If you have put off applying for a concealed carry permit in Washington, DC or Maryland because you thought you had to prove a special need, that hurdle is gone in both places. Here is what changed, what it means for you, and what you still have to do.

May Issue vs. Shall Issue

In a “may issue” system, the government has discretion. Even with a clean record and all of your training finished, an official could turn you down because they did not think your reason for carrying was good enough. In a “shall issue” system, the standards are objective. If you meet the listed requirements, such as age, background, and training, the agency has to issue the permit. You are no longer asked to convince anyone why you need to carry.

What Changed in DC

DC used to require applicants to show a “good reason” to fear injury before a license would be issued. On 7/25/2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit struck that requirement down in Wrenn v. District of Columbia, and the District chose not to appeal. The Metropolitan Police Department now states that applicants no longer need to provide a good reason for carrying a handgun. All of the other suitability and training requirements still apply.

What Changed in Maryland

Maryland required a “good and substantial reason” for a Wear and Carry Permit. After the U.S. Supreme Court decided New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen on 6/23/2022, the Governor directed the Maryland State Police on 7/5/2022 to stop using that standard. The State Police confirmed that applicants must still meet the training and fingerprinting requirements, and that the change does not affect any other part of the application review.

Easier Does Not Mean Effortless

Removing the “why” question makes the process far more predictable, but you still have to do the work. Here is what to expect.

Maryland

• You must be at least 21 (with limited exceptions for military members) and meet the State Police qualifications.
• Complete a 16-hour State Police approved firearms safety course with a qualified handgun instructor within 2 years before you apply.
• Submit Livescan fingerprints, then apply through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal.
• The initial application fee is $125. The State Police ask you to allow up to 90 days for a decision.
• If you hold a Wear and Carry Permit, you may qualify for an exemption from the Handgun Qualification License.

Washington, DC

• You must be at least 21, have a DC-registered handgun, and meet the suitability standards.
• Complete a 16-hour course plus 2 hours of range training with an MPD-certified instructor.
• The application fee is $75 and the fingerprint fee is $35.
• A DC concealed carry license is valid for two years, and MPD recommends submitting your renewal 45 days before it expires.

Know the Rules Before You Carry

A permit does not let you carry everywhere. Both jurisdictions restrict where you can carry, neither one honors permits from other states, and some of those rules are still being reviewed by the courts. Learn where you can and cannot carry before you start, and confirm current requirements with the official agencies. This post is general information, not legal advice.

Official Resources

• Maryland State Police: Wear and Carry Permit
• Maryland State Police: Licensing Division portal update (7/22/2022)
• DC Metropolitan Police Department: Eligibility Requirements for a Concealed Carry License
• DC Metropolitan Police Department: Applying for a License to Carry a Handgun

Ready to Get Started?

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