Frequent Questions About Maryland Wear and Carry Permit & HQL.

Wear and Carry Permits may be issued to any adult (18+) who meets the following criteria: 

1. An applicant between 18-21 may only be issued a Wear and Carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment 
2. He 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 of incarceration 
3. Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance 
4. Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction 
5. 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 
6. 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 

The Maryland Wear and Carry Permit class will include range time as students must meet shooting qualification requirements outlined by the state. There will be a component of our training wherein the applicant will need to demonstrate gun safety and proficiency with a minimum score of 70% accuracy.

If students already have a handgun, they should bring it and 50 rounds of ammunition to the class for the live fire component at the range. If you do not have a firearm let us know after signing up so we can make appropriate arrangements. Students without an HQL may still take this class. This class also meets the requirements to receive an HQL or Handgun Qualification License, which is required to purchase a handgun in Maryland. Handguns and ammo will be left in your vehicle for classroom instruction, and qualification prep. Ammo will be available for purchase at the range, however, students are encouraged to have 50 rounds prior to the class. If you do not own a handgun, rental fees will apply and you must message us to inform us what class you are registered for and that you will need to rent a handgun for the live firearms component of the class.

As of July 5, 2022, Governor Hogan directed Maryland state police to suspend “Good and Substantial Reason” for Wear and Carry Permits. This was done in response to the Supreme Court ruling that struck down a similar provision in New York law as it is virtually indistinguishable from Maryland law. Maryland is now a shall-issue state. 

The total cost of receiving Maryland’s Wear and Carry Permit is $345. The ASDI Maryland Wear and Carry Permit class fee is $250. The state fee for an original application is $75 (not including fingerprinting fees). Fingerprinting services through the DPSCS costs $20.

The Maryland Wear and Carry Permit class is a two day training, both days will run 8 hours long. Total training time will be 16 hours. Day 1 will be instruction based in the classroom. Day 2 will include range time, students will meet directly at the range early that day before heading back to the classroom. 

Students will submit their Wear and Carry Permit applications through the online licensing portal. All documentation requirements, as well as any additional documents you feel may assist investigators in processing your application, must be uploaded and electronically attached to the application in the Licensing Portal. The minimum documentation required for the acceptance of the Wear and Carry Permit application are:
Color passport-size photograph
Electronic fingerprint transmission receipt
Certificate of Handgun Training or documentation of exemption

Yes, non-residents can apply for the Maryland Wear and Carry permit. The State of Maryland will issue a Non-Resident Wear and Carry Permit under the same qualification required for residents. 

The Maryland wear and carry permit is the only way to legally wear, carry, or transport a handgun whether concealed or open. Not only can you carry in Maryland, the permit also allows you to travel across state lines. Maryland has reciprocity with 25 other states making travel much easier. Maryland is a “shall issue” state, meaning as long as you complete the class and meet the qualifications, you will be issued a license.

If you already have your Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, and you just need to renew, we have a one day - 8 hour renewal course. The renewal course is $150. This class meets the Maryland Code, Public Safety § 5-306 and Regs. 29.03.02.05 for renewing a Maryland Wear & Carry permit. Students will have classroom instruction and live fire at a local shooting range. Applicants that do not already have a Maryland Wear and Carry permit must sign up for the 2-day, 16-hour training, as required by the state.

Yes, our Maryland Wear and Carry Permit class will also qualify you for the Maryland Handgun Qualification License. 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. 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.