Handgun Qualification License

At-a-glance

You must have a HQL before you purchase, rent or receive a handgun.
You don’t need a HQL to possess a handgun that you already legally own.

Before a Maryland resident can purchase, rent or receive a handgun, you’ll need to obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL), or qualify for an HQL exemption.

Process changes/updates

There have been no changes to the application or the process in the last 12 months.

Exemptions from a HQL

If you meet the qualifications for any of the below listed exemptions, you are not required to possess a HQL:

Licensed Firearms Manufacturers: Individuals holding a valid license for firearms manufacturing.
Law Enforcement Personnel: 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 of Maryland, or a local law enforcement agency of the state of Maryland.
U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard: Active or retired members possessing a valid military identification card.
Antiques, curios, or relics: Persons purchasing, renting or receiving an antique, curio or relic as defined in federal law.
Maryland Licensed Firearms Dealers: A licensed firearms dealer in Maryland who operates as a Sole Proprietor.

Note: Residency exemptions have been made for active military personnel and their spouses. Additional information on verifying current or retired military credentials can be found on the Common Access Card site.

Pre-application requirements

Submit Livescan fingerprints to the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the FBI. Authorized LiveScan vendors can be found at Fingerprinting Services. Below is the information that you will need to provide to the LiveScan technician for fingerprinting:

Agency Authorization Number: 1300004845
Agency ORI Number: MD920511Z
Reason Fingerprinted: MD Public Safety Article, Section 5-117.1 pertaining to Handgun Qualification License.

For HQL purposes, Livescan fingerprints are valid for 12 months after the date taken and will be used for a background check. You must upload a copy of your Livescan fingerprint receipt with your HQL application.

"Permit Exempt" HQL requests do not require Livescan fingerprint submission.

Applicants must sign and date the FBI Privacy Act Statement - PDF before submitting their fingerprints.

Firearm safety training course

Within 3 years prior to submitting an HQL application, you must complete a 4 hour firearms safety training course taught by a MSP qualified handgun instructor. The course covers:

State Firearm Law: Maryland firearm laws, regulated firearms, purchase/transfer procedures, permitted carrying locations, carry permit requirements, prohibited individuals, laws regarding minors, and permissible force levels and use of deadly force.
Home Firearm Safety: General home handgun and firearm safety, preventing access to minors, proper firearm locking/storage, and use of safety devices.
Handgun Mechanisms and Operation: Proper operation, safe handling, cleaning, maintenance, loading/unloading, and differences between revolvers and semi-automatics.
Operation and Handling Demonstration: A practical demonstration of safe firearm operation, including a "live fire" component (firing not required beyond 15 yards).

You can search for a list of Qualified Handgun Instructors online.

Exemptions from firearms safety training requirements

Persons who are required to possess an HQL, but do not require the firearms safety training if they meet any of the following:

You completed a Maryland State Police (MSP) approved firearms safety course.
You successfully finished a hunter safety course that complies with §10-301.1 of the Natural Resources Article.
You are currently a qualified handgun instructor.
You are an honorably discharged member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard.
You work for an armored car company and have a handgun permit issued by MSP.
You lawfully own a regulated firearm.

Note: Once all the application requirements have been completed, the HQL application can be completed on the eMDSP Online Services website within 30-45 minutes.

How to apply

Create or log into your existing Maryland Department of State Police (eMDSP) account.
Under the menu on the left side of the screen, select “Initial Application” and carefully select the appropriate license type:
- HQL Standard - Applicant has no exemptions and is required to have taken the 4 hour firearms safety training class.
- HQL Training Exempt - Applicant meets an exemption from the training requirements.
- HQL Permit Exempt - Applicant has been issued and possesses a valid Maryland Wear and Carry (handgun) permit. (Livescan fingerprint submission is not required)
Upload a copy of your LiveScan fingerprint receipt (unless exempt).
Upload your firearms safety training course certificate (if required).
Complete all application requirements.
Pay the application fee of $50.00 and submit your application.
The Licensing Division will review your application, conduct a background investigation, and render a final disposition notification within 30 days.

If approved, the Handgun Qualification License will be sent to the email address associated with the applicant's registered account. The HQL is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.

If denied, the applicant may contact the Handgun Qualification Unit for more information.

Read the user’s guide for more information.

Start the application

Renewing your HQL

Your HQL expires 10 years after its issuance.
You must submit your renewal application at least 14 days before this expiration date.
No fingerprints or training are required for renewal of an active HQL.
Renewal reminders will be emailed as your expiration date approaches.
You must renew before your license expires otherwise you will be required to start a new HQL application, including new fingerprints and a new firearm safety training course.

You are responsible for notifying the Licensing Division in writing of any email or address changes within 30 days. You can also update your contact information on your account's demographics page.

HQL renewal instructions

Log into your Maryland State Police eMDSP account
Select “renew license” from the menu.
Verify your license and click “Continue”.
Select “Demographics” from the menu and verify or update your demographic information. Click “Update” when complete., if needed
Answer all applicable questions and click “Submit”.
Upload any required documentation such as Expungement documents and click “Next”.
Review your application and click “Pay Fees”.
Click “Transfer” to be taken to the payment processor, then enter your payment information and click “Pay”.
Get your confirmation receipt.

Application fees

Acceptable methods of payment include Visa or MasterCard. Application fees are non-refundable.

All application fees are collected electronically on eMDSP Online Services website. Application fees do not include fingerprint fees.

Original/initial application: $50.00
Renewal application: $20.00

Application timeline

Applicant: Once the above pre-application requirements have been satisfied, the application can be completed within 30-45 minutes.
Licensing Division Processing Time: Once the Licensing Division electronically receives the completed HQL application and the required application fee, the applicant will be notified of the decision within 30 days.
Incomplete Applications: Applications received by the Licensing Division will typically be reviewed for completeness within 10-15 business days. Applicants who submitted incomplete applications will be notified of the status of their application via email within 5 business days of the review.