Is a Maryland HQL or Wear and Carry permit valid for carrying in DC?

No. Washington, DC issues its own Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) through a separate application process, and a Maryland permit does not automatically authorize concealed carry in the District. Our DC Concealed Carry Course is built specifically for DC's requirement.

Does Apex Pistol Training offer a class specifically for DC's concealed carry permit?

Yes — our DC Concealed Carry Course ($299, Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 AM–4 PM) is designed to satisfy the training component of DC's CCPL application process.

Where is the training held — is there a DC location?

There is no DC classroom. All training, including the DC Concealed Carry Course, is held at our facility at 8500 Bovelder Dr., Laurel, MD 20708, about 35–45 minutes from downtown DC.

Do I need a Maryland HQL if I live in DC but want to buy a handgun in Maryland?

If you're purchasing, renting, or receiving a handgun in Maryland, Maryland's HQL requirement applies regardless of where you live. Our 4-hour HQL class ($125) satisfies that training requirement.

What's the difference between the DC CCPL course and the Maryland Wear and Carry course?

They satisfy two different jurisdictions' permitting requirements. The DC course is built around DC's CCPL application; the Maryland course is built around Maryland's Wear and Carry Permit. Many students who split time between DC and Maryland take both.

Are firearms and ammunition provided for the DC Concealed Carry Course?

Yes, all firearms and ammunition needed for classroom and range portions are provided at no extra cost.

Can DC residents also take multi-state carry classes here?

Yes — we offer Utah/Virginia ($175), Florida ($199), and New York ($299) concealed carry classes, which are popular with DC-based students who travel frequently and want broader reciprocity.

How do I register for the DC Concealed Carry Course?

Register through the course page on our website or call (301) 904-5569 to confirm the next available Saturday/Sunday date.

DC Concealed Carry & Firearms Training for Washington, DC Residents

Apex Pistol Training offers a dedicated DC Concealed Carry Course built to satisfy Washington, DC's own Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) training requirement, alongside Maryland HQL, Wear and Carry, and multi-state permit classes. Our training center is in Laurel, MD — about 23 miles, roughly 35 to 45 minutes from downtown DC depending on traffic — and we regularly train DC residents who make the trip for weekend classes. DC's carry permitting process is separate from Maryland's, so if you live or work in the District, this page covers exactly which course applies to you.

Our Services Near Washington, DC

Maryland HQL Training (Handgun Qualification License)

Maryland has required a Handgun Qualification License before purchasing, renting, or receiving a handgun since October 1, 2013. Our standard HQL class is a state-approved 4-hour course covering Maryland firearm law, safe storage and handling, and basic handgun operation — held most Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for $125. The required safety training certificate is valid for 3 years and must be completed before you submit your HQL application to the Maryland State Police. For students who also want hands-on live-fire fundamentals, we offer a combined Maryland HQL and NRA Basic Pistol Class, a full-day Saturday session (8:30 AM–4 PM) for $199 that satisfies the HQL requirement and adds range time.

Maryland Wear and Carry (CCW) Permit Course

Following the 2022 Bruen decision, Maryland is now a shall-issue state for concealed carry, and the old "good and substantial reason" requirement no longer applies. Our Maryland Wear and Carry course is a two-day weekend class (Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 AM–4 PM, $299) combining classroom instruction on self-defense law and situational awareness with a live-fire qualification on the range. The course satisfies the Maryland State Police training requirement for a Wear and Carry Permit application, which typically takes about 90 days to process.

DC Concealed Carry Permit Course

Washington, DC issues its own Concealed Carry Pistol License (CCPL) through a process separate from Maryland's — a Maryland HQL or Wear and Carry permit does not automatically qualify you to carry in DC. Our DC Concealed Carry Course is a dedicated weekend class (Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 AM–4 PM, $299) built to satisfy DC's training requirement, and it's a popular option for anyone who lives, works, or spends significant time in the District.

Multi-State Concealed Carry Training (Utah, Virginia, Florida & New York)

If you travel frequently or want carry reciprocity beyond Maryland and DC, we offer non-resident permit classes for several of the most widely recognized states. Our Utah / Virginia Concealed Carry Course runs Saturday mornings (8:30 AM–12:30 PM, $175) and is one of the broadest reciprocity options available. We also teach a Florida Concealed Carry class on weekday evenings (5:30–9:30 PM, $199) and a New York Concealed Carry Permit course on Saturdays (8:30 AM–4 PM, $299) for students who need that state's certification specifically.

Maryland & DC Concealed Carry Renewal

Maryland Wear and Carry permits are valid for 2 years on first issuance and renew in 3-year terms after that, and the Maryland State Police require an 8-hour refresher course for renewal. Our Maryland / DC Concealed Carry Renewal class ($149) is offered as a Saturday session (8:30 AM–4 PM) or a weekday evening class (5 PM start), so current permit holders can recertify without losing a full weekend.

Rifle & Shotgun Training

Beyond handgun licensing, we run weekday-evening Basic Rifle and Advanced Rifle courses (5:30–8:30 PM, $199 each) covering safe handling, marksmanship fundamentals, and — at the advanced level — competition-ready technique. Our Basic Shotgun Course (5:30–8:30 PM, $199) covers the same safety-first approach for shotgun owners and hunters who want structured, certified instruction rather than learning on their own.

Advanced Pistol Class

For students who've completed their HQL or CCW training and want to sharpen their skills further, our Advanced Pistol Class (weekdays, 5:00–8:00 PM, $199) builds on the fundamentals with more demanding drills, faster target transitions, and defensive-shooting scenarios under the same NRA-certified instruction.

Home Security System Installation

We also help students think beyond the range: our Home Security System Installation service pairs practical home-defense planning with professional system installation, scheduled by appointment. Call to get a quote and set up an installation date.

Whether it's a bachelor/bachelorette party, a corporate team outing, or a private group of friends who want to train together, we can build a custom Group Event around any of our standard courses. Contact us to schedule and get a quote for your group.

Group Events & Private Training

Not sure which class is the right fit for someone? An Apex Pistol Training gift card lets the recipient choose their own course — HQL, CCW, rifle, shotgun, or anything else in our catalog.

Gift Cards

Why Choose Apex Pistol Training for Firearms Training Near Washington, DC?

Apex Pistol Training is led by an NRA-certified instructor who takes a genuinely personal approach — every class is built around the student's existing skill level and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all script. All firearms and ammunition needed for training are provided at no extra cost, so you don't need to own a handgun before you start. Our support doesn't end when class does either: students can reach out afterward with questions or for guidance as they continue building confidence with their firearm. Classes run on a predictable weekly schedule — Saturday and weekend sessions for the longer permit courses, weekday evenings for rifle, shotgun, and advanced classes — so you can plan around work and family commitments.

Serving Washington, DC and Surrounding Areas

We train residents from across Washington, DC as well as nearby Maryland communities that border the District, including Takoma Park, Hyattsville, and Prince George's County. DC students frequently combine the drive to Laurel with a full weekend course so both classroom and range requirements are completed in one visit.

Firearms Training Location Near Washington, DC

Apex Pistol Training does not have a classroom in DC. All classes — including the DC Concealed Carry Course — are held at our training center in Laurel, MD.

Training center address: 8500 Bovelder Dr., Laurel, MD 20708
Distance from Washington, DC: approximately 23 miles
Typical drive time: 35–45 minutes via US-1 or I-95 / BW Parkway (traffic-dependent)
Phone: (301) 904-5569

How to Get Started

Choose your course — HQL, Wear and Carry, DC Concealed Carry, a multi-state permit, renewal, or rifle/shotgun training.
Check the calendar for the next available class date and time that fits your schedule.
Register and pay online through the course page, or call (301) 904-5569 to book by phone.
Attend your class at our Laurel, MD training center — all firearms and ammunition are provided.
Complete your training certificate and, where applicable, submit your permit application to the Maryland State Police or DC Metropolitan Police.

Benefits of Choosing Apex Pistol Training Near Washington, DC

A single trip to Laurel covers the full weekend course — classroom instruction plus live-fire range qualification — so DC residents aren't making multiple trips into Maryland. Because our instructor teaches both the DC CCPL course and Maryland's HQL/CCW courses, DC students who also want Maryland reciprocity or need an HQL for a Maryland handgun purchase can be guided through both processes without piecing together instruction from different providers.

Have Questions About DC Concealed Carry or Maryland Classes?

Didn't find what you need above? Send us a message and we'll get back to you with class dates, pricing, or anything else you need to know before registering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Areas We Serve

Firearms Training in Laurel, MD
Firearms Training Near Baltimore, MD

Get Started With Firearms Training Near Washington, DC

Looking for DC concealed carry or Maryland firearms training as a Washington, DC resident? Contact Apex Pistol Training at (301) 904-5569 or info@ApexPistolTraining.com to find the right course and class date.