HANDGUN QUALIFICATION LICENSE​

• Do I need an HQL to fire at a gun range?

  • ​No. An HQL is the only required to purchase, rent or transfer a firearm.​

​​

• How can I prove I legally owned a handgun before October 1, 2013 and am therefore exempt from the training requirement?​

  • When applying for your HQL you will be asked for the serial number of your legally owned handgun. Upon providing that serial number you will have met your obligation.​

​​

• Will I be required to possess an HQL by October 1, 2013, if I submitted a 77R prior to October 1 and have not yet received approval to retrieve my firearm due to the MSP backlog?

  • ​​The Maryland State Police will enforce the requirements of the new law with respect to applicants whose applications are pending as of October 1. In light of the number of currently pending applications, resulting from the unprecedented spike in new applications in recent months, it is a fair, reasoned, and appropriate result for those who are waiting for their pending purchase applications to be processed. Persons who submit purchase applications on or after October 1, 2013, unless otherwise exempted by law, will be required to apply for and obtain a handgun qualification license before attempting to purchase a handgun.

​​

• How does a new resident register a regulated firearm?

  • As of October 1, 2013, the registration process has been automated on the Maryland State Police Licensing Division webpage.​

​​

• How do I register to instruct the Firearms Safety Training Course?

  • As of October 1, 2013, the registration process has been automated on the Maryland State Police Licensing Division webpage.​

​​

• How will a firearms dealer know that I have a Handgun Qualification License?

  • ​The Maryland State Police will issue a Handgun Qualification License to present to the dealer.​

​​

• How do I apply for a Handgun Qualification License?

  • As of October 1, 2013, the application process has been automated on the Maryland State Police Licensing Division webpage.​​

​

• How can I legally transport firearms within / through Maryland?

  • ​They must be unloaded, in a carrying case, holster with a flap and the ammunition should be separate. It would be best to keep the unloaded weapon in the trunk where you do not have access to it. There are further regulations but essentially you can only transport a handgun between residence, to and from a repair shop, a shooting sporting event, between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person. 

​

• If you already have an approved safety firearms training course, honorable military discharge, handgun carry permit, or lawfully own a regulated firearm - no new training course is necessary - correct?

  • ​​​If you have already taken a course approved by the Secretary, the answer is yes. Exemptions from the training requirement apply to someone who has taken the DNR Hunter Safety Course, is honorably discharged from the armed forces or National Guard, is an employee of an armored car company who has a handgun permit, or who lawfully owns a regulated firearm.