Maryland Wear and Carry Permit: Requirements, Cost and How to Apply (2026)

Quick answer: Maryland requires a Wear and Carry Permit from the Maryland State Police (MSP) to carry, wear or transport a handgun. You must be at least 21 (or an active member of the armed forces, National Guard or uniformed services), complete the MSP-approved 16-hour firearms safety course, submit LiveScan fingerprints and apply online. The initial application fee is $125.00, and MSP decides within 90 days. Facts below are from the MSP Wear and Carry Permit page, checked November 4, 2026.

Maryland requires a permit to carry

MSP says: “You must have a valid permit from the Maryland State Police (MDSP) to legally carry, wear, or transport a handgun.” Applying is not enough. MSP’s page states that the application “does not authorize you to carry a handgun. You must receive approval and have your permit card before you can legally wear, carry, or transport a handgun.” The permit laws are in section 4-203 of the Criminal Law Article and Title 5, Subsection 3 of the Public Safety Article.

Who qualifies for a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit

MSP lists these qualifications:

• at least 21 years old, or an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or uniformed services;
• no felony or misdemeanor convictions with an imposed sentence of imprisonment of more than 1 year, and no conviction of a crime punishable by more than 2 years of imprisonment;
• no convictions for crimes involving possession, use or distribution of controlled dangerous substances;
• not an alcoholic, drug-addicted or a habitual user of controlled dangerous substances, unless under legitimate medical supervision;
• has not shown a propensity for violence or instability that could pose a danger to the person or others;
• unless exempt, has completed an MSP-approved firearms safety training course within 2 years before applying.

Before you apply: training and fingerprints

• Training: complete the MSP-approved 16 hour Firearms Safety Training Course provided by a Qualified Handgun Instructor, and get the signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet.
• Fingerprints: submit LiveScan fingerprints to the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the FBI through an authorized LiveScan vendor, and sign the FBI Privacy Act Statement first. MSP’s FAQ says an out-of-state LiveScan provider cannot print you.
• Photo: a color passport-style photograph, uploaded into the application.

How to apply

1. Create or log into your Licensing Portal account.
2. Upload your LiveScan fingerprint receipt, your MSP 29-14 score sheet (or proof of an exemption) and your photograph.
3. Complete the wear and carry application and submit it with the fee.

MSP says that once the pre-application steps are done, the application can be completed within 1.5-2 hours. The Licensing Division reviews it, conducts a background investigation and gives a final disposition “within 90 days.” Approved applicants receive an approval letter and the permit card by U.S. Mail; if you are not approved, you can request an informal review or file an appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings within 10 days.

Fees

• Original/initial application: $125.00
• Renewal: $75.00
• Replacement or modification: $20.00

Fees are paid by Visa or MasterCard in the Licensing Portal, are non-refundable and do not include fingerprint fees. MSP says active and retired law enforcement officers of the State or a county or municipality are exempt from the application fee.

How long the permit lasts and how to renew

• The initial permit “is valid until the last day of your birth month, 2 years after issuance.” Renewals are issued for an additional 3 years.
• Start renewing 90 days before expiration. A renewal needs an 8 hour Firearms Safety Training Course (unless exempt) and the signed MSP 29-14 score sheet, but not new fingerprints or character references.
• If you renew at least 14 days before expiration, MSP says you can keep carrying until a decision is made on your renewal.
• If your permit has already expired, you must reapply as a new applicant, including the 16 hour training and new LiveScan fingerprints.

Where you cannot carry

A permit does not cover every place. MSP publishes a separate page on prohibited places to carry a firearm; read it before you carry somewhere new, because the list is set by statute and changes.

Carrying comfortably once your permit arrives

The Cloudster Pillow holster wedge mounts to the back of any IWB or AIWB holster with hook-and-loop, angles the grip into your body for better concealment and comfort, and has shredded cooling gel memory foam fill you can add or remove to set its thickness. Our Kore 1.5″ ratchet gun belts keep the holster steady. For how other states handle permits, see our carry permit requirements guide.

Maryland Wear and Carry Permit: Questions People Ask

How much is a Maryland carry permit?

The initial application fee is $125.00 and a renewal is $75.00, paid online by Visa or MasterCard. Fingerprint fees are separate.

How many hours of training does Maryland require?

16 hours for a first permit, through an MSP-approved course with a Qualified Handgun Instructor, and 8 hours to renew.

How long does a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit take?

MSP says it gives a final disposition within 90 days of receiving the completed application and fee.

How long is a Maryland carry permit valid?

The first permit is valid until the last day of your birth month, 2 years after it is issued. Renewals add 3 years.

Sources, all read November 4, 2026: Maryland State Police, Wear and Carry Permit page and its FAQs. Laws change, so confirm with MSP before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.