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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 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 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: The business and the owner does not need to be 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 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.
You will have to provide some pretty standard, basic information.
Then hit Register
Then be sure to login in.
Once logged in, 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 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"
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? Then click 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.
Then 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. You have to had known them for more than two years, you 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 volunteer your darkest secrets with the investigator. That was a joke, laugh some.
Here (below) you will provide a scan of your receipt you received from the fingerprint tech(AGAIN- 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.)...
)...
your Certified Qualification Score sheet 29-14(range sheet...
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 (Please See Below) BEFORE uploading it as your "Certificate of Handgun Training".
UPDATE: As of April 14, 2022 We will no longer be issuing certificates to students for Maryland HQL NOR Maryland Carry. Why? You DO NOT need one. You never needed one. Why did we give them to anyone ever? It makes you feel good. Why stop it then? Because people can't follow simple directions and instead of uploading their 29-14, they would instead upload their certificates. Maryland State Police have to put your application on hold when you do that and it slows down not only your application but also the hundreds of other students we teach each year- including those that follow the directions.
Long Story Short: we are eliminating unnecessary confusion.
Also you can scan in a copy of the live-scan fingerprint receipt you received 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 for the business and 6 bank deposit receipts (better, especially for those wanting a little bit of privacy from MSP staff). You will also need to upload your business license, 1099, LLC paperwork, Tax ID or something of the sort establishing you as a legitimate business giving the government their cut of your hard work.
Here they show you if you have provided everything properly and summarize the application generally.
Here you will provide an electronic signature (See Below). When complete, click "Pay to Exercise a Right and Submit to Maryland State Police"
Fill out your "I am less than equal" payment information- and click "Make Payment"
You'll receive a payment receipt via email
You'll be able to track the progress through the application process and in the end it will show whether you are approved or not. When approved, you still can't carry until you receive your physical card in the mail from the Maryland State Police Licensing Division.
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 2020 (Below)
