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Concealed Carry MD: Are You Meeting All Legal Steps?

June 5, 2025

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5 minute read

If you’re planning to carry a concealed handgun in Maryland, you’re making a serious, potentially life-altering decision. One that comes with legal responsibility, training requirements, and daily vigilance. It’s not just about exercising your Second Amendment rights—it’s about doing it lawfully, safely, and with total confidence.

But here’s the hard truth: many people in Maryland miss critical legal steps when trying to carry concealed, often due to misinformation or misunderstanding the law. You don’t want to be one of them.

So, how can you be sure you’re meeting all the legal steps to carry a concealed firearm in Maryland?

This guide walks you through the process step-by-step—from eligibility to application to ongoing responsibilities—so you can stay compliant, avoid criminal penalties, and carry with confidence.

Step 1: Know What Maryland Law Actually Requires

Unlike some states with constitutional carry laws, Maryland is not one of them. You are legally required to have a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit to carry a concealed handgun.

That means:

No permit, no concealed carry—period.
Open carry is also subject to the same permit.
Simply owning a handgun does not give you the right to carry it outside your home or place of business.

Even if you’re trained and experienced, you are not legally allowed to carry unless the state issues you a valid permit.

Step 2: Check If You Qualify

Before you begin the application process, confirm that you meet the state’s eligibility standards. According to Maryland State Police, you must:

Be 21 years of age or older (some exceptions exist for employment-related carry at 18+)
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Have no disqualifying criminal record
Not have a history of mental illness that would disqualify you
Complete the required training from a Maryland State Police-certified instructor
Provide a valid reason for the permit (e.g., personal protection, business, employment)

Since Maryland transitioned toward “shall issue” guidelines after the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision, demonstrating a “good and substantial reason” is no longer strictly required—but you still must disclose your purpose for carrying.

Step 3: Take the Required Training Course

This is non-negotiable. You must complete 16 hours of Maryland Wear and Carry training from a certified instructor unless you’re renewing an existing permit, in which case 8 hours are required.

Training includes:

Maryland firearms laws
Use of deadly force and legal justifications
De-escalation and avoidance techniques
Firearms safety and basic handgun mechanics
A live-fire qualification, with minimum accuracy standards

Don’t cut corners here. The right training can make the difference between safe carry and legal trouble—or worse, a preventable tragedy.

Ready to start your official Maryland concealed carry training?

👉 Sign up here for a certified Wear and Carry Permit course tailored to real-world self-defense and full legal compliance.

Step 4: Get Fingerprinted

Before applying, you must submit your fingerprints through a Maryland-authorized LiveScan provider. This is used to conduct your criminal background check.

Here’s what to do:

Find a licensed LiveScan fingerprinting service
Bring your ID and pay the fingerprinting fee
Keep your Transaction Control Number (TCN)—you’ll enter this during the application

Important: Your application will not be processed without valid fingerprint documentation.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Online

Once you’ve completed training and fingerprinting, go to the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal to apply.

You’ll need to upload:

A valid government-issued ID
Your training certificate
Two passport-style photos
Your TCN from LiveScan fingerprinting
Application fee of $75 (non-refundable)

Double-check every entry—mistakes can delay processing or result in denial.

Enroll with Confidence

Not sure which instructor to trust? Choose a certified training provider that goes beyond the basics—one that prepares you for the legal, ethical, and physical responsibilities of concealed carry.

🛡️ Enroll now in a Maryland Wear and Carry course with experienced instructors who understand Maryland law inside and out.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Once your application is submitted, expect a waiting period of 30 to 90 days depending on volume and whether your documentation is complete.

The Maryland State Police will:

Review your criminal and mental health background
Evaluate your training and stated reasons for carry
Send you a physical permit card if approved

If denied, you’ll receive written notice explaining the reason, and you have the right to appeal.

Step 7: Carry Smart, Carry Legal

Congratulations—you’re now a legal concealed carrier in Maryland. But the responsibility doesn’t stop once the permit arrives. You must now commit to staying compliant every day.

Here’s how:

Know where you can’t carry:

Government buildings
Schools and school property
State parks (with exceptions)
Places with posted “no firearms” signage
Private property where firearms are prohibited

Stay concealed at all times:

Maryland law requires your handgun to remain fully concealed. Accidental exposure—even without intent—could result in your permit being suspended or revoked.

Avoid alcohol while carrying:

Carrying a firearm while impaired could lead to arrest, loss of your permit, and civil liability if anything goes wrong.

Contact Us for Assistance

Not sure if you’re doing everything right? Have a complicated situation—like a restraining order, business justification, or prior conviction?

📞 Contact us for a one-on-one consultation. We’ll help clarify your eligibility, guide you through documentation, and connect you with trusted training partners in your area.

Renewing Your Permit

Maryland Wear and Carry Permits are valid for two years initially, and three years for subsequent renewals. Renewal requires:

8 hours of refresher training
Updated documentation
A new application submission (online)
A $50 renewal fee

Set a reminder 90 days before your permit expires to ensure there are no gaps in legality.

Don’t Rely on Myths—Know the Law

There are tons of myths floating around about concealed carry in Maryland. Let’s clear up a few right now:

🚫 Myth: “If I have a Utah or Florida permit, I can carry in Maryland.”
✅ Truth: Maryland does not honor out-of-state concealed carry permits.

🚫 Myth: “As long as my gun is in the glovebox, I don’t need a permit.”
✅ Truth: Transporting a loaded or accessible handgun in Maryland without a permit is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

🚫 Myth: “I can carry on my business property without a permit.”
✅ Truth: This is partially true. You may carry on property you own or lease for business, but the rules are complex—better to get a permit to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Carrying a concealed handgun is your right—but it comes with immense responsibility. If you want to carry in Maryland, you must take the legal steps seriously, starting with training, fingerprinting, and a detailed application process.

Here’s your checklist to stay legally compliant: