Once your application has been successfully submitted, approval can take up to 30 days. The wait times depend on whether or not there is a flood of new applications.
Understanding the requirements and the application process can help make sure your application is processed in a timely manner.
Who Needs an HQL
In Maryland, a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is required for any resident who wishes to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun. This includes both new and used handguns from dealers or private sellers.
To be eligible for a Maryland HQL, you must be 21 years of age or older and a resident of Maryland with a Maryland driver’s license or identification card.
Note that you only need an HQL for guns purchased, rented, or transferred after October 1, 2013. This means that you don’t need an HQL for guns you already own.
Before purchasing or transferring a handgun, you must present your Handgun Qualification License to the dealer. This can be either the electronic version or a physical copy of the licensing letter.
Exemptions
According to Maryland.gov, if one of the following criteria pertains to you, you do not need to apply for and obtain an HQL in order to buy, rent, or receive a handgun:
- A Licensed Firearms Manufacturer.
- Active law enforcement officer or a person retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency of the United States (Federal Law Enforcement), the State, or a local law enforcement agency of the State.
- Active or retired member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and possesses a valid military identification card.
- A person purchasing, renting, or receiving an antique, curio, or relic as defined in federal law.
- Maryland licensed firearms dealers.
If you are exempt from needing an HQL, you must present valid documentation to the gun dealer before purchasing, renting, or transferring a regulated handgun.
Requirements for Obtaining MD HQL
There are several requirements you must meet before your application can be successfully submitted and processed. This includes fingerprinting by an approved agent and completion of an approved Firearms Safety Training Course taught by a qualified handgun instructor.
Fingerprints
Unless you already possess a Maryland Wear and Carry permit, you must have LiveScan fingerprinting done for a fingerprint-based background check. This can done up to 12 months prior to the date of application.
We offer fingerprinting services for an additional fee to make the process as easy as possible.
Training
Maryland law requires that you successfully complete an approved Firearms Safety Training Course taught by an approved qualified handgun instructor. Courses completed up to 3 years prior to the application date are valid.
The course must provide at least 4 hours of instruction and cover the following:
- State Firearm Law. Overview of the state firearm laws, including discussion of what constitutes a regulated firearm, how to properly purchase or transfer a firearm, where allowed to carry or transport a firearm, when necessary to possess a carry permit, who is prohibited from possessing firearms, and state law relating to minors, permissible levels of force, and use of deadly force.
- Home Firearm Safety. Overview of handgun and firearm safety in the home, including discussion of access to minors, locking and storing of firearms, and use of safety devices, such as secure lock boxes.
- Handgun Mechanisms and Operation. Overview of the proper operation and safe handling of a handgun, including cleaning and maintenance, the loading and unloading of ammunition, and the differences between revolvers and semi-automatic handguns.
- Operation and Handling Demonstration. Orientation component that demonstrates the person’s safe operation and handling of a firearm, including a “live fire” component in which the applicant safely shoots the weapon. An applicant may not be required to fire in excess of 15 yards during qualifications.
Training Requirement Exemptions
In some cases, you still may be required to have an HQL but will be exempt from the training requirement. The training requirement for obtaining an HQL in Maryland can be waived for applicants who:
- Have completed a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary of the Department of Maryland State Police.
- Have earned a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Course Certificate.
- Are currently qualified handgun instructors.
- Are honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States or National Guard.
- Are employees of an armored car company who have an MSP-issued handgun permit.
- Legally own a regulated firearm purchased before October 1, 2013.
Renewing Your Maryland HQL
Your initial Handgun Qualification License will remain valid for 10 years. You should complete your renewal application at least 14 days before your current HQL expires.
You are not required to complete another training course or provide fingerprints again. All you need to do is log in to your account, click on Renew License, follow the prompts, pay the $20 renewal fee, and submit the application.