Business Owners: Applying for your MD Wear and Carry Permit

Applying for your Maryland Handgun Permit (needed to carry a handgun legally in Maryland, open or concealed) can be confusing. With this article, I am going to break down the application process step by step. If you haven't already acquired the required training, you can click here. If you need the required livescan fingerprints (yes, you will need a new set), you can click here to register.

If you read all this and realize how involved it can get- no worries, you can give Mike Bell a call and let him know you are interested in having PTP do all your paperwork for you. You can reach Mike at 240-925-5788.

While applying under the various categories available are very similar, this particular article will focus on the successful application of a business owner. Note: This business and the owner are not located in nor reside in Maryland. Residency or base location doesn't matter. For businesses based outside of Maryland, they will ask for proof that you do business in Maryland in some way, shape or form.

Note: REALTORS. This article is also for you. Whether you operate under a 1099 or went the extra step to get a business license- the Maryland State Police treat independent contractors as businesses owners. If you are an independent contractor- you are applying as a business owner. Ignore anything your brain is telling you differently. You ARE applying as a business owner.

You will receive your training documentation from PTP the week following the completion of Day 2. When you do, be sure to print it off and sign/date the Certified Qualification score sheet Form 29-14, this mistake is made by many and forces the Maryland State Police to kick back your application to you for correction and delays the process. Do not forget to sign/date.

To apply for your Maryland Handgun Permit, you must start by going to the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. If you don't have an account yet- create one and then login in.

You will have to provide some pretty standard, basic information.

Then hit Register

Then be sure to login in.

Once logged, you will click "Start NEW HGP Application"

Now to start your application, you will have to provide more basic information on yourself. At the bottom of the page they will also provide a space for your Livescan TCN #, found on your livescan receipt (See Below)

If you need the required livescan fingerprints (yes, you will need a new set), you can click here to register.

Once done, hit "Next"

Now, as a business owner- click the box next to "Owner or Employee of a Business" and then the box next to "Business Activities", NOT business employee/organization member.

Unless you are exempt from the fee, skip that section. If you don't know if you are exempt- then you AREN'T EXEMPT.

Choose the application type. If this is your first application for this permit- Original. Renewing- renewal. Already have a permit but wanting a new one because of a new reason? Subsequent. Modifying your permit (taking off your restriction)- Modification. We will revisit the topic of payment later.

For now, hit "Next".

Next, read the application questionnaire thoroughly and answer truthfully.

Questionnaire Continued...

For Question 15, if you are applying as a business owner- simply put "I own a business which comes with inherent threats. These threats exist 24/7. Needing my permit to be unrestricted, which is in accordance with not only the 24/7 threats but also the policy of the MDSP Licensing Division"

If you have been held any other jobs IN THE PAST 5 years, list them under Employment Details. This is NOT where you list every job you've ever had. This is NOT where you list the last 5 jobs you've held. Only list any employment you have held in the past 5 years outside of your own company.

List at least 3 personal references, no need to list more than that. Have to had known them for more than two years, CAN NOT be related to the person in any way. Don't put your drinking buddies on this list. It doesn't help to list cops as reference, MSP doesn't care. Just 3 decent people that like you and won't share your darkest secrets with the investigator. That was a joke, laugh some.

Here you will provide a scan of your receipt you received from the fingerprint tech, your Certified Qualification Score sheet 29-14(range sheet, you will receive it from our staff via email after completion of the full training conducted with us), and your passport style photo (click here for specific directions on developing/uploading your passport style photo). AGAIN, make sure that you sign/date the Certified Qualification Score Sheet Form 29-14 BEFORE uploading it as your "Certificate of Handgun Training".

Also you can scan in a copy of the livescan fingerprint receipt you recieved specifically for this application (it will say CCW or Carry on it).

Here (see below) you can upload 3 months of bank statements (easier) OR 10 receipts from purchases made and 6 bank deposit receipts (better, especially for those wanting a little bit of privacy from nosey MSP staff). You will also need to upload your business license, 1099 or LLC paperwork.

Here they show you if you have provided everything properly and summarize the application generally.

Here you will provide an electronic signature. When complete, click "Submit to Maryland State Police and Pay By Mail"

You will see that your application is now submitted but pending payment

Now lastly, the Maryland State Police Licensing Division will send you an automated email that will state, amongst other things, "THE CHECK MUST HAVE THE FIRST AND LAST NAME OF THE APPLICANT AND THE APPLICATION NUMBER WRITTEN ON IT. IF WE CANNOT DETERMINE TO WHICH APPLICATION THE PAYMENT IS TO BE APPLIED, YOUR APPLICATION CANNOT MOVE FORWARD FOR REVIEW."

Yup, its Maryland. You know they are not going to allow you to exercise a constitutional right without paying a fine. Freedom isn't free in the land of tyranny.

Get a certified cashiers check for $75 made out to the Maryland Dept of State Police

Have your first and last name on the check (you can use write it on by hand), your Application number and send it to:

Maryland State Police, Licensing Division, Handgun Permit Unit

1111 Reisterstown Road

Pikesville, MD 21208

If they don't receive your payment within 14 days of submission- they will throw out your application. And you will have to start over.

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO EXPLAINING THIS PROCESS

I hope this article was helpful and I will edit it as needed to stay updated and accurate. Please leave comments below of anything you would add or experiences you have had. Once your application is approved, please email me a picture of your permit front and back to ryan@ptpgun.com . Keep me updated on your application process by emailing me or texting me at 240-925-5788

Below you will see the permit of one of our most recent clients who obtained his due to his computer business.

My personal permit, just renewed again in February 2021 (Below)