Maryland may issue a wear and carry permit to qualified individuals who are 18 years and older. The applicant must show “good and substantial reason” to carry a concealed firearm. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to get a concealed permit in Maryland. Additionally, applicants must prove proficiency with a firearm through training. Applicants should submit their application to the Secretary of Police. An initial wear and carry permit issued by the state will cost $75. That initial license is valid for 2 years, from the last day in the applicants birth month from the year of issuance. Furthermore, the state may issue non-resident permits, but due to the stringent policies about issuing a wear and carry permit, it will be difficult to obtain a non-resident permit. Holders of a Maryland wear and carry permit can conceal carry in 26 other states.
This information was last updated in February 2019.
Table of Contents
Maryland Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept MD License
# of Years Valid*
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for Maryland
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a Maryland concealed carry permit or those states that Maryland will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Maryland Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Maryland Will Honor The Following States
Maryland will not honor any concealed permit issued by another state or authority.
How To Apply for an Maryland Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Maryland?
Maryland is a may issue state. In order to obtain a concealed carry permit in the state, an applicant must prove the following as part of their application:
“has good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as a finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger.“
A Maryland concealed carry permit is known as a “Wear and Carry” permit.
Relevant Code(s):
What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in MD?
Maryland states that only an “adult” is eligible for a concealed carry permit. The state defines and adult as a person who is 18 years old, or older.
Relevant Code(s):
Who issues a concealed carry permit in Maryland?
The Secretary of State Police, or the Secretary’s designee, is responsible for issuing a concealed carry permit in Maryland.
Relevant Code(s):
How long is a Maryland concealed carry permit good for?
An initial concealed carry permit issued by the state of Maryland is valid for a period of 2 years. However, depending on when the permit was issued, the validity of the permit can vary slightly.
“[…]a permit expires on the last day of the holder’s birth month following 2 years after the date the permit is issued.“
Subsequent renewals of a Maryland concealed carry permit are valid for a period of 3 years.
Relevant Code(s):
Does MD issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Maryland may issue non-resident permits if the applicant meets the same qualifying criteria as a resident applicant. The code does not make any reference to residency for application.
Relevant Code(s):
How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
It is generally accepted that the window to receive a Maryland wear and carry permit is 90 days. However, due to the need to prove the need for one, application times may vary.
“A person whose application for a permit or renewal of a permit is not acted on by the Secretary within 90 days after submitting the application to the Secretary may request a hearing before the Board by filing a written request with the Board.“
The timeline can stretch well beyond the 90 day mark depending on the nature of approval or denial. Informal reivew requests may be submitted to the Secretary of State Police, and ultimately can culminate in a hearing with the Review Board.
Failure by the Secretary to respond to the application does not mean the person may carry a concealed weapon.
Relevant Code(s):
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
For an initial application, the Secretary of state police may collect a $75 fee. Additionally, the Secretary may, at their discretion reduce the fee for a one-day/one-place permit. Furthermore, the following individuals are exempt from the fee:
“a State, county, or municipal public safety employee who is required to carry, wear, or transport a handgun as a condition of governmental employment [or] a retired law enforcement officer of the State or a county or municipal corporation of the State“
Relevant Code(s):
What are the accepted forms of competency training?
In order to obtain a Maryland Handgun Wear and Carry permit, the applicant must have a minimum of 16 hours of instruction by a qualified handgun instructor. Furthermore, there is a live fire requirement for a MD concealed carry permit. This means that courses taught exclusively online are not sufficient for the competency component.
Relevant Code(s):
Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Maryland
Is Maryland an Open Carry State?
Maryland is not an open carry state, unless the individual has a Maryland Wear and Carry permit. Unlike some other states, the Maryland permit allows for both concealed and open carry. Although, open carry is not generally practiced in the state.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
Individuals are not permitted to carry in their vehicle without a MD Wear and Carry permit. Even with this permit, it is up to the discretion of the Secretary of Police as to whether carrying in a vehicle is permitted.
“The Secretary may limit the geographic area, circumstances, or times of the day, week, month, or year in which a permit is effective.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
Even with a Wear and Carry permit, you are not allowed to carry concealed in a Maryland state park. According to the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) the following are the guidelines involving firearms:
“[…]an individual other than a law enforcement officer may not possess a weapon in a State park. The Service may approve an exception for an archery range, firearms range, or an exhibition.“
Relevant Code(s):
Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Maryland does not forbid the carrying of a concealed weapon by a licensed individual into an establishment that serves alcohol. However, the code specifically forbids being under the influence of alcohol while carrying, even with a Maryland Wear and Carry permit.
“A person who holds a permit may not wear, carry, or transport a handgun while the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Holders of a Maryland Wear and Carry permit are permitted to carry in a church or any other place of worship. It is recommended that you avoid carrying concealed in any establishment with posted signage prohibiting the carrying of firearms.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Individuals with a Maryland Wear and Carry permit are allowed to carry concealed in a bank. As always, it is recommended that you obey any posted signage to avoid drawing the attention of law enforcement.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Nothing in Maryland statutes prevent a licensed individual from concealed carrying in a hospital or other medical facility. However, it is always recommended to obey any posted signage to avoid any complications that could jeopardize your wear and carry permit.
Relevant Code(s):
N/A
The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.