Requirements & Process
Seeking a Maryland concealed carry permit requires meeting strict criteria and following detailed procedures. This article is your step-by-step guide to understanding the eligibility requirements, completing the mandatory training, and navigating the online application process facilitated by the Maryland State Police. Start your journey toward responsibly carrying a concealed weapon in Maryland here.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland’s Handgun Wear and Carry Permit is issued under a ‘Shall Issue’ policy by the Maryland State Police, requiring applicants to satisfy certain eligibility criteria, including age, clean criminal record, and absence of substance abuse or mental health issues disqualifying firearm possession.
- Applicants for a Maryland concealed carry permit must complete an approved firearms training course provided by qualified instructors, including classroom instructions and a live-fire proficiency test, with certain exemptions for law enforcement and military personnel.
- Concealed carry permit applications and renewals must be submitted electronically through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal, and Maryland does not recognize permits from other states, while also imposing specific legal considerations based on federal laws and state regulations.
Understanding Maryland's Concealed Carry Permit
In Maryland, the right to carry a loaded firearm in public is not an inherent privilege; it’s a responsibility that requires a Handgun Wear and Carry Permit. The Maryland State Police, the administrative authority, issues this permit under a ‘Shall Issue’ policy. This policy implies that any applicant satisfying the prescribed requirements, whether a resident or non-resident, will be granted the permit. The permit not only allows the individual to carry a concealed firearm but also marks them as someone who understands the gravity of carrying a loaded firearm in public and is trained to handle it responsibly.
To secure a concealed carry permit in Maryland, one must satisfy specific eligibility criteria and successfully complete a firearms training course. The Maryland State Police oversee the process, verifying eligibility, conducting background checks, and issuing permits.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
You must fulfill certain eligibility criteria before applying for a concealed carry permit in Maryland. These guidelines are in place to ensure that only responsible, law-abiding citizens are given the right to carry a concealed firearm. To begin with, the applicant must be at least 21 years old. Moreover, having a clean criminal record is a must; convictions for felonies, certain misdemeanors, or crimes involving controlled dangerous substances are disqualifying factors.
Additionally, Maryland law considers an applicant’s eligibility based on:
- Substance use: Those classified as alcoholics, addicts, or habitual users of controlled dangerous substances are ineligible, unless a doctor prescribes the substances.
- Mental health: The authorities also consider the applicant’s propensity for violence or instability that may render their possession of a handgun unsafe.
- Federal law: Medical cannabis patients and personal cannabis users are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, creating additional challenges for individuals seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
The Role of Maryland State Police
The Maryland State Police are instrumental in the permit application process. As the authority issuing carry permits, they determine who can legally carry a concealed firearm in the state. The state police collect all necessary documentation for the permit application, such as personal information and proof of training. These documents must be electronically attached to applications in the Licensing Portal.
Background checks are a significant part of the process, and the Maryland State Police executes them rigorously. They access criminal history records from the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System to ascertain the eligibility of the applicants. This stringent process ensures that only responsible, law-abiding citizens are granted the privilege of carrying a concealed firearm in Maryland.
Firearms Training Course Requirements
Training is a vital part of the permit process in Maryland. Applicants are required to complete a Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within two years prior to submitting an original or renewal application for a handgun carry permit. This course is designed by qualified handgun instructors who are approved by the Maryland State Police. This training remains valid until the permit’s expiration.
However, not everyone needs to take this course. Training exemptions are provided for:
- Active law enforcement officers
- Retired law enforcement officers
- Active or retired members of the U.S. military or National Guard
- Qualified Handgun Instructors registered with the Maryland State Police
This is because these individuals have successfully completed prior rigorous firearms training as part of their professional duties and are deemed proficient in handling firearms.
Classroom Instruction Components
The required firearms training course is comprehensive and covers multiple facets of firearm usage. The course provides 16 hours of classroom instruction covering state firearms law, home firearms safety, and handgun mechanisms and operation. This comprehensive training ensures a thorough understanding of important firearm-related topics. The classroom instruction emphasizes gun safety principles, ensuring that these principles are integrated throughout all phases of instruction.
The instruction is not merely theoretical but also practical. The course curriculum includes detailed instruction on Maryland state firearm law to ensure each trainee has a thorough understanding of the legal considerations of firearm possession. In addition, students learn practical aspects of handgun mechanisms and operation to ensure thorough knowledge of firearm handling and maintenance.
Live-Fire Proficiency Demonstration
After the classroom instruction, applicants must demonstrate their practical proficiency through a live-fire qualification test under the supervision of a qualified handgun instructor. General applicants are required to complete a Basic Practical Handgun Course, firing at least 25 rounds from no more than 15 yards. They must achieve a minimum score of 70% accuracy during this test to meet the live-fire proficiency criteria.
For designated security personnel, the requirements are slightly different. They must shoot a Practical Police Course consisting of at least 50 rounds from a maximum distance of 25 yards to satisfy their live-fire requirements. The live-fire proficiency qualification should be completed within two years before submitting the handgun permit application. Applicants can use their qualifying handgun or rent one, with the cost of ammunition included.
Applying for Your Handgun Permit
Once you’ve met the eligibility criteria and completed the required training, you’re ready to apply for your handgun permit. In Maryland, all Wear and Carry permit applications must be submitted online through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. The initial permit applications require electronic fingerprints, which should be taken at an authorized center before submitting the application through the Licensing Portal.
The Licensing Portal facilitates electronic submission of all documents, including color photographs, fingerprint receipts, and handgun training certificates. Application fees are also collected online upon submission. If the process exceeds 90 days, applicants can contact the Maryland State Police for status checks.
Renewal Application Process
The initial Maryland Concealed Carry Permit expires on the last day of the permit holder’s birth month, two years after the permit is issued. After this, renewal of the permit allows for successive periods of three years each. It is recommended to initiate the renewal process 90 business days before the expiration of the current permit.
Renewal reminders are sent via email to the address linked with the applicant’s Licensing Portal account. To renew your permit, you must possess the necessary qualifications and pay the established renewal fee.
Necessary Documentation
Applying for a Maryland concealed carry permit requires a color passport-size photograph, an electronic fingerprint transmission receipt, and either a Certificate of Handgun Training or documents proving exemption. For renewal applications, electronic fingerprints are not required for applications submitted after October 1, 2016.
Additionally, applicants must upload a completed and signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet as part of the wear and carry permit application to demonstrate proficiency. All required documentation for both initial and renewal applications must be uploaded and electronically attached to the application via the Maryland Licensing Portal.
Places Where Firearms Are Prohibited
Despite holding a concealed carry permit, certain places in Maryland still prohibit carrying a firearm. For instance, firearms are banned in government or public infrastructure areas like buildings owned or leased by state or local government and institutions of higher education, including community colleges and state universities. Firearms are also prohibited in facilities for children or vulnerable individuals, which include public or nonpublic preschools, elementary, and secondary schools, along with licensed child care centers.
Additional no-carry zones include:
- Special areas like those licensed to sell alcohol or cannabis for on-site consumption
- State parks
- State forests
- Wildlife management areas
- Other designated locations such as the property of a detention center or correctional facility
- State legislative buildings
- Courthouses during sessions
- Roadside rest areas
- Areas within 1,000 feet of a public demonstration.
Maryland's Stance on Reciprocity
Maryland’s stance on reciprocity is unambiguous. The state does not acknowledge concealed weapons permits issued by other states. However, Maryland concealed carry permits are recognized by 26 states, allowing for reciprocity in those jurisdictions.
However, this does not mean that Maryland residents can freely carry their concealed firearms in these states. Maryland residents must verify the concealed carry laws of other states they plan to visit, as not all states recognize Maryland permits.
Legal Considerations and Restrictions
Though Maryland’s gun laws are stringent, they are not the sole laws to consider. Federal law, under the Gun Control Act, makes it illegal for an ‘unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance’ to ship, transport, receive, or possess firearms or ammunition. This includes medical cannabis patients and personal users of cannabis, even if they have legitimate medical direction. Furthermore, falsely denying personal use of cannabis when purchasing a firearm can result in federal penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
There are also restrictions based on the applicant’s legal status. Individuals under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year are prohibited from shipping, transporting, or receiving firearms or ammunition. Neither the firearm transactions nor carry permits are allowed by the Maryland State Police for individuals who disclose they are medical cannabis patients or personal users of cannabis. Other restrictions in Maryland law prohibit firearms at demonstrations, on certain privately-owned public properties, and in various special purpose areas, irrespective of concealed carry permits.
In a society that believes individuals possess property, it is important to note that habitual drunkards and individuals guilty of multiple controlled dangerous substance crimes also face restrictions on legally possessing firearms. Community adult rehabilitation centers play a crucial role in helping these individuals reintegrate into society and overcome their challenges.
Additional Resources and Support
Maryland provides a plethora of resources and support for individuals seeking a concealed carry permit. The State of Maryland offers a Customer Service Promise that ensures services are:
- Friendly
- Courteous
- Responsive
- Accurate
- Consistent
- Accessible
- Convenient
- Transparent
for inquiries related to concealed carry permits.
In addition, residents can report fraudulent activities related to concealed carry permits to the Office of Legislative Audits, a law enforcement agency. The office has a toll-free fraud hotline dedicated to receiving allegations of fraud or abuse of State government resources.
Summary
In conclusion, obtaining a concealed carry permit in Maryland is a process that involves understanding various aspects including eligibility criteria, training requirements, application processes, and legal considerations. Despite Maryland’s stringent gun laws, the state provides a clear path for law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to carry a concealed firearm responsibly. Always remember that with the right to carry a firearm comes the responsibility to use it wisely and within the confines of the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to get a concealed carry permit in Maryland?
Obtaining a concealed carry permit in Maryland requires being 21 or older, completing an approved firearms safety course, passing a background check, and renewing the permit every two years. This allows for carrying a concealed handgun on your person or in your vehicle.
Can you conceal carry in Maryland now?
No, concealed carry in Maryland is only allowed for Maryland Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) holders, and open carry is prohibited as of October 1, 2023.
Can I get my Maryland CCW permit online?
No, you cannot get your Maryland CCW permit online. You need to submit the application through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal, which requires specific documentation and a non-refundable fee.
What is the new gun law in Maryland 2023?
The new Maryland Gun Safety Act of 2023 prohibits gun owners from taking firearms into certain locations such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, and establishments selling alcohol or cannabis.
What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a concealed carry permit in Maryland?
To obtain a concealed carry permit in Maryland, you must be at least 21 years old, have no disqualifying criminal convictions, and not be classified as an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of controlled substances.