How to Possess a Valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in Maryland

Back in October of 2013, the process of purchasing a regulated firearm in the state of Maryland changed. Purchasers must now possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL), or qualify for an exemption. In order to get this exemption, you will need to show you had your handgun before 2013, which you did not. If you don't have a reason for exemption, you'll need to follow all of the rules and regulations to purchase your handgun legally.

Getting Your HQL

The good news is that getting your HQL is not hard, provided that you do not have a criminal or mental health background. You'll need to complete:

Four (4) hours of handgun training

A “livescan” fingerprinting in a digital fingerprint machines

The Maryland State Police Handgun Qualification License Application

For most people, the easiest way to go about doing this handgun training is to attend a class specifically tailored toward the HQL. You'll want to choose a place that has an indoor shooting range, because during the class, you will be firing a weapon. Your instructor will talk about the parts of a pistol and cover basic safety principles such as muzzle awareness. You'll also go over some local laws, including how to transport the weapon legally and safely. The final part of the class involves a live-fire exercise in which you will fire at paper targets.

The procedure of gun license fingerprinting in, MD takes about five minutes and is very easy. The Livescan operator records your fingerprints electronically through a specialized scanner. After your fingerprints are recorded, they are electronically transmitted for several types of background checks including the Maryland Criminal Record Check and FBI National Criminal Record Check. You will receive a printout with a bunch of numbers, which is the PCN. You need one of these PCN numbers for your HQL application, so don’t misplace that paper!

After the gun license fingerprinting in, MD, you'll fill out your HQL application and there's nothing left to do but wait!

What to Bring to Buy Your Handgun

In order to make the process as easy as possible, know ahead of time that this is what you'll need to bring the following when you plan to purchase or transfer a regulated firearm:

-Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL)

-Valid driver's license or other government-issued ID

-Change of address card (if applicable)

-Military or police ID (if applicable)

-Maryland Concealed Handgun permit (if applicable)

If you have all of your necessary permits and paperwork, you'll then need to complete a few forms for the state of Maryland, the BATFE, and our own personal records. Once the paperwork is completed, there will be a mandatory waiting period to ensure you have not been disapproved by the state of Maryland to own a firearm.

After the waiting period, you will get a call from the shop or state-approved private seller that you can come back and pick up your firearm. You'll have your gun and you'll be all set to feel safer, more secure, and more protected.