Maryland is one of the states I hear about most from students, and for good reason. Many of us live, work, or travel there. In Maryland, you must have a valid permit issued by the Maryland State Police to legally wear, carry, or transport a handgun, and the state does not honor handgun carry permits issued by other states. Here is how the process works, step by step.

Who can apply: You must be at least 21, or an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard, or the uniformed services. You cannot have disqualifying convictions, you cannot be a habitual user of controlled dangerous substances or an alcoholic, and you cannot have exhibited a propensity for violence or instability that could endanger yourself or others.

Step 1: Training. Unless you are exempt, you must complete the MSP-approved 16 hour Firearms Safety Training Course from a Qualified Handgun Instructor within 2 years before you apply. It includes classroom instruction and a live-fire qualification. Maryland law exempts some applicants, including law enforcement officers, retired officers, and current, retired, or honorably discharged members of the armed forces or National Guard, but confirm your exemption with MSP before skipping the class.

Step 2: Fingerprints. You must submit Livescan fingerprints before you apply and keep the receipt. The fingerprinting fee is separate from the application fee.

Step 3: Photo and paperwork. You will need a color, passport-style photo and your signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet from your instructor, or documentation of your exemption.

Step 4: Apply online. The application is done only through the MSP Licensing Portal, and paper applications are not accepted. The fee is $125, paid by Visa or MasterCard, and it is non-refundable. Once you have everything in hand, expect the application itself to take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 5: Wait. MSP has up to 90 days to decide. If you are approved, your approval letter and permit card come by U.S. Mail. If you are not approved, you will be notified by email and can request an informal review or file an appeal within 10 days. Submitting an application does not authorize you to carry. You must have the permit card in hand first.

Renewals: Your initial permit always expires on the last day of your birth month after two years have passed from the date it was issued. That means your initial permit can be valid for more than two years, depending on when your birth month falls. For example, if it is issued in January and your birthday is in November, it runs nearly two years and ten months. Renewals are good for three years, and a renewed permit will likewise expire on the last day of your birth month after those three years have passed. A renewal costs $75. You do not need new fingerprints, but you do need an 8 hour refresher course. Start the renewal 90 days before your permit expires. If you submit at least 14 days before expiration, you may continue to carry while MSP decides. If your permit expires first, you must start over as a new applicant, with the 16 hour course and new fingerprints, so do not let that date slip by.

Where you can carry: A permit does not mean you can carry everywhere. Maryland law prohibits carrying in many places, including areas for children or vulnerable individuals, government and public infrastructure areas, and certain special purpose areas, and there are also rules about private property. Parts of this law have been challenged in court, and in January 2026 a federal appeals court upheld most of it. Before you carry anywhere in Maryland, review MSP’s “Prohibited Places to Carry a Firearm” page.

The bottom line: The process is straightforward, but every step has to be done in order and done correctly. Rules and fees can change, so always confirm with the Maryland State Police before you apply.

Questions about firearms training? Call 301.988.0809, email tristatetrainer@gmail.com, or visit tristatetraining.org.

Sources: Maryland State Police Wear & Carry Permit page, mdsp.maryland.gov/firearms-permits-professional-licenses/wear-carry-permit. Maryland Department of Legislative Services, 2026 HB 820 Fiscal and Policy Note, mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/fnotes/bil_0000/hb0820.pdf. Maryland State Police news release on the licensing portal, news.maryland.gov/msp/2022/07/22/maryland-state-police-licensing-division-portal-update/.