Maryland Concealed Carry Training Requirements

Overview

Maryland requires mandatory firearms training for both the initial issuance and renewal of a Wear and Carry Permit (concealed carry permit). These requirements were established under the Firearms Safety Act of 2013 (SB 281) and are administered by the Maryland State Police Licensing Division.

Initial Permit Training Requirements

16-Hour Training Course (Initial Issue)

• 16 hours of training is required for the initial issuance of a handgun (carry) permit.
• Training must be conducted by a Maryland State Police-approved Qualified Handgun Instructor.
• The course covers the minimum criteria required under SB 281.
• Upon completion, instructors must complete the Maryland State Police Certified Qualification Score Sheet.
• The course includes a live-fire component based on a practical police course.

Renewal Training Requirements

8-Hour Training Course (Renewal)

• 8 hours of training is required for the renewal of a handgun (carry) permit.
• Training must also be conducted by an approved Qualified Handgun Instructor.
• Upon completion, instructors complete the Maryland State Police Certified Qualification Score Sheet.

Qualified Handgun Instructors

Training must be provided by instructors approved by the Maryland State Police. There are two pathways for instructor approval:

Qualified Handgun Instructor Certificate

For instructors who are certified by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions or hold a valid certification from a nationally recognized firearms organization:

• Must apply online through MyLicense
• Must provide a valid copy of their Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission certificate or a valid instructor certification card from a nationally recognized firearms organization
• The certificate expiration date matches the expiration of the supporting credential

Qualified Handgun Instructor License

For instructors who are not certified by the above bodies:

• Must apply online through MyLicense
• Must provide proof of formal training in the care, safety, and use of handguns, including a minimum qualification score of 80 percent on a practical police course
• Must provide proof of a minimum of 1 year of experience in instruction in the care, safety, and use of handguns
• The license is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance
• The Secretary shall issue the license within a reasonable time upon receipt of a properly completed application

Exemptions from Training Requirements

The following individuals are exempt from the Handgun Qualification License (HQL) training requirement (note: separate from Wear and Carry training):

• Individuals who have completed a course approved by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police
• Individuals who have completed the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Hunter Safety Course
• Individuals who are honorably discharged from the Armed Forces or National Guard
• Employees of an armored car company who hold a handgun permit
• Individuals who lawfully owned a regulated firearm (prior to October 1, 2013)
  • When applying for an HQL, the applicant provides the serial number of their legally owned handgun to satisfy this exemption

Handgun Qualification License (HQL) Training

Separate from the Wear and Carry Permit, Maryland also requires a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) to purchase a regulated firearm. The HQL training requirement is:

• 4-hour course covering firearm safety
• After completion, instructors log into their account and verify each applicant they have instructed

Key Statutory References

• Maryland Public Safety Article, Title 5, Subtitle 1 — Regulated firearms provisions
• SB 281 (Firearms Safety Act of 2013) — Contains the minimum training criteria that instructors must certify
• Public Safety Article § 5-102(6) — Dealer exemptions
• Public Safety Article § 5-146(a) — Lost/stolen firearm notification requirements

Contact Information

• Maryland State Police Handgun Permit Section: msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov
• Fingerprinting: Must be conducted by a LiveScan provider approved by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
• Applications: Submitted online through the MyLicense portal