WHERE TO MAIL APPLICATIONS
Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Attn.: Handgun Permit Unit
Applications should be mailed to the Division. Personal visits are not encouraged and will not decrease the amount of time it takes an application to be processed
WHO MAY APPLY
A person who is engaged in the instruction of firearms training for Maryland Licensed Security Guards, Private Detectives, Special Police or Armored Car Driver/Guards, in the State must possess a State of Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor Certification.
HOW TO APPLY
Utilizing the form(s) provided below for initial application, answer all questions accurately, completely and honestly by typing or clearly printing responses in ink. Attach all documentation required and clarifications you feel may assist investigators in processing your application. Too much is better than too little. The application, and at times, related documents, must be signed and notarized.
MAIL THE APPLICATION PACKET TO THE LICENSING DIVISION AT THE ADDRESS PROVIDED ABOVE. ALLOW 90 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS.
Remember the two (2) color passport type photographs depicting the applicant from the shoulders up. The photographs must be no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches. The applicant should not be wearing a hat or sunglasses in the photograph.
COST TO APPLY
There is no cost to applicants for this certification.
DOCUMENTATION OF AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must submit a letter of verification or letter of intent from a Maryland licensed Security Guard Agency, Maryland Licensed Private Detective Agency, Maryland Special Police or an Armored Car Company on Maryland company letterhead, stating that you qualify, or will be qualifying persons who are obtaining State of Maryland Handgun Permits for their companies i the State of Maryland.
1. Evidence of formal training received from a Maryland Certified Firearms Instructor in the care, safety, and use of handguns, including a minimum qualification score of 80 percent on a practical police course;
2. Provide evidence of a minimum of one (1) year experience in the instruction in the care, safety, and use of handguns;
3. A LETTER OF VERIFICATION OR LETTER OF INTENT FROM A MARYLAND LICENSED SECURITY GUARD AGENCY, MARYLAND LICENSED PRIVATE DETECTIVE AGENCY, MARYLAND SPECIAL POLICE OR AN ARMORED CAR COMPANY, ON MARYLAND COMPANY LETTERHEAD, STATING THAT YOU QUALIFY, OR WILL BE QUALIFYING, PERSONS WHO ARE OBTAINING STATE OF MARYLAND HANDGUN PERMITS FOR THEIR COMPANIES IN MARYLAND.
APPLICATION PROCESSING
Upon receipt of the application, and all required documents and information, a review of the application packet will begin. Those applications determined to be incomplete, inaccurate and/or with purposeful omissions will be returned to the sender. A criminal investigation of the applicant and/or submitter may be initiated if false information is supplied. Returned applications are not considered received by the Licensing Division until they are returned satisfactorily completed with the necessary attachments and fees.
A background investigation initiated on those applications accurately submitted in their entirety. The date the background is initiated depends on the accuracy, truthfulness, and completeness of the submission. The Maryland State Police will investigate the character, reputation, and qualifications of each applicant.
When required, references will be contacted. It is important to supply references that know you and those that will speak to investigators on your behalf. Difficulty locating references will further delay the application process.
Please allow 90 business days for processing of new and renewal applications. Do not call the Maryland State Police regarding the status of your application unless you have not received notification within this timeframe.
Upon completion of the investigation, the Maryland State Police will evaluate the information provided and issue certifications appropriately.
PERIODS OF CERTIFICATION
This certification remains in effect for a period of one year.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
It is the Certification holder’s responsibility to ensure the Licensing Division is notified of address or name changes in writing.
There is no fee to change information maintained by the Licensing Division. E-Mail notifications are not accepted and you may not receive a confirmation of receipt for change of information.
RENEWALS
Renewals will be mailed to the certified firearms instructors by May 15th of each calendar year. The pre-printed form will be mailed to the instructors last listed home of record.
CHECKLIST – FOLLOW ALONG AND YOU WON'T GO WRONG
The Maryland State Police Certified Handgun Instructor Certification can be obtained by submitting the initial application provided below to the Secretary of the Maryland Department of State Police.
Applications will be accompanied upon submission by:
1. A completed, legible and accurate State of Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor application form;
2. One (1) passport size photograph taken of the applicant within the last 30 days;
3. Evidence of formal training received from a Maryland Certified Firearms Instructor in the care, safety, and use of handguns, including a minimum qualification score of 80 percent on a practical police course;
4. Evidence of a minimum of one (1) year experience in the instruction in the care, safety, and use of handguns;
5. A LETTER OF VERIFICATION OR LETTER OF INTENT FROM A MARYLAND LICENSED SECURITY GUARD AGENCY, MARYLAND LICENSED PRIVATE DETECTIVE, MARYLAND SPECIAL POLICE OR AN ARMORED CAR COMPANY, ON MARYLAND COMPANY LETTERHEAD, STATING THAT YOU QUALIFY, OR WILL BE QUALIFYING, PERSONS WHO ARE OBTAINING HANDGUN PERMITS FOR THEIR COMPANIES IN MARYLAND.
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE FIREARMS TRAINING FOR A MARYLAND LICENSED SECURITY GUARD/PRIVATE DETECTIVE/SPECIAL POLICE OR AN ARMORED CAR AGENCY, YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS CERTIFICATION. IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE THE IDENTIFIED TRAINING, DO NOT PROCEED.
The complete Maryland Code can be accessed by clicking here. This valuable resource allows interested parties to view the applicable laws pertaining to licenses, certifications and commissions sought. All applicants should familiarize themselves with the statutes associated with the product sought.