General Information

The following information will help ensure you have a full understanding of the process to obtain your MD Wear and Carry Permit.

 

Wear and Carry Permit Training


Wear and Carry Permit training is 16 hours of instruction for an original application and 8 hours of instruction for a renewal application. The approved training is offered by a Qualified Handgun Instructor and will include instruction on state firearm law, home firearm safety, handgun mechanisms, and operation, and a component that requires the applicant to demonstrate gun safety and proficiency with a minimum score of 70% accuracy.
Applicants must shoot a Basic Practical Handgun Course of at least 25 rounds, from no further than 15 yards and score at least 70% accuracy.
 

Criteria 


• An applicant must be at least 21 years of age;
• Has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for which a sentence of imprisonment for more than one year has been imposed; or convicted of a criminal offense for which you could have been sentenced to more than 2 years incarceration.
• Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
• Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;
• Based on an investigation, has not exhibited a propensity for violence or instability that may reasonably render the person’s possession of a handgun a danger to the person or others
• As of October 1, 2013, has successfully completed the Maryland State Police-approved firearms training course within 2 years prior to submitting the original or renewal application.

Handgun Qualification License (HQL)

Unless otherwise exempt, as of October 1, 2013, a Maryland resident must possess a valid Handgun Qualification License before he/she may purchase, rent, or receive a handgun. (There was a recent court ruling that indicated that this provision was unconstitutional; however, currently, this provision is still applicable)

You do not need a Handgun Qualification License to own a gun you already have. The Handgun Qualification License is only needed for purchasing, transferring, or renting a regulated firearm after October 1, 2013.