How do I get a concealed carry permit in Maryland?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in Maryland?

Maryland's Wear and Carry Permit (WCP) is governed by Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-306 as substantially amended after NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022). 1. Eligibility (§ 5-306) - At least 21 years old (18 for certain employment). - Maryland resident or non-resident who is a regular employee within Maryland. - No felony conviction or specified misdemeanor with a sentence of 1+ year. - No drug or alcohol conviction in past 3 years. - No "propensity for violence or instability" (still in statute but now objectively applied). 2. Training Requirement (§ 5-306.1) - Initial: 16 hours of state-approved firearms training, including classroom and live-fire qualification . - Renewal: 8 hours refresher. - Approved instructors must be Maryland State Police (MSP)-certified. 3. Application - Apply through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division online portal. - Submit Form WCP-001, fingerprints (Live Scan), training certificate, three character references, and proof of training. 4. Fees - $75 initial application. - Plus fingerprinting (~$60) and training course (~$200-$400). 5. Processing - 90 days target (§ 5-306(c)); often longer during high-volume periods. 6. Restricted "Sensitive Places" (SB 1, 2023; codified Crim. Law § 4-111) - Schools, government buildings, hospitals, healthcare facilities, places of public accommodation, public transit, parks, racetracks, casinos, polling places, stadiums, bars, and private property without owner consent. - Significantly expanded list in 2023; subject to ongoing litigation. 7. Reciprocity - Maryland does not recognize any other state's permit. 8. Renewal - Valid 2 years initially, 3 years for subsequent renewals; renewal fee $50. This is legal information, not legal advice.

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Maryland's Wear and Carry Permit (WCP) is governed by Md. Code, Pub. Safety § 5-306 as substantially amended after NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022).

1. Eligibility (§ 5-306)

At least 21 years old (18 for certain employment).

Maryland resident or non-resident who is a regular employee within Maryland.

No felony conviction or specified misdemeanor with a sentence of 1+ year.

No drug or alcohol conviction in past 3 years.

No "propensity for violence or instability" (still in statute but now objectively applied).

2. Training Requirement (§ 5-306.1)

Initial: 16 hours of state-approved firearms training, including classroom and live-fire qualification.

Renewal: 8 hours refresher.

Approved instructors must be Maryland State Police (MSP)-certified.

3. Application

Apply through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division online portal.

Submit Form WCP-001, fingerprints (Live Scan), training certificate, three character references, and proof of training.

4. Fees

$75 initial application.

Plus fingerprinting (~$60) and training course (~$200-$400).

5. Processing

90 days target (§ 5-306(c)); often longer during high-volume periods.

6. Restricted "Sensitive Places" (SB 1, 2023; codified Crim. Law § 4-111)

Schools, government buildings, hospitals, healthcare facilities, places of public accommodation, public transit, parks, racetracks, casinos, polling places, stadiums, bars, and private property without owner consent.

Significantly expanded list in 2023; subject to ongoing litigation.

7. Reciprocity

Maryland does not recognize any other state's permit.

8. Renewal

Valid 2 years initially, 3 years for subsequent renewals; renewal fee $50.

This is legal information, not legal advice.