Maryland Wear & Carry Training

SHALLBE GLOBAL SECURITY PROCESS

Receive Your Maryland Handgun Wear & Carry Permit

We look forward to training and working with you!

Meet Basic Qualifications for Handgun Wear & Carry in Maryland

There are a few basic requirements that all applicants for private detective registration must meet before becoming registered to work in Maryland:

  • An applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment. Must be 21 or older if not. 
  • 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 incarceration.
  • Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
  • Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction.
  • 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.
  • Has a good and substantial reason to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against danger.
  • Has successfully completed the Maryland State Police approved firearms training course within 2 year prior to submitting the original or renewal application. This course is provided by ShallBe Global Security.

Complete Training and Experience Requirements for Your Handgun Wear and Carry Permit in Maryland

You must complete your Handgun Safety training course from an accredited state certified instructor. This 16-hour course will grant you the necessary training and experience needed for your Maryland State Certified Handgun Wear & Carry Permit. 


Sign up for our Private Investigators Academy course and/or our Handgun Safety Training course right on this page. Just click on the "Signup Now" button and follow all of the necessary prompts.


We look forward to training and working with you. 

Submit Maryland Handgun Wear & Carry Permit Registration Application and Supporting Documentation

As of October 1, 2019, all Maryland Wear and Carry permit applications (original, renewal and subsequent) and requests (modification and replacement) must be submitted online in the Licensing Portal. All documentation requirements and any clarifications you feel may assist investigators in processing your applications must be uploaded and electronically attached to the application in the Licensing Portal. You may access the Licensing Portal by clicking the link below:


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.

For further guidance in regard to submitting a Wear and Carry permit application or request please refer to the Maryland State Police Wear and Carry Portal Users Guide.

Licensing Portal

Now that You’re a Registered Private Detective in Maryland

Well done! You have completed all the requirements to obtain your Maryland State Police Handgun Wear & Carry Permit. 


The initial Handgun Permit expires on the last day of the holder’s birth month following two (2) years after the date the permit is issued. Permits that have been modified or are a duplicate expire on the date provided on the initial permit.


A Handgun Permit may be renewed for successive periods of three (3) years each if, at the time of an application for renewal, the applicant possesses the qualifications for the issuance of a permit and pays the renewal fee as established in the subtitle.


The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the permit. Timely renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder. The Licensing Portal will only send out renewal reminders for Wear and Carry permit applications that have been submitted through the online portal.


It is the permit holder’s responsibility to notify the Licensing Division of address changes, in writing, within 30 days of any change. You must mail this change to the same address as you would mail an application.

Define Handgun Wear & Carry Permit

A Maryland state Handgun Wear & Carry Permit is a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police to carry, wear, or transport a handgun.

Are Your Eligible For A Handgun Wear & Carry Permit In The State Of Maryland?

Maryland is a may issue state unlike the vast majority of other states in our country. Maryland law requires you to provide a "Good and Substantial" (G&S) reason before issuing an individual a carry permit. G&S is the greatest hurdle for most people. 


The Maryland State Police - Licensing Division (MSP-LD) currently recognizes the following categories as G&S:


  • Businesses/Employees with Cash-flow
    Do you own or work for a business where you handle funds (cash, checks, or electronic) or other valuables? You might be eligible to carry.


  • Assumed Risk Professionals
    Does your profession place you at risk greater than that of other professions, such as judges, prosecutors, or security guards? You might be eligible to carry.


  • Threatened or Victimized Individuals
    Do you have documented reports of threats, crimes, or attacks against you? You might be eligible to carry.


Unfortunately applying outside of these few recognized "Good and Substantial" reasons usually results in a denied or rejected application.

Required Training For A Handgun Wear & Carry Permit In The State Of Maryland?

The Maryland State Police require that training be completed before applying for the permit. ShallBe Global Security provides a 16-hour training course for an initial application. At minimum, 70% accuracy must be achieved by the applicant during the shooting range portion of the class to pass.  An 8-hour course will be required upon renewal of an issued permit.

Our Staff will assist you in completing your application electronically and printing it for your signature. Your G&S must be addressed in Question 23 of the application. Submit all required and relevant documentation with your application. Along with your completed application, you will be required to submit:


  • Proof of Training (or DD214)
  • LIVESCAN Fingerprints
  • Application Fee of $75
  • Passport Photos
  • A Sponsor Letter from ShallBe Global


If the initial background checks go well, you will then have a face-to-face interview with a MSP trooper or investigator. You will be asked a variety of personal questions. The interviewer will determine if you are required to submit any additional information and will make a recommendation concerning your permit application. Then the Licensing Division will issue their final determination and advise the applicant.  Handgun permits will be sent directly to the applicant. Each applicant will have to send a copy of their Handgun Wear & Carry Permit to ShallBe Global for record keeping purposes. Approval for the Wear and Carry permit is determined by the Maryland State Police.  ShallBe Global is not responsible for any denials based on background checks, mental history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Handgun Wear & Carry Permit State of Maryland Approved Training

The ShallBe Global Private Investigator Academy Certification Course will give you all the tools necessary to be a private investigator in the state of Maryland. The only thing that is missing is personal protection in the line of duty. That is where the Maryland Wear and Carry permit comes in to play. This is a separate course offered by ShallBe Global. Maryland is considered one of the toughest states in the country to obtain this permit. As a working Private Investigator, this permit is considered essential. 


This course can be added and is offered in tandem with the Private Investigator Course. The Wear and Carry permit course is also taught as a stand alone course.


If you want to be able to apply for your Handgun Wear & Carry Permit through the Maryland State Police you will need to take our certification course. You can sign up for this course on the event page by clicking the Signup Now button below and choosing Handgun Safety Training.


Unless you are already a PI you will need to sign up and purchase the tickets for both courses.

Need Help? 

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Who is eligible to apply for the Handgun Wear & Carry Permit in Maryland?

    Wear and Carry Permits may be issued to any adult (18 years of age or over) who meets the following criteria:

    • An applicant between 18 and 21 years of age may only be issued a wear and carry permit to possess a regulated firearm required for employment. - P.S. 5-133 (d)(2)(v)
    • 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 incarceration.
    • Has not been convicted of a crime involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance;
    • Is not presently an alcoholic, addict, or habitual user of a controlled dangerous substance unless under legitimate medical direction;
    • 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;
    • Has a good and substantial reason​ to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, such as finding that the permit is necessary as a reasonable precaution against danger.
    • 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. 
  • Do you guarantee that I will receive my Handgun Wear & Carry Permit in Maryland?

    Due to many elements of the process such as qualifying and disqualifying factors we can not guarantee your Handgun Wear & Carry Permit. 


    However, we can guarantee our training will qualify you for the education and experience needed for the application process. 

  • What is covered in the price of every course?
    • State Certified Instructor time both in classroom and at the range
    • Complete walkthrough of the application process including package assembly when necessary
    • All necessary rental weapons, ammunition, and eyes/ears protection for the range
    • Photograph Printing for all required permits
  • What is NOT covered in the price of any course?
    • Fees paid to Maryland State Police in the form of check or Money Order are required by the applicant and not included in the course price. See below for a list of these fees.
    • Several permit applications are required by Maryland State Police to include live fingerprint scans. The cost of obtaining fingerprints is not included in our course price but is offered by ShallBe Global PI Academy. 
  • What are the additional fees to Maryland State Police?

    Check or Money Order payments made out to Maryland State Police are required in your application for the following amounts per permit:

    • Wear and Carry permit - Original/Initial $75.00 fee, renewals and subsequents $50.00 fee
    • Security Guard Certification - Original $15.00 fee, renewal $10.00 fee
    • Private Investigator - Original $15.00 fee, renewal $10.00 fee
    • HQL - No money order required, online payment available. $50.00 for Original, $20.00 for Renewal
  • How long do the permits last before they need to be renewed?
    • Wear and Carry - 2 years
    • Security Guard Clearance Card - 2 years
    • Private Investigator License - 2 years
    • HQL - 10 years
    • HC/OC/Baton - 3 years
  • What do I need to bring with me before class?

    On your first day:

    • Bring information for 3 references (name, phone number, address, employment) which is required for the Maryland State Police application. 
    • Bring payment in the form of cash or credit card. 
    • Your employment history over the past 5 years (including company names, phone and addresses) will also be asked about in the application. 
    • Bring your Driver's License or other ID
    • If you have served in the military please bring your DD214
    • If you were born overeas you will need your green card or naturalization papers
    • Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that does not leave any skin exposed (bullet casings can be very hot and land anywhere). 
    • We provide all necessary firearms, ammunition, and eye/ear protection but feel free to bring your own eye/ear protection if you have it available. 
  • What do I need to bring with me before the range?
    • Bring your Driver's License or other ID
    • Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that does not leave any skin exposed (bullet casings can be very hot and land anywhere). 
    • We provide all necessary firearms, ammunition, and eye/ear protection but feel free to bring your own eye/ear protection if you have it available. 
  • What are the full eligibility requirements of a Wear and Carry permit?

    Please consult the Maryland State Police website for the full requirements.

  • What are the full eligibility requirements of a Security Guard Clearance Card?

    Please consult the Maryland State Police website for the full requirements.

  • What are the full eligibility requirements of the HQL?

    Please consult the Maryland State Police website for the full requirements.

  • What are the restrictions for when I can or can not carry with a permit?
    • Security Guards and Private Investigators - Only while actively engaged on the job.
    • Business Owners - No extra restrictions, wear and carry 24/7.
    • Wear and Carry of a firearm is prohibited in the State of Maryland in the following locations:
    1. On school property (CR 4-102)
    2. Within 1,000 feet of a demonstration in a public place (CR 4-208)
    3. In legislative buildings (SG 2-1702)
    4. Aboard aircraft (TR 5-1008)
    5. In lodging establishments where the innkeeper reasonably believes individuals possess property that may be dangerous to other individuals, such as firearms or explosives (BR 15-203)
    6. On dredge boats, other than two 10 gauge shotguns (NR 4-1013)
    7. In or around State-owned public buildings and grounds (COMAR 04.05.01.03)
    8. On Chesapeake Forest Lands (COMAR 08.01.07.14)
    9. In State Forests (COMAR 08.07.01.04)
    10. In State Parks (COMAR 08.07.06.04)
    11. In State Highway Rest Areas, unless properly secured within vehicle (COMAR 11.04.07.12)
    12. In community adult rehabilitation centers (COMAR 12.02.03.10)
    13. In child care centers, except for small centers located in residences (COMAR 13A.16.10.04)
  • How long will it take to receive my permits?

    Once your paperwork is submitted, your waiting time is entirely dependent on the Licensing Division of Maryland State Police. There is nothing ShallBe Global Security can do to speed up the process or inquire about how much longer your wait will be. Typical waiting times can range from 4 to 6 weeks in our experience, and the official time frame advised by MSP is up to 90 days after your interview.

  • How do I get a Fingerprint scan?

    Fingerprint Scans must be obtained separately from any local third-party fingerprinting company you choose. Most classes we will offer this as an extra service for our students. 


    If not we recommend to ask your instructor during class for recommendations. 

  • Will I be guaranteed employment?

    ShallBe Global Security does not guarantee employment with any of our permits or courses. Our sponsorship is intended to be temporary, as many employers desire their students to have their permits ahead of time despite the fact that a sponsoring employer is required for the application itself. When we receive notification of available contracts, the information is dispersed out to all students equally with the expectation that you will be putting in your own effort to reach out and make contact with prospective employers.

  • Do I need to be a United States Citizen?

    No, but you must bring with you documentation that proves you are here legally such as your naturalization papers, passport, work visa, or green card in order to fill out your permit applications.

  • Do you offer any discounts on your courses?

    Since ShallBe Global is owned and operated by veterans and current military we offer a 10% discount on most of our courses as long as you can prove your service with an ID card or your DD214 on the first day of class. 


    Please use the discount code "MILVET10" when you checkout via our website. 


    Disclaimer: All discounts must be utlized during the checkout process via a coupon code. There will be no refunds given after the checkout process. 

  • Do you offer any referral discounts or bonuses?

    If you are a graduating student of one of our courses then we will offer you a referral bonus of $25 - $100 for every NEW student that signs up and pays for one of our courses. This can be collected unlimited times as a thank you for helping us to get the word out about or professional Security and PI training courses. 


    The new student must mention you by full name during the checkout process via the form. Not on the first day of class.