Wear and Carry Permit Renewal Process
Our wear and carry training program is officially approved by:
- Maryland State Police
- Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department
- Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
- Our instructors are certified by the Maryland State Police, the National Rifle Association, and the United States Concealed Carry Association.
- Validated veteran-owned small business
Wear and Carry Permit Renewal Timing:
- You may apply for renewal no earlier than 90 days before your current permit expires.
- Your initial permit is valid for two years, plus the number of months remaining until your next birthday month. This means the total length will vary depending on when you apply. For example, if you apply one month after your birthday, your permit will be valid for 2 years and 11 months. If you apply just before your birthday, the validity will be 2 years and 1 month. Renewals extend the permit for a period of three years.
- If your permit has already expired, you cannot renew—it must be treated as a new (initial) application, including new training, fingerprinting, and fees. Maryland State Police, DMV CARRY
Who Needs Training?
- If you’re not exempt, you must complete an 8-hour Maryland State Police–approved renewal training course, which includes a live-fire qualification with at least 70% accuracy. The course must have been completed within the past two years, and you must upload a signed “MSP 29-14” Certified Qualification Score Sheet that a Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor will complete. Additional information about the renewal process is found at Maryland Shall Issue®, Inc., DMV Carry, and the Maryland State Police.
- Exemptions apply if you are:
- Active or retired law enforcement (federal, state, or local),
- A member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard,
- Already a Qualified Handgun Instructor,
- Or otherwise exempt under state code.
Application Steps
Getting Started with the Renewal Process
- Log in to the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal.
- Select “Start HGP Application” and choose “Renewal” as the application type.
- Review and update your pre-filled information (name, address, email, etc.).
-
Upload required documents:
- Training certificate or exemption,
- Signed MSP 29-14 form,
- Updated passport-style photo (if required).
- Fingerprints are not required for renewals.
- Pay the $75 renewal fee with Visa or Mastercard via the portal (fee waived for active/retired Maryland law enforcement).
- Submit your application. You’ll be notified by email, and can track your status in the portal. Most applications are processed within 90 days.
Key Rules and Conditions
- Submit your Wear and Carry Permit Renewal application before your current permit expires. If submitted after the expiration date, it will be rejected and must be filed as a new initial application.
- As part of the renewal process, you do not need to submit fingerprints or go through Livescan again.
- Renewal training is required unless you qualify for an exemption.
Summary Table
| Requirement | Renewal Details |
|---|---|
| Application Window: | Up to 90 days before permit expiration |
| Expiration Date: | Last day of your birth month, every two years (initial), then three years per renewal |
| Training Required: | Yes, unless exempt |
| Live-fire Score: | ≥ 70% accuracy, with a certified score sheet |
| Fingerprints: | Not required for renewal |
| Renewal Fee: | $75 (paid online); waived for active/retired MD law enforcement |
| Processing Time: | Up to 90 days |
Helpful Notes
- The portal may send email reminders, but you are responsible for keeping your contact information up to date.
- Update your email and address directly in your portal account or notify licensing within 30 days of any changes.
- Check your portal dashboard for your application status and any shortage or correction notices.
- If documentation is missing, the portal will provide instructions for correcting and resubmitting your application.
Conclusion
Renewing your Maryland Wear & Carry Permit is a structured process that mirrors the initial application—minus fingerprinting—requiring an 8-hour approved training (unless exempt), a passport-style photo, and a signed qualification sheet. Submit your renewal within the 90-day window before your permit expires to avoid having to reapply from scratch.
