Comprehensive Guide to Maryland Wear & Carry Permit Training and Licensing

So you’re thinking about getting your Maryland Wear & Carry Permit? Great! Whether you’re new to firearms or just want to carry legally and safely, you’ve come to the right place.

Welcome to STA Security Training Classes’ guide to the Maryland Wear & Carry Permit. This is your easy-to-follow resource to becoming a trained and licensed concealed carry holder in the state of Maryland. No matter if you’re looking to protect yourself, work in security, or just stay on the right side of the law, we’ve got you covered.

Who This Guide Is For

• Maryland residents (and some non-residents too!)
• Security guards and law enforcement applicants
• Firearm owners who want to carry legally
• Anyone confused about terms like “HQL,” “open carry,” or “wear and carry”

Let’s walk through what it takes to get your permit—from start to finish.

I. Understanding the Maryland Wear & Carry Permit

A. What Is a Wear & Carry Permit?

The Maryland Wear & Carry Permit lets you legally carry a handgun—concealed or open—in public. This is different from the Handgun Qualification License (HQL), which just allows you to buy or rent a handgun.

With this permit, you can carry:

• Concealed (most common)
• Openly (less common and quickly noticed)
• For work if you’re in security, a business owner, or have a specific need

B. Why Do You Need a Permit?

Maryland is not a “constitutional carry” state. That means you must have a permit to carry a handgun. The goal is to keep everyone safe by making sure people are trained and pass a background check.

After a big 2022 Supreme Court case, Maryland no longer asks for a “good and substantial reason” to get your permit. If you meet the basic rules, you can move forward.

II. Who Can Get a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit?

A. Basic Eligibility

You can apply if you:

1. Are at least 21 years old
2. Are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
3. Live in Maryland (or have a valid out-of-state reason)
4. Pass state and federal background checks
5. Finish required gun safety training

B. Reasons You May Be Denied

• Felony conviction
• Violent or drug-related misdemeanors
• History of domestic violence
• Substance abuse problems
• Active protective court orders
• Mental health history requiring hospitalization

If you’ve had trouble with the law, it could affect your chances. Always be honest on your application.

C. No “Good and Substantial Reason” Needed

Maryland no longer requires you to prove why you need to carry. Thanks to the 2022 Bruen ruling, Maryland has a “shall-issue” policy. That means if you meet all the legal steps, the state must give you the permit.

III. Steps to Get Your Permit

Here’s how to go from thinking to carrying legally:

1. Take 16 hours of approved training (we can help!)
2. Get fingerprinted using LiveScan at an approved location
3. Create an online account on the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal
4. Gather your documents (listed below)
5. Upload documents and complete the online application
6. Pay the $75 application fee
7. Wait for approval (usually 45–90 days)
8. Once you get it—carry wisely and legally

IV. Required Training

Our team at STA Security Training Classes is here to teach you how to carry confidently, safely, and legally.

A. How Many Hours Are Required?

• New applicants: 16 hours
• Renewals: 8 hours

Your training must be with a Maryland State Police Certified Instructor. That’s us!

B. What You’ll Learn

In our course, you’ll learn:

• Maryland firearms laws
• When you can use a gun in self-defense
• Safe storage and handling
• How to clean and take care of your gun
• Gun safety on the range
• Practice shooting targets
• How to avoid danger before it starts
• Live-fire practice
• Rules about traveling with a handgun
• Real-life situations and how to react

Don’t worry if you’ve never handled a gun before. We work with all experience levels.

C. How to Choose a Training Center

Make sure your training partner:

• Is certified by Maryland State Police
• Has well-trained and experienced instructors
• Offers classroom and hands-on training
• Keeps class sizes small for personal attention
• Has good reviews (psst… check ours!)

Visit our website at securitytrainingclasses.com or call us at (443) 702-7891 to sign up for the next class.

V. The Application Process

A. Create an Online Portal Account

1. Go to https://licensingportal.mdsp.maryland.gov/
2. Click “Create Account”
3. Enter your info and verify your email
4. Begin your Wear & Carry application

B. What Documents You’ll Need

• Photo ID (like your driver’s license)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
• Certificate showing you completed training
• Passport-size photo
• Fingerprint receipt (LiveScan)
• Extra paperwork if you need a gun for work
• Optional letters of reference
• Court documents if you were ever arrested
• Letters explaining anything that might raise questions

C. Application Fees

• First-time permit: $75
• Renewal: $50
• LiveScan fingerprinting: around $60
• Training: Call us for pricing and schedules

Yes, there’s a cost—but it’s worth it for your safety and legal peace of mind.

VI. Renewing Your Permit

A. When to Renew

• First-time permits are valid for up to 2 years
• Renewals last 3 years
• Start your renewal 90 days before it expires
• Never let it expire—carrying with an expired permit is against the law!

B. Renewal Training

For renewals, you’ll need:

• 8 hours of refresher training
• Live-fire qualification
• A review of laws and safe carrying practices

We offer fast and friendly renewal classes to help you stay up to date.

Final Thoughts: Carry Smart, Carry Safe

Getting your Maryland Wear & Carry Permit is a big step. It’s not just about protection—it’s about being prepared, responsible, and educated.

At STA Security Training Classes, we work hard to make sure every student feels confident and informed. Carrying a firearm is serious business, and we’ll help you do it the right way.

Let’s get started together:

• Website: Security Training Classes.
• Phone: (443) 702-7891