This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.
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Maryland HWCP Requirements
How to get a Maryland Maryland Handgun Wear and Carry Permit (HWCP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $125 — Initial application $125; renewal $75; replacement $20 (Maryland State Police). Excludes the separate Handgun Qualification License and fingerprint/CJIS-FBI processing costs.
- Minimum age
- 21
- Training
- Required — 16 hours — An MSP-approved 16-hour firearms safety training course (including live-fire) is required for an initial permit; renewals require an 8-hour course. Certain applicants (e.g. some law enforcement) are exempt.
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 2 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Open to non-residents
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Applications are processed by Maryland State Police, Licensing Division.
Steps to get a Maryland HWCP
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. An MSP-approved 16-hour firearms safety training course (including live-fire) is required for an initial permit; renewals require an 8-hour course. Certain applicants (e.g. some law enforcement) are exempt.
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to Maryland State Police, Licensing Division. File your Maryland Handgun Wear and Carry Permit (HWCP) application with Maryland State Police, Licensing Division. See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the HWCP application fee of $125. Initial application $125; renewal $75; replacement $20 (Maryland State Police). Excludes the separate Handgun Qualification License and fingerprint/CJIS-FBI processing costs.
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your HWCP is valid for 2 years, after which it must be renewed.
Last verified 2026-07-10 against Maryland State Police — Handgun Wear and Carry Permit.
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Maryland HWCP FAQ
- What are the requirements for a Maryland HWCP?
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by Maryland State Police, Licensing Division.
- Is training required for a Maryland HWCP?
- Yes. Maryland requires firearms training to obtain the HWCP (16 hours). An MSP-approved 16-hour firearms safety training course (including live-fire) is required for an initial permit; renewals require an 8-hour course. Certain applicants (e.g. some law enforcement) are exempt.
- How long does it take to get a Maryland HWCP?
- Maryland has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the HWCP — check with Maryland State Police, Licensing Division for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a Maryland HWCP?
- Yes. Maryland issues a HWCP to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the Maryland HWCP cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $125. Initial application $125; renewal $75; replacement $20 (Maryland State Police). Excludes the separate Handgun Qualification License and fingerprint/CJIS-FBI processing costs. The permit is valid for 2 years before renewal.