Substantial reasons to obtain a MD Handgun Permit

Handgun Permit - These qualify as Good and Substantial reasons below but Maryland State Police & The Maryland handgun Review Board has the final say.

1. Owner or Employee of a Business:
(a) Submit photocopies of a Trader's License, Business License, or other legal document to prove the
existence of the business AND...
(b) Provide documentation of business activities that would justify carrying a handgun, such as the transport
of financial instruments or other items of value. Examples of acceptable documentation would include
(but are not limited to):
1) at least six (6) recent deposit slips documenting business revenue;
2) 3 months of recent bank statements documenting ATM or teller deposits or
withdrawals for business revenue or expenses; AND/OR
3) at least ten (10) recent receipts or invoices for purchased supplies, delivered products, or non-electronic
payments collected for services provided by the business.
Note: A letter from your banking institution is no longer accepted to meet this requirement.
(c) Business employees (not owners) must also provide a letter from your employer on business stationery
explicitly requesting that you be allowed to carry a handgun for business duties and explaining, in detail,
your duties that would require that you carry a handgun.
Documentation may not be redacted, with the exception of personal identifiers of customers or
other third parties. Additional documentation may be required to complete your investigation.
2. Professional Activities: Doctors, pharmacies, etc., must show evidence of legitimacy of business activity and valid
certification or license. Additional requirements may apply.
3. Correctional Officers: Must submit verification of employment and documentation of threats and/or assaults.
4. Former Police Officer: If you have resigned or retired, you must show evidence of your tenure in law enforcement,
such as a letter from your agency, and a letter from your agency indicating you left in good standing. Additional
requirements may apply.
5. Private Detective/Security Guard/Special Police & Railroad Police Commissions: All applicants who are employed as
Private Detectives, Security Guards, Special Police, and Railroad Police, must submit a certification of qualification
with a handgun from a Maryland State Police Certified Handgun Instructor on an MSP form. A copy of the form
letter supporting “good and substantial reasons,” ownership of weapon, and location where the weapon will be
maintained is also required. (This form can be obtained from your employer).
6. Personal Protection: There must be documented evidence of recent threats, robberies, and/or assaults, supported
by official police reports or notarized statements from witnesses.
Private Detectives/Security Guard