)

Replacement Permits

• If a permit is lost or stolen, a replacement request is submitted through the online portal account.
• A notarized letter explaining the circumstances of the loss/theft must be attached.
• Replacement/Modification fee: $20.00 (paid via credit card).
• Security guards, private detectives, armored car drivers, or special police officers must attach an updated company sponsorship.

Portal Access

• Applicants must remember their log-on name and password for future renewal applications.
• A Wear and Carry Portal Users Guide is available for guidance.

Contact Information

Additional questions may be emailed to the Licensing Division Handgun Permit Unit at: msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov

Relevant Statutes

• PS 5-304 (Law enforcement officer fee exemption)
• Full Maryland statutes available at LexisNexis or the Maryland General Assembly website.