To own, rent, or purchase a handgun in Maryland, you must obtain a Handgun Qualifying License (HQL). The Maryland HQL ensures that all handgun owners have undergone safety training, cleared a background check, and are approved for responsible gun ownership by the state of Maryland.
This process can feel daunting to Maryland residents, especially for gun owners who have moved from other states with less strict gun laws. The waiting period can take up to 30 days to receive your approval, and if any piece of the application is missing, it may be denied and require an appeals process.
Saller Law is at the forefront of Maryland firearm legislation. Lawyer Andrew Saller actively works in firearm law, protecting Maryland citizens’ rights under the Second Amendment. If you are struggling with the HQL requirements and need a professional to assist with your application or appeal, we are here to help.
HQL Eligibility Requirements
As part of the HQL application process, your eligibility to own or possess a handgun in the state of Maryland will be evaluated. This is not as straightforward as it is in other states, where your age, medical history, criminal history, or other factors may disqualify you from owning a handgun in the state of Maryland. It is advised to work with a firearm lawyer if anything in your history may be flagged. The lawyers at Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy can help review your application process and advise on how to proceed.
Please note, this process was implemented in October 2013. You do not need to apply for an HQL for a handgun you already legally own. You do need an HQL for any new or used purchase, transfer, or rental of a handgun from a public or private seller. If you are unsure, please contact Saller Law to clarify how to legally own a handgun in Maryland.
Age
To possess a handgun in Maryland, you must be at least 21 years of age. No one under the age of 21 may possess a handgun in Maryland without exceptional circumstances. You may not transfer ownership of a handgun to anyone suspected of being under 21 years of age.
If you are dealing with an inheritance, military training, marksmanship training, or possession solely within the home, consult with a firearms lawyer to discuss your options. Penalties for handgun ownership under the legal age may carry severe consequences that also limit handgun possession in the future.
Maryland Residency
You must be a resident of Maryland with a state-issued ID to apply for an HQL in Maryland. If you are an out-of-state resident and wish to carry your handgun in Maryland, you will need to apply for a Maryland wear-and-carry permit. Maryland does not recognize carry permits issued by any other state. Carrying a firearm in the state of Maryland without a Maryland carry permit, even if legal in other states, can result in heavy legal consequences.
Fingerprint Submission
The HQL application process requires recent fingerprints to be submitted. This process is currently done via LiveScan. Your fingerprints must be recent, within 12 months of your application. If the fingerprint submission is outdated or not submitted via approved methods, your application may be denied, resulting in an appeals process, which can delay approval and incur additional application costs.
Criminal Background Check
During your HQL application, you will undergo a criminal background check. Disqualifying criminal history may include being previously convicted of a felony, having a current or recent restraining order or peace order out against you, convictions of violent or drug-related crimes, or other related criminal history charges.
In some circumstances, your criminal history may be eligible for an appeals process. If you are worried about the outcome of your background check, consult with a firearms and HQL lawyer to discuss your options and possible representation during the appeals meeting.
Drug History or Reputation
The HQL background check also includes drug-related histories or reputations. You may be denied your HQL for DUI convictions, drug-related offenses, a history of addiction to controlled substances, being a habitual drunkard, or possessing a medical marijuana card.
Medical Marijuana Applicants
Users of cannabis, although legal in the state of Maryland, will be denied their HQL application, as marijuana is still federally illegal and considered a federally controlled substance. While medical patient information is confidential, failing to disclose cannabis use on the application can result in a fine of up to $250,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Consult a lawyer if you are concerned about your past cannabis use or status with a medical marijuana card and your HQL application to discuss legal options for gun ownership.
Mental Health Records
Mental health records are considered when applying for an HQL in Maryland. The HQL application process includes reviewing past mental health history for signs of violence or acts of aggression against others or oneself, or being involuntarily committed to a facility for more than 30 days. If your past mental health history may result in a denied HQL application, you can talk to a firearms lawyer about disclosure, the appeals process, and how to navigate the HQL process.
Firearm Safety Training
With few exceptions, all HQL applicants must complete the required firearm safety training as defined by the state of Maryland. This includes a minimum of 4 hours of a firearms safety training course instructed by a qualified handgun instructor, within 3 years prior to submitting your HQL application.
You must be able to demonstrate or provide documentation that supports understanding of state firearm law, home firearm safety, handgun mechanisms and operations, and proper operation and handling demonstration. Resources for finding a certified firearm safety training course and instructor are included below, along with information on parties who may be exempt from enrolling in a firearm safety training course as part of their application.
HQL Exceptions in the State of Maryland
You do not need an HQL in the state of Maryland if any of the following apply to you:
- You are a licensed firearms manufacturer
- You are a Maryland-licensed firearms dealer (Sole Proprietors)
- You are an active law enforcement officer
- You are retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency, including Federal Law Enforcement, the state of Maryland, or a local law enforcement agency within the state of Maryland; law enforcement agencies outside of the USA are not exempt and must complete their HQL application
- You are an active or retired member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and possess a valid military identification card
- You are purchasing, renting, or receiving an antique, curio, or relic as defined in federal law
If you are active military personnel or a spouse and are in residence in Maryland, there are exemptions; your local point of contact may be able to assist with your individual circumstances
Qualifying HQL Training Classes
Qualifying HQL training classes must include 4 hours of instruction and have been completed in the last 3 years prior to submitting your application. You must take your HQL training course from a certified training instructor, as defined by the Maryland State Police. You must be able to demonstrate handgun safety related to several handgun handling scenarios. Proper documentation or hands-on display may be asked of you.
You can find a qualified HQL instructor in Maryland by using the Department of Maryland State Police resource: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/verification
How Long is the HQL Training Course
You must complete at least 4 hours of handgun-related safety training.
When Do I Need to Take My Handgun Safety Training
You must take and complete your handgun safety training course before submitting your application; you must take the training course within 3 years of your application.
Who is a Certified Instructor
A certified handgun safety training instructor is defined by the Maryland State Police Department; they have an online resource that allows you to search and find qualified instructors near you for your handgun safety training.
What Safety Topics Are Covered
You must be able to display safety knowledge and awareness of several handgun-related scenarios and situations. These include:
State Firearm Law: What is a regulated firearm, how to properly purchase a firearm, how to carry or transport a firearm, what circumstances necessitate a carry permit, who is prohibited from firearm possession, minors and firearm laws, and permissible levels of force or use of deadly force under Maryland’s status as a duty to retreat state under a Castle Doctrine law
Home Firearm Safety: Access of minors, locking and storing of firearms, safety devices, including secure lock boxes or a gun safe, and other related home firearm safety topics
Handgun Mechanisms and Operation: Safe and proper handling of a handgun, cleaning and maintenance, loading and unloading of ammunition, revolvers vs semi-automatic handguns
Operation and Handling Demonstration: Safe handling and operation of a handgun, including live fire demonstration of safely firing the weapon; you may not be required to fire in excess of 15 yards during qualifications
Exemptions from HQL Training Classes
Some applicants may be exempt from enrolling in a training course during the HQL process based on qualifying circumstances. These may include:
- If you have successfully completed a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary of the Department of Maryland State Police
- You have completed a course of instruction in the competency and safety of firearms as prescribed under Natural Resources Article §10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland. An application for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Course Certificate can be obtained and may be used in lieu of Qualified Handgun Instruction: https://www.hunter-ed.com/maryland/
- You are currently a qualified handgun instructor
- You are an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard
- You are an employee of an armored car company who has a handgun permit issued by the MSP
- You lawfully own a regulated firearm
The HQL Application Process
Determine Eligibility
Based on the requirements to apply and legally possess a handgun in the state of Maryland, determine your eligibility to complete and submit the HQL application; if necessary, consult a Second Amendment lawyer near you in Maryland to discuss your options.
Complete All Necessary Training Courses
Ensure you have completed, or have made arrangements to complete, all required handgun safety training courses by a certified professional; do not submit your application until your safety training has been successfully completed.
Submit LiveScan Fingerprints
Set up your account and fingerprints with LiveScan, so you can easily submit your fingerprints for the background check via the verified and approved method; submit your fingerprints through LiveScan before submitting your HQL application.
Apply Online
The HQL application process is completed online and takes between 30 – 45 minutes. The application fee is $50, and you will receive a confirmation or denial within 30 days of submitting the application.
Applicants have 10 – 15 days to complete their application. You will receive a notification 5 days before your application is reviewed, in order to ensure the application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered and may result in a denial of your HQL, which may require a second application fee or an HQL appeals meeting.
Resources to Apply Online:
- How-To Guide from Maryland Department of State Police: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Licensing%20Division%20Documents/HQL%20guide.pdf
- Maryland Department of State Police: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
- Maryland Department of State Police HQL Information: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/Firearms/HandgunQualificationLicense.aspx
- Login and Apply Online: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/egov/Login.aspx
Final Decision
The final approval or denial will come via email within 30 days of the application. You will not receive any additional information, even if you are denied your HQL. You may contact the Handgun Qualification Unit for more information and request an appeal. For more information on requesting an HQL appeal and that specific process, please see our resource, How to Appeal a Denied Handgun Qualification License in Maryland.
HQL Renewal and Expiration
HQL Renewal Dates and Fees
Your HQL expires 10 years from the date of issue. You may choose to renew your HQL in 10-year increments. You should submit your renewal application at least 14 days before the day of expiration, along with the $20 renewal fee.
You should receive a renewal notice via email before your HQL expires. It is the applicant’s responsibility to update their information, including email and physical address, if there are any changes. You may notify the Licensing Division or log in to your account to update any personal information.
HQL Renewal Requirements
When renewing a current HQL, you are not required to submit fingerprints or additional firearms safety training. This applies to active HQLs, not HQLs that have expired. If you miss the deadline for renewal, your renewal application will be denied, you will not be refunded your $20 renewal fee, and you will need to complete a new HQL application, with updated fingerprints and firearms safety training.
The HQL Process Can Be Intimidating. Let a Firearms Lawyer Help.
When applying for your handgun qualifying license in Maryland, you must be sure to submit all required documentation, adhere to all deadlines, meet safety criteria within a specific timeline, and demonstrate safe handling of a firearm. Even when all documentation procedures are followed, you may be worried about a criminal or health-related history, which could result in a denied HQL.
Get answers and professional assistance from the firearms lawyers at Saller Law. We are dedicated to upholding your Second Amendment right. We consult on past criminal history, advise on appeals, and assist with documentation when needed.
Consult today with Saller Law and submit your HQL application with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in Maryland?
You need an HQL in Maryland to purchase, rent, transfer, or receive a new or used handgun in Maryland. You must be 21 years of age and a Maryland resident with a state-issued ID. You may not possess a handgun without an HQL in Maryland.
What background checks are completed as part of the HQL application process?
The HQL application background check looks for criminal history, felony convictions, violent crimes, mental health related aggression, involuntary mental health commitment, drug usage or related convictions, restraining orders, and usage or addiction to controlled substances, including marijuana use.
Can marijuana or medical cannabis use affect my HQL eligibility?
Maryland cannabis users, including medical marijuana cardholders, will be denied their HQL application because marijuana remains a federally illegal controlled substance. Failing to disclose cannabis use on the HQL application can lead to severe penalties, including fines and prison time.
What are the requirements for qualifying HQL safety training classes?
Qualifying Handgun Qualification License (HQL) training must include at least 4 hours of instruction, be completed within 3 years before your application, and be taken from a certified instructor recognized by the Maryland State Police. You must demonstrate handgun safety knowledge through documentation or hands-on handling related to state laws, home safety, handling, operations, and mechanisms.
When do I need to complete my handgun safety training?
You must complete the handgun safety training before submitting your HQL application, and the course must have been taken within the previous 3 years. Some exemptions may apply.
How do I find a certified handgun instructor in Maryland?
You can search for qualified instructors using the official verification tool provided by the Maryland State Police at: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/verification
How do I start the Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL) application process?
After you have determined you meet Maryland’s legal requirements to apply for and possess a handgun, you will submit your HQL application online. Ensure that you have completed all training and submitted your fingerprints before starting the HQL application online.
What should I know about submitting the HQL application online?
The application is completed online and typically takes 30–45 minutes. The fee is $50, and applicants have 10–15 days to finish the process. You’ll receive a reminder 5 days before your application is reviewed to confirm your application is complete. Incomplete applications may be denied and could require another fee or an appeal. Helpful resources are available through the Maryland Department of State Police website.
