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Maryland Department of State Police

Designated Firearms Collector

If you wish to purchase more than one regulated firearm in a 30-day period, you may want to apply for Designated Collector status from the Maryland State Police. This status is for enhancing a personal collection. 

Process changes/updates

  • December 2025 - The Designated Collector application transitioned from a paper application to an electronic application only accessible in the Licensing Portal​​​.
  • The notarization requirement was removed from the application with the transition to the electronic application and submission process.

Who can apply

Any person who wishes to purchase more than one regulated firearm in a 30-day period for the purpose of enhancement of their personal collection, or if they possess a Type 03 Federal Firearms License (Collector of Curio and Relics). 

Exemptions to the Designated Firearms Collector, and who may also purchase more than one regulated firearm in a 30-day period, include:

  • The purchase is for a private collection or a collector series.
  • The purchase is a bulk purchase from an estate sale.
  • The purchase is for the purpose of taking advantage of a dealer's discounted price for a multiple purchase. This purchase type is limited to two firearms.
  • The purchase is for a security guard company. 

Pre-application requirements

  • Applicants must have a Licensing Portal​​​ account.
  • Applicants must have a minimum of one (1) regulated firearm registered with the Maryland State Police​.​​​

How to apply

  1. Create or log into your existing Licensing Portal account.
  2. From the "Welcome" page, select "Start Designed Collector Application".
  3. Complete the application, assuring that your email address matches your Licensing Portal account and electronically submit the application.
  4. The Licensing Division will review the application and render a decision.
  5. You will receive an email ​explaining the decision of your application.

Application fees

There is no fee for the Designated Collector application. 

Application Timeline

  • Applicant: The application can be completed within 5-10 minutes.

  • Licensing Division Processing Time: Once the Licensing Division receives your completed application​, it will be​ processed and you will be notified of the decision via email within 7-10 business days by email​​.​

FAQs

No. You will receive an email ​explaining that you have been granted "Designated Collector" status. This status allows for multiple firearm purchases and allows the holder to receive more than one firearm within a 30-day period.

Statutes

§5-128 and §​5-129 of the Public Safety Article identify when multiple regulated firearm purchases may be applied for. Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 29.03.01.25 grants the Maryland State Police the authority to designate regulated firearm collectors. The current version of any statute can be found at LexisNexis or the Maryland General Assembly’s website.​ COMAR regulations can be found at the Division of State Documents COMAR online.

Advisories

Visit the archive section to download any prior Advisories.

Questions?