# Public Safety (GPS)

## Title 5. Firearms

### Subtitle 3. Handgun Permits

#### Section 5-309

(a) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a permit expires on the last day of the holder's birth month following 2 years after the date the permit is issued.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section and subject to subsection (c) of this section, a permit may be renewed for successive periods of 3 years each if, at the time of an application for renewal, the applicant possesses the qualifications for the issuance of a permit and pays the renewal fee stated in this subtitle.

(c) A person who applies for a renewal of a permit is not required to be fingerprinted unless the Secretary requires a set of the person's fingerprints to resolve a question of the person's identity.

(d) The Secretary may establish an alternative expiration date for a permit to coincide with the expiration of a license, certification, or commission for:

  (1) a private detective under Title 13 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;

  (2) a security guard under Title 19 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; or

  (3) a special police officer under Sec. 3-306 of this article.

(e) A permit issued to a retired law enforcement officer who retired in good standing from service with a law enforcement agency of the State or a county or municipal corporation of the State:

  (1) expires on the last day of the holder's birth month following 5 years after the date the permit is issued; and

  (2) subject to subsection (c) of this section, may be renewed for successive periods of 5 years each if, at the time of an application for renewal, the applicant possesses the qualifications for the issuance of a permit.

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Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)