Maryland Wear & Carry Training
Maryland handgun training for students pursuing an initial Wear & Carry Permit or completing the training required for permit renewal.
Initial & Renewal Training
Initial: $399- 16-hour initial training
- 8-hour renewal training option
- Firearm safety
- Maryland and federal firearm law
- Self-defense education
- Live-fire qualification
- Minimum qualification standard applies
What Is a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit?
Maryland’s Wear & Carry Permit is the state handgun permit administered by the Maryland State Police Licensing Division. Completing qualifying firearms training is an important part of the application process, but training alone does not issue the permit.
State Police Permit
Maryland Wear & Carry permits are administered by the Maryland State Police, not by Coastal Training Group.
Training Required
Applicants who are not exempt from the training requirement must complete qualifying instruction from a Maryland qualified handgun instructor.
Application Required
Successful completion of training provides required documentation but does not guarantee permit issuance.
Initial Permit vs. Renewal Training
Maryland establishes different minimum training durations depending on whether the student is applying for an initial permit or renewing an existing permit.
Initial Wear & Carry Training
Minimum 16 HoursInitial applicants who are subject to Maryland’s training requirement must complete at least 16 hours of in-person instruction from a qualified handgun instructor.
Wear & Carry Renewal Training
Minimum 8 HoursPermit holders completing the applicable renewal training requirement receive at least 8 hours of in-person instruction from a qualified handgun instructor.
What Does Maryland Wear & Carry Training Cover?
Maryland law requires qualifying handgun training to include classroom education and a firearms orientation component. The course is designed around the current Maryland requirements.
- Safe use and handling of handguns
- Firearm storage and safety considerations
- Maryland firearm law
- Applicable federal firearm law
- Self-defense law
- Defense of others
- Defense-of-property concepts
- Safe handgun operation
- Practical handgun skills
- Live-fire qualification
- Responsible firearm ownership and carry
Live-Fire Qualification Is Part of the Course
Maryland’s Wear & Carry training includes a practical firearm component. Maryland State Police currently requires students subject to the qualification requirement to achieve at least 70% accuracy.
Safe Operation
Students demonstrate safe firearm handling and handgun operation throughout the practical portion.
Practical Shooting
Live-fire instruction reinforces safe shooting fundamentals and practical handgun operation.
Qualification Standard
Students must satisfy the applicable Maryland qualification standard before the required training documentation can be completed.
Maryland’s Permit Process Continues After Class
The firearms course is one part of obtaining a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit. Applicants must separately complete the Maryland State Police application process.
Determine Eligibility
Review the current Maryland State Police requirements, including whether a statutory training exemption applies.
Complete Training
Complete the required initial or renewal course with a Maryland qualified handgun instructor unless exempt.
Complete Fingerprinting
Applicants subject to the fingerprint requirement complete the appropriate Maryland fingerprinting process.
Gather Documentation
Prepare the required training documentation and other supporting materials requested by Maryland State Police.
Apply Online
Maryland State Police currently requires Wear & Carry applications to be completed through its online Licensing Division portal.
MSP Review
Maryland State Police reviews the application and determines whether the statutory requirements for permit issuance are met.
Maryland Training for Delaware Students
Coastal Training Group offers Maryland Wear & Carry training as an additional carry-permit option for students who live in Delaware and regularly travel, work, visit family, or spend time in Maryland.
A Delaware CCDW and a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit are separate credentials. Students should understand and follow the laws of each jurisdiction in which they carry.
- Live in Delaware and regularly enter Maryland
- Work in Maryland
- Own property in Maryland
- Visit family or friends in Maryland
- Travel through Maryland frequently
- Want a separate Maryland carry credential
A Maryland Wear & Carry Permit does not mean a firearm can be carried everywhere in Maryland. Maryland law restricts firearm possession and carry in certain locations and circumstances. Permit holders remain responsible for understanding current Maryland prohibited-location, transportation, storage, and carry requirements.
Maryland Wear & Carry FAQ
How long is initial Maryland Wear & Carry training?
Maryland currently requires a minimum of 16 hours of in-person instruction for an initial applicant who is subject to the training requirement.
How long is Maryland renewal training?
The current statutory minimum for applicable Wear & Carry renewal training is 8 hours of in-person instruction.
Is live fire required?
Qualifying training includes a firearms orientation and practical qualification component unless the applicant falls within an applicable statutory exemption.
What score do I need to qualify?
Maryland State Police currently states that students subject to the shooting qualification must achieve a minimum score of 70% accuracy.
Can a Delaware resident apply for a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit?
Maryland’s permit program is not limited solely to Maryland residents. Delaware residents interested in a Maryland permit should review the current Maryland State Police application requirements before applying.
Does my Delaware CCDW replace a Maryland permit?
Do not assume that a Delaware license authorizes concealed carry in Maryland. Maryland has its own permitting and carry rules. Verify current Maryland law before carrying a firearm in the state.
Does the training certificate guarantee permit approval?
No. Training is one component of the application process. Maryland State Police determines whether an applicant meets the requirements for permit issuance.
Are some applicants exempt from training?
Maryland law provides training exemptions for certain applicants. Review current Maryland State Police guidance before registering if you believe an exemption may apply to you.
Verify Current Maryland Requirements
Maryland laws and administrative procedures can change. Maryland State Police should be used as the authoritative source for current permit, training, application, and prohibited-location information.
Maryland Firearms Training
Review official Maryland State Police firearms safety training requirements.
Visit Maryland State Police →Maryland Licensing Division
Access Maryland permit and licensing information and the appropriate application systems.
Visit Licensing Division →Maryland Carry Restrictions
Review Maryland State Police information regarding locations where firearm possession or carry may be restricted.
Review Prohibited Places →Register for Maryland Wear & Carry Training
Current class dates, availability, course options, pricing, and registration are handled through Coastal Firearms.