Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL) Information
HQL
As of October 1, 2013, a Maryland resident must possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL) before purchasing, renting, or receiving a handgun. It is important to note that an HQL is not required to own a firearm you already possess. Once issued, the HQL is valid for a period of 10 years.
Who is exempt from needing an HQL?
Exemptions include active law enforcement officers or individuals who are retired in good standing from a law enforcement agency of the United States (DC Metro Police are not exempt), the State of Maryland, or a local enforcement agency within Maryland.
Additionally, active or retired members of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard who hold a valid military identification card are also exempt.
Individuals required to have an HQL but exempt from the training component include those who have completed a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary of the Department of Maryland State Police. A DNR hunter safety course certificate can substitute for the qualified handgun instruction. Also exempt are currently qualified handgun instructors, honorably discharged members of the Armed Forces or National Guard, employees of an armored car company with an MSP-issued handgun permit, or those who lawfully own a regulated firearm purchased in the State of Maryland prior to 2013 and still possess it. (You will need to provide the serial number of your firearm as proof when registering for the HQL online.)
Steps to Obtain a HQL:
1. You will need to complete a Maryland-approved HQL training course unless you qualify for any exemptions.
2. Additionally, you must submit your fingerprints electronically to the Maryland State Police. The fingerprint processor will provide you with a tracking number to use when registering for the HQL online.
Once steps 1 and 2 are complete, create an account on the Maryland State Police web portal: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/egov/Login.aspx
Enter all required information, including your HQL class certificate and fingerprint tracking numbers. Completed applications typically take about 2-4 weeks to process before becoming active. After receiving an approval email, you will be mailed your license within 7-19 days. Remember to present your physical HQL license to complete any handgun paperwork.
HQL Questions or Issues?
For assistance, please contact the Maryland State Police Firearms Division at 410-653-4621.
Be sure to visit Black Anchor for all your firearm needs!
For HQL training we like to work with Qualified Handgun Instructors:
MODERN DEFENSE SOLUTIONS: DALE HURT HQL: 4 Hour Course for Maryland HQL training course, CCW, & Security Guard Permits. Women's Classes available for Utah & Florida CCW. We also offer a Certified Pistol Course, Shotgun Course, and comprehensive firearms safety training. Phone: (410) 463-0514. Email: dale.c.hurt@gmail.com. Serving Tri-County Areas, call for appointments to learn more about Maryland gun laws and personal protection in the home.
Fingerprinting Services:
Queen Anne's County Sheriff’s Dept:
505 Railroad Avenue
Centreville, MD 21617
410-758-0770
For those interested in firearms safety training and understanding Maryland gun laws, you can also reach out to INQUIRIES, INC.
133 N. West Street
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: 410-770-6572
Fax: 443-440-5767
They offer an HQL training course to help you navigate the essentials of firearm ownership in Maryland.
More Info
For more reference, this guide will walk you through the start to finish of the Maryland HQL process (links below):
Direct Link: Maryland State Police HQL Page
In accordance with the Firearms Safety Act of 2013, the Maryland State Police have developed a web-accessible Licensing Portal. This portal allows citizens to submit and track their firearms applications while ensuring compliance with Maryland gun laws. Through this system, Maryland firearms dealers can also access and submit 77R applications to MSP on behalf of their customers. Additionally, for those interested in firearms safety training, the portal supports multiple application types, including HQL training courses, enabling the MSP Licensing Division to receive, process, and report efficiently via a single platform.
If you have any questions, please contact the Licensing Division at: msp.automation@maryland.gov
Experience the Magic of the World with Black Anchor Armory
At Black Anchor Armory, we believe that the world is full of magic and wonder, especially when it comes to understanding firearms safety training and Maryland gun laws. We want to help you experience it all, including enrolling in our HQL training course. Let us help you discover the magic of the world.