Maryland Wear and Carry Permit
**Maryland Wear and Carry (Handgun Permit) Update**
**NEW** – July 22, 2022 – News release providing information to help applicants navigate through the wear and carry (handgun permit) application process and avoid the common mistakes identified by the Licensing Division.
- July 7, 2022 – The Maryland State Police Licensing Division is advising all Maryland Wear and Carry (Handgun) Permit holder that ALL RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY DETAILED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF ALL MARYLAND WEAR AND CARRY PERMITS ISSUED PRIOR TO JULY 7, 2022 ARE HEREBY LIFTED EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE NOTE THAT AN UNRESTRICTED WEAR AND CARRY PERMIT DOES NOT SUPERSEDE LOCATIONS WHERE FIREARMS ARE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
This information is being relayed to Law Enforcement Agencies throughout Maryland
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/original 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.
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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
Wear and Carry Permits may be issued to any adult (18 years of age or over) who meets the following criteria:
- An applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment. – P.S. 5-133 (d)(2)(v)
- 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.
- Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
- Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;
- 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;
- 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.