DMV Concealed Carry Training for DC, Maryland & Virginia
Complete the training needed to apply for concealed carry permits in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia through one coordinated, beginner-friendly program.
Trouble Defense LLC provides professional classroom and live-fire instruction for students who live, work, or travel throughout the DMV. Learn the different firearm laws, application requirements, safety responsibilities, and carry restrictions that apply each time you cross a jurisdictional line.
DC Metro CCW Package at a Glance
Complete DMV CCW training package.
In-person professional instruction.
Required live-fire training and qualification.
Beginners and first-time shooters are welcome.
Classroom instruction plus live-fire range training.
Bring or purchase at least 100 rounds of factory ammunition.
A firearm is not required for the classroom portion. Students may bring an appropriate firearm for the range session or contact Trouble Defense before class regarding available options.
Students who successfully complete the applicable classroom and live-fire requirements receive the appropriate training documentation for their permit application process.
The NRA Range
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Sharpshooters Indoor Range
8194-M Terminal Road
Lorton, Virginia 22079
Trouble Defense uses both Fairfax and Lorton training locations. The location may vary by scheduled class. Your exact classroom and range location will be clearly listed when you register, so you will know where to report before class.
One Training Company. Three Jurisdictions.
When you are preparing to carry across the DMV, your instructor matters. Trouble Defense provides professional concealed carry training backed by jurisdiction-specific instructor credentials, years of experience and a beginner-friendly training approach.
Firearm Training
Train With Instructors Who Understand the DMV
Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia each have different firearm laws, permit processes and training expectations. Our coordinated program helps students understand those differences instead of treating every jurisdiction the same.
Why Students Choose Trouble Defense LLC
Our goal is not simply to get you through a class. We want you to leave with a stronger understanding of firearm safety, responsible concealed carry and the steps required for each jurisdiction.
DC MPD-Certified
Concealed carry instruction provided by instructors certified for Washington, DC firearm training requirements.
Maryland-Qualified
Qualified instructors providing Maryland Wear & Carry and handgun training for eligible students.
Virginia-Certified
Professional Virginia firearm instructors providing in-person concealed carry and firearm safety education.
Veteran-Owned Since 2012
More than a decade of professional firearm and safety training experience.
BBB Accredited Business
Professional business standards backed by an established local reputation.
Beginner-Friendly Training
First-time firearm owners are welcome. Questions are encouraged throughout class.
Classroom + Live-Fire Support
Instruction continues from classroom education through range qualification.
DMV-Focused Training
Understand important differences between DC, Maryland and Virginia requirements.
Application Guidance
We help students understand what happens after training and what comes next.
Train Once. Train With Confidence.
Get professional DMV concealed carry training from instructors experienced in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia requirements.
Washington, DC Concealed Carry Training
Washington, DC requires concealed-carry applicants to complete extensive classroom and live-fire training with an MPD-certified firearms instructor.
The DC portion includes:
• 16 hours of firearms and legal instruction
• Two hours of range training
• A 50-round shooting qualification
• Firearm safety and marksmanship
• DC and federal firearm laws
• Self-defense and use-of-force laws
• Carry restrictions and prohibited locations
• Information about the MPD application process
DC does not recognize concealed-carry permits issued by Virginia, Maryland, or any other jurisdiction. Applicants must separately apply for a DC Concealed Carry License and comply with DC firearm-registration requirements.
Maryland Wear and Carry Training
The Maryland Wear and Carry Permit allows an approved permit holder to wear, carry, or transport a handgun in accordance with Maryland law.
The Maryland portion includes:
• At least 16 hours of instruction for an initial applicant
• Maryland firearm and self-defense laws
• Safe handgun operation and storage
• Carry restrictions and prohibited locations
• A live-fire qualification
• A minimum 25-round qualification course for most applicants
• A required score of at least 70%
• Information about fingerprinting and the Maryland State Police application process
Maryland applicants no longer need to provide a special personal-protection reason as part of the training requirement. However, applicants must still meet Maryland’s eligibility, training, fingerprinting, background-check, and application requirements.
Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit Training
Virginia residents applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit must provide acceptable proof that they demonstrated competence with a handgun through qualifying in-person instruction or another method recognized under Virginia law.
The Virginia portion of this program provides:
• In-person firearm safety instruction
• Safe handgun handling education
• Virginia concealed-carry laws
• Transportation and storage information
• Use-of-force considerations
• Information about applying through the appropriate Virginia Circuit Court
• A certificate documenting successful course completion
Virginia does not establish a fixed number of classroom hours for every qualifying course. The longer program length for this DMV package is necessary because DC and Maryland have additional classroom and range requirements.
One Coordinated Course for Three Separate Permit Applications
The DC, Maryland, and Virginia region has three different concealed-carry systems. A permit issued by one jurisdiction does not automatically authorize you to carry in all three.
Our DMV Concealed Carry Training Package helps you complete the applicable training through one coordinated program while learning how the laws change when traveling between Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
After completing the course, students must submit separate applications to the appropriate government agencies. Trouble Defense LLC provides the required training documentation and explains the next steps, but the government agencies make all final licensing decisions.
What Is Included in the DMV Concealed Carry Course?
One coordinated training program covering Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia, with classroom instruction and live-fire range training available in both Fairfax and Lorton, Virginia.
Professional Concealed Carry Training Across the DMV
Build firearm safety, legal awareness, confidence and live-fire readiness through a structured course designed for beginners and experienced firearm owners.
One Course. Three Jurisdictions.
Instead of taking disconnected classes, students receive one organized program covering core firearm-safety topics, jurisdiction-specific concealed carry considerations, live-fire training, qualification guidance and application-process information.
DC, Maryland & Virginia Training
Coordinated instruction covering key concealed carry topics connected to all three jurisdictions.
Live-Fire Range Training
Guided range instruction, safe firearm handling, coaching and qualification support.
Firearm Safety
Safe handgun handling, loading and unloading, storage, transportation and responsible ownership.
Carry Laws & Responsibilities
Review jurisdiction differences, restricted locations, transportation considerations and concealed-carry responsibilities.
Situational Awareness
Conflict avoidance, situational awareness, defensive decision-making and responsible carry.
Qualification Guidance
Receive coaching and guidance while completing applicable live-fire qualification requirements.
Application Guidance
Learn the next steps for submitting separate permit applications to the appropriate jurisdictions.
Course Documentation
Receive applicable course-completion and qualification documentation following successful completion.
Who Should Take the DMV Concealed Carry Package?
This course is an excellent option for:
• Virginia residents who regularly travel into DC or Maryland
• Maryland residents who work or spend time in Northern Virginia
• DC residents seeking training for multiple jurisdictions
• Business owners and professionals who travel throughout the DMV
• Military members and veterans
• First-time firearm owners
• Experienced firearm owners who need updated legal education
• Anyone who wants to understand the major legal differences across the region
No prior shooting experience is required. Our instructors create a professional, patient, and respectful learning environment for beginners and experienced shooters.
DMV Concealed Carry Frequently Asked Questions
Get straightforward answers about Trouble Defense's coordinated Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia concealed carry training package, including pricing, live-fire qualification, course requirements, documentation and application steps.
Official Government Resources
Firearm laws and permit procedures can change. Students should verify current requirements directly with the appropriate government agency.
Washington, DC
Review current Concealed Carry License information, training requirements and application guidance directly from the Metropolitan Police Department.
Visit DC MPD Official Resource →Maryland
Review current Maryland Wear & Carry training, firearms safety and qualification information directly from Maryland State Police.
Visit Maryland State Police →Virginia
Review Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit information and acceptable proof of handgun competency through Virginia State Police.
Visit Virginia State Police →DMV Concealed Carry Questions
Tap any question below to open the answer.
How much does the DMV Concealed Carry Package cost?
The current Trouble Defense DMV Concealed Carry Training Package is:
$450 per student
The $450 course price includes coordinated classroom instruction, firearm-safety education, legal education, live-fire instruction and qualification guidance, application guidance and applicable training documentation.
Government permit fees, fingerprinting, range fees, ammunition, photographs, firearm rental and other third-party costs are separate unless specifically stated during registration.
Does one class give me permission to carry in DC, Maryland and Virginia?
No. Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia operate separate concealed-carry permit systems.
Trouble Defense's DMV Concealed Carry Package coordinates applicable training into one program, but completing the course does not itself issue a carry permit.
Students must submit separate applications to the appropriate government authorities. Each jurisdiction determines eligibility and makes its own final licensing decision.
How long is the DMV Concealed Carry Training Package?
The program includes approximately 16 hours of classroom instruction plus a 2-hour live-fire range session.
The combined program is structured to address the applicable training requirements for Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Why take the DMV package instead of three separate classes?
The DMV Concealed Carry Package is designed to reduce unnecessary duplication while giving students a coordinated understanding of firearm safety, concealed-carry responsibilities, live-fire qualification and jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Students also learn how rules and procedures differ when moving between Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.
Is the class beginner friendly?
Yes. No previous shooting experience is required. Trouble Defense regularly works with first-time firearm owners and students who have never completed concealed-carry training.
Instruction covers firearm safety, safe handgun handling, range procedures, legal responsibilities and live-fire expectations step by step.
Do I need to own a firearm before attending?
You do not need to bring a firearm for the classroom portion.
A suitable handgun is required for the live-fire portion. Students who do not own a firearm should contact Trouble Defense before the range session to discuss available options.
How much ammunition should I bring?
Students should bring or purchase at least 100 rounds of factory-manufactured ammunition.
This allows ammunition for instruction, practice, coaching and qualification rather than bringing only enough ammunition for the minimum qualification course.
If you are unsure which ammunition is appropriate for your firearm, contact Trouble Defense before purchasing ammunition.
What does the $450 DMV Concealed Carry Package include?
The $450 DMV Concealed Carry Package includes coordinated instruction covering applicable training topics for Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Topics include firearm safety, safe handgun handling, concealed-carry responsibilities, transportation and storage, restricted locations, legal considerations, live-fire instruction, qualification guidance and application-process guidance.
Government permit fees, fingerprinting, range fees, ammunition, photographs and firearm rental are separate unless specifically stated in your registration.
Can I carry in Washington, DC with only a Virginia or Maryland permit?
No. A Virginia or Maryland concealed-carry permit does not by itself authorize concealed carry in Washington, DC.
You must separately satisfy DC requirements and obtain the appropriate DC Concealed Carry License.
Is a Maryland HQL the same as a Maryland Wear & Carry Permit?
No. They serve different purposes.
The Maryland Handgun Qualification License generally concerns purchasing, renting or receiving a regulated handgun.
The Maryland Wear & Carry Permit concerns authorization to carry a handgun subject to Maryland law.
What are Maryland's live-fire qualification requirements?
Maryland State Police currently requires applicants to demonstrate firearm safety and proficiency with a minimum score of 70% accuracy.
For most civilian applicants, Maryland identifies a Basic Practical Handgun Course involving at least 25 rounds.
Does Virginia require the same 16-hour course as DC and Maryland?
No. Virginia does not use the same standard 16-hour training format associated with initial DC and Maryland concealed-carry training.
Virginia applicants must provide acceptable proof of handgun competency through qualifying in-person instruction or another method recognized under Virginia law.
What happens after I complete the class and range qualification?
Students who successfully complete the applicable classroom, safety and qualification requirements receive appropriate course-completion and qualification documentation.
Students must then complete the separate application process for each jurisdiction in which they want a permit.
The appropriate government authority makes the final licensing and eligibility decision.
Where are the classroom and live-fire portions held?
Classroom instruction is offered through Trouble Defense in Fairfax, Virginia.
The live-fire portion is typically conducted at Sharpshooters Indoor Range, 8194-M Terminal Road, Lorton, Virginia 22079, unless students are notified of another approved location.
Always check your registration confirmation for the exact classroom and range location associated with your class.
Where can I learn more about the individual DC, Maryland and Virginia classes?
Trouble Defense maintains dedicated training pages for each jurisdiction.
One Coordinated Program. Three Jurisdictions.
Train for Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia through one organized DMV Concealed Carry program designed for beginners and experienced firearm owners.