Note: Forget what you heard ever in the past about the process and how difficult it once was. As of today, June 23 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that states requiring a REASON of any type is UNCONSTITUTIONAL and ILLEGAL. What does that mean for you and can you carry a handgun in Maryland? Going forward, Maryland is a SHALL ISSUE state. Pass the required training, pass the background check, submit your application and you SHALL be issued an unrestricted Maryland Handgun Permit- allowing you the holder to open AND/OR conceal carry a handgun in Maryland***
Regardless- 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 new application process step by step. If you haven't already acquired the required training (WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS), you can click here (After 2 years it expires). If you need the required live-scan 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 me a call or text at 240-925-5788.
You will receive your training documentation from PTP the week following the completion of your training. When you do, be sure to print off your 29-14 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.
Top right hand corner, click "START HGP"
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 Live-scan "PCN" #, found on your live-scan receipt labeled "TCN" (See Below). If you had multiple live-scans conducted, ensure you are using the exact one that was conducted specifically for your Carry, not for HQL or anything else. Miss matched live-scans will be rejected by the Maryland State Police.
If you need the required live-scan fingerprints (yes, you will need a new set), you can click here to register.
Once done, hit "Next"
Under Handgun Permit Category- Put " Personal Protection"
Choose "Original ($75.00)" unless renewing
On to the questionnaire. Read the questions thoroughly, answer them truthfully. If you have a Yes, put Yes. If its No, put No. If you put a Yes, put a very short/sweet/to the point summary of the answer.
If you have been arrested/charged/convicted of something, notate it where applicable. Its not the end of the world and is often times not as big of a deal as you may think it is. I have screwed up before, I am not perfect. Been arrested twice, charged in both courses and never convicted- AND have had my Maryland Handgun Permit multiple times non-stop since 2015.
For Question 2. "Have you ever been ARRESTED for a violation of any criminal law?"
If yes, put yes- even if the arrest never stuck. Yes, even if it was expunged, Nolle Prosequi, ect.
For Question 3. "Have you ever been CHARGED for a violation of any criminal law?"
If yes, put yes- even if the arrest never stuck. Yes, even if it was expunged, Nolle Prosequi, ect.
For Question 4. "Have you ever been CONVICTED for a violation of any criminal law?"
If yes, put yes. If it was expunged, Nolle Prosequi, acquitted, found not guilty, ect- put no.
Question #15 "Reason for a Handgun Permit (Be Specific):"
You don't need to put anything in particular. You can put anything (that isn't criminally insane) and you will still get approved. One PTP client inserted the full lyrics to The Notorious B.I.G.'s Big Poppa and another client quoted the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Both have since been approved AND received their Maryland Handgun Permit in hand via U.S.P.S.
If married/engaged/dating someone, put that person's information here under "Domestic Relationship".
Must put down three references. They can't be related to you or live with you. Yes, if your childhood best friend has since married your aunt- you can't put him down. He is now your uncle. Yes, seriously...
Now this is where you upload your documents: 29-14 certification, Passport Style Photo, Livescan Fingerprint Reciept and your "Personal Protection Documentation".
"CERTIFICATE OF HANDGUN TRAINING OR DOCUMENTATION OF EXEMPTION"
In the box start typing in "Gass" and my name will pop up.
Then click " ATTACH DOCUMENT". They don't actually want your "certificate", instead they want your 29-14. You received it via email from us with your certifications after class. It looks like the document below. Be sure to sign it and date it PRIOR TO uploading it into your application. They will deny your application if you provide the certificate instead OR if you do not sign/date the 29-14.
When working with the 29-14 we at PTP sent you, do not try to view/use it from your phone. If you do, the information we plugged into it will not show up. You have to view/use it from your laptop/desk top.
Now, on to the Passport Style Photo. If you trained with us and you had us do your Passport Style Photo (PSP), then we sent it to you via email. We edited it and formatted it in a very specific manner. We sent it to you exactly how you need to upload it. Do not reformat it or edit it prior to uploading it or it will not work.
Yeah, I used a funny one in my renewal (you have to know me to get the humor, probably...)
FINGERPRINTS: This is where they need the livescan fingerprint reciept, you most likely either received this at class or from us via email with your other documentation.
The livescan fingerprint receipt looks like the one below. Upload that into your application.
If you submit your application after 30 days of being livescan fingerprinted- MSP may tell you things such as "we don't have you in our system", "your livescans are messed up", "we did not recieve your fingerprints", ect. What that means is you must call CJIS and request that they redisseminate the results to MSP.
Lets move on to the next unnecessary thing Maryland State Police asks you to do STILL.
PERSONAL PROTECTION DOCUMENTATION:
Much like Question #15, this document can be anything. For an example, here is what I uploaded into my renewal application.
Now, on the Summary page you can see if you missed anything (Incomplete) or if everything is Completed.
Authorization of Release of Information: Giving consent to them to look into you including but not limited to your medical records. Check that box.
Below that, you are electronically signing your name- declaring that everything you put in your application is accurate and true to the best of your recollection.
And last but not least, payment. You can't do anything in Maryland without the politicians taxing it life out of it. Unfortunately your second amendment right to bear arms is being continuously infringed upon in that manner as well.
You'll receive a receipt for your payment via email.
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 what the permit looks like.
Right now (Nov 8, 2022) we are receiving feedback from PTP clients that they are receiving their Maryland Handgun Permits within 10-12 weeks of applying.
This application is subject to update at anytime. Something in this blog not matching up? Let us know, because MSP doesn't notify anyone when they change everything.
Have information of timelines being different than described above, let us know. The information we put out is based on feedback from clients, coupled with the information we get regarding the applications we complete for many of our clients.
Want us to do on the paperwork for you? Want to make sure its done right and in a timely manner? Call us for more information 240-925-5788