In Maryland, you cannot conceal carry a handgun without a Wear and Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP). You obtain a WCHP after first receiving your handgun qualification license (HQL), which allows you to purchase or possess a handgun, and then you submit your WCHP application.
Previously, to obtain a WCHP to conceal carry a weapon (CCW) in Maryland, you had to prove extraordinary circumstances that required you to defend yourself, as Maryland was a may-issue state. As of June 2022, Maryland changed from a may-issue state to a shall-issue state, thanks to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen case.
As a shall-issue state, Maryland is required to provide CCW permits if the applicant meets all legal requirements, without also leaving the decision up to a party who determines the need for self-protection on an undefined basis. This allows more responsible gun owners to obtain a WCHP in the state of Maryland under their Second Amendment right.
Learn the difference between a may-issue state and a shall-issue state and how this changed Maryland’s CCW laws, how to apply for a WCHP in the state of Maryland, and what to do if your application is denied.
As a leader in firearm rights, Saller Law works to protect your rights under the Second Amendment. More than a firearm lawyer, Andrew Saller is an active member of the NRA and gun advocacy, going above and beyond. Call today to discuss your application or appeal, or get a consult on how to move forward.
May-Issue State vs Shall-Issue State
In the US, there are two main approaches to CCW permits: a may-issue state vs a shall-issue state. A may-issue state does not guarantee the applicant will receive their CCW permit, even if they meet all legal requirements. A may-issue state allows the issuing authority to decide whether there is a “need” for the applicant to conceal carry a weapon, with no defined guidelines or requirements. Until June 2022, Maryland was one of six states, plus DC, that were a may-issue state.
The case NYSRPA v Bruen found that may-issue states did not protect a citizen’s rights under the Second Amendment as historically defined. With this ruling from the Supreme Court, all but two states (Connecticut and Delaware) switched to shall-issue states.
A shall-issue state sets legal requirements that an applicant must meet to obtain a CCW permit. If they meet all of these requirements, the state must issue their CCW permit. In Maryland, this allows law-abiding citizens to obtain their WCHP without having to prove their need for self-protection.
Requirements for a Maryland Wear-and-Carry Permit
Age
You must be at least 21 years of age or a member of the US Armed Forces, National Guard, or other uniformed services to obtain your WCHP.
Criminal History
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor with a sentence of imprisonment over one year, a criminal offense which could have resulted in two years’ incarceration, or a crime involving possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Applicants must not presently be an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance, unless under direct medical advisement. Cannabis users or medical marijuana cardholders cannot obtain their HQL in Maryland, as marijuana is still a federally controlled dangerous substance and therefore disqualifies citizens from handgun ownership; for this reason, you will also be ineligible for your WCHP.
Mental Health Status
Per an investigation, there should be no history of aggression, tendency towards violence, or instability that would cause a person’s ownership of a handgun to be a danger to themselves or others.
Firearms Training
With few exceptions, an applicant must have completed the Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within 2 years prior to submitting their application or renewal. It must be a successful completion of training.
As of October 2023, the Firearm Safety Training Course was updated per House Bill 824. The Maryland State Police, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Health developed a new firearms training curriculum that includes all required topics under the new House Bill.
Applicants must complete 16 hours of instruction for their initial application and 8 hours of instruction for each renewal application. Firearms safety training is offered by Qualified Handgun Instructors, who can be located through the Department of Maryland State Police website and instructor search: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/verification/
The approved training will cover topics related to state firearm law, home firearm safety, handgun mechanisms and operation, and a demonstration of proper gun safety and proficiency, with a minimum accuracy score of 70%. Applicants will be required to upload a completed and signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet to their online WCHP application.
Exemptions to the firearm safety training include active law enforcement officers for a US agency, the State, or any local agency; retired law enforcement officers with a US, State, or local agency; active, retired, or honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard; qualified handgun instructors registered with the Maryland State Police; or you have successfully completed a firearms training course given by a Qualified Handgun Instructor, please note that the on-line firearm safety course is no longer accepted.
Your Rights with a WCHP in Maryland as a Shall-Issue State
While Maryland has switched from a may-issue state to a shall-issue state, this has mostly affected the application process and has not impacted where you can carry a gun in Maryland. It is the responsibility of the WCHP holder to understand where you can and cannot carry a handgun in Maryland, how to legally transport your handgun, and what areas prohibit firearms, even with a WCHP.
A January 2026 case has continued to impact these laws and should be monitored, especially in relation to having a concealed weapon on another person’s private property. Remember, there is no open carry in Maryland allowed, even with a WCHP.
Obtaining Your HQL
You must first obtain your HQL to own or possess a handgun in Maryland. This process has been unaffected by the shall-issue state change. You can review the process, requirements, and application at our resource, The Process and Requirements for Obtaining a Maryland HQL.
Self-Defense and Castle Doctrine
Maryland does not have any self-defense laws, but is considered a Castle Doctrine state. This means you have the right to defend your home, but a duty to retreat in most situations. Understanding these laws is critical in acts of self-defense and evaluating the threat level of an assailant and how to legally defend yourself with a firearm. Learn more at our resource, Maryland’s Laws on Self-Defense and Castle Doctrine Explained.
Transporting a Gun in Your Car
Maryland has strict laws on how to transport a firearm, including a handgun. Even with a WCHP, you may be charged for having a gun in your car. This can occur if the gun is improperly stored or if you are on property that restricts the access of firearms. Understand how Maryland gun laws impact transporting a handgun at our resource, Can You Be Charged for Having a Gun in Your Car in Maryland.
Prohibited Places for Firearms in Maryland
Even with a WCHP, you are restricted in where you can carry your handgun in the state of Maryland. It is your responsibility to know these restrictions and act lawfully to avoid fines, penalties, jail time, or other legal charges and consequences. See a breakdown of where you can and cannot carry a firearm in Maryland at our resource, Carrying Firearms in Prohibited Places in Maryland. We break down schools, bars, state parks, and more.
Neighboring States Gun Laws
For both Maryland residents and out-of-state residents, it is important to understand how gun laws compare. Maryland does not recognize any other state’s carry permit. It is your responsibility to know how to transport, store, and carry your handgun when traveling across different states. Get a breakdown of VA, DC, DE, and PA at our guide, How Maryland’s Gun Laws Compare to Neighboring States.
The WCHP Application Process
Submit LiveScan Fingerprints
Submission of recent LiveScan fingerprints is required for a background check. Fingerprints must have been submitted in the last 12 months. A receipt of the transaction will be required to be uploaded with the WCHP application.
Complete Firearms Safety Training
Within 2 years prior to the application, the 16 hours of required firearms safety training must have been successfully completed with a qualified firearms instructor. The training must be completed before the application is submitted, and you must have your completion certificate available for upload.
Send a Color Passport Style Photo
A color passport-style photo is required to submit along with your application. You do not need to purchase a passport photo for the application, but you should follow all instructions and guidelines to submit a qualifying identifying photograph.
Complete the Online Application
The online application can be found and completed via the Maryland government website: https://licensingportal.mdsp.maryland.gov/MspBridgeClient/#/home
Applicants will create an account, complete and submit their online application, and pay the initial application fee of $125. If the application is found to be incomplete, it will be sent back to the applicant for completion. Once a completed application has been received, it goes into a queue for background checks, and you may be contacted for a background investigative interview if necessary.
Final Decision
The final decision will come via email within 90 days, and the applicant will be prompted to log in to their account for the final outcome. If approved, an approval letter and permit card will be sent to the address on file. If the application is denied, you have 10 days from receiving the decision to request an appeal or re-review of the application. You will receive further instructions after requesting this process to your email on file. Get more information on what to do if your wear and carry permit was denied.
Working with a Firearms Lawyer for Your WCHP Appeal
Saller Law is dedicated to protecting your Second Amendment rights. Our firearms lawyers are at the forefront of advocating for Maryland citizens. If you need assistance or representation with a WCHP appeal, WCHP application, HQL, or more, we are available.
Call today to speak with a firearms lawyer in Maryland and learn more about firearms law in Maryland.
