Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
The HQL Process
NEW Information from the MSP regarding thr HQL process!!
The Maryland Department of State Police, Licensing Division (MDSPLD) is constantly reviewing policy and procedures in order to enhance the experience of our customers, allied agencies, firearms instructors and dealers, all while being as fiscally responsible to the citizens of Maryland as possible. With this in mind, beginning January 1, 2021, the MDSPLD will discontinue printing the current paper Handgun Qualification License (HQL).
All HQL applicants approved on or after January 1, 2021, will receive, via email, a notification that the application has been reviewed and approved. Attached to the email will be a pdf of the Handgun Qualification License (HQL). A printed copy of the pdf, or an electronic copy of the license, must be presented to a dealer or any other person, prior to selling, renting, or transferring a handgun, in accordance with MD Public Safety §5- 117.1 and COMAR 29.03.01.06. The discontinuation of printing of the HQL license will expedite the final process of the HQL and ultimately decrease the time it takes for the applicant to receive their HQL.
The Maryland Handgun Qualification License
Cost of the class $100.00 per student (paid in advance)
Training location vary please check the address during checkout.
Now for the Process
The Maryland Firearm Safety Act of 2013 requires that a person acquire a Maryland HQL in order to purchase, receive, rent, etc. a regulated firearm after the effective date of October 1, 2013. (See below for more information)
This class is not only an HQL class, but is specifically designed as a handgun safety and operation class. It is intended to provide the student with invaluable information on how to safely operate and maintain a handgun.
Additionally, this class contains the following topics:
State Firearms Law
Home Firearm Safety
Handgun Mechanisms and Operation
Firing one (1) round from a handgun
If you require a Maryland HQL, this is the class you need! However, it is also a must have for those who do not need the HQL, but would like to gain more knowledge of handguns and handgun safety.
The course consists of 4 hours of instruction including the required live fire component. Students participating in Saturday classes will complete the range portion immediately after the classroom portion is finished at the range facility provided during the class.
Vision1Tactical instructors and class content are approved by the Maryland State Police.
**HQL - The student is responsible for all application fees, fingerprinting fees, and any other fees required by the Maryland State Police. Vision1Tactical will supply firearms and ammunition.
AFTER COMPLETION OF THE CLASS AND FINGERPRINTING
APPLY HERE FOR YOUR HQL LICENSE
Now, here is the Application Process: YOU MUST USE INTERNET EXPLORER
1) Go To: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/egov/PersonSearchResults.aspx
2) Click on Create User Account
3) After you creating your User Account, Log-On to: https://emdsp.mdsp.org/egov/Login.aspx
4) On the Web Page, click on BLUE LINK that says "Initial Application"
5) On the Drop-Down Boxes use the following Options:
-Firearms Services
-HQL Training (Standard)
-Application
6) Then click Start Application and FOLLOW the examples listed, below are the boxes you will complete.
There are several Web Pages that you need to fill out. If you did not get Live Scan Fingerprints taken then you cannot fully complete the first Web Page until completed.
7) Enter the Live Scan Tracking Number and Date on the first Web Page of Online Application.
8) Enter HQL number of instructor for the training class.
9) When all the forms are filled out, submit them with your Master Card or Visa Credit Card Information for the $50.00 fee, and wait.
10) When all the forms are filled out, submit, and you should get your HQL in the mail in 4 weeks
Maryland HQL Training, Concealed Carry class, Tactical Training, Civilian Tactical training,
More Information
HQL Information
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE LICENSING DIVISION HQL SECTION
PHONE: HQL 410-653-4500
EMAIL: msp.hql@maryland.gov
Maryland State Police Licensing contact number 410-653-4577
A person may not purchase, rent, or receive a handgun in after October 1, 2013 unless they possess a valid Handgun Qualification License (HQL) issued by the Maryland State Police or qualify for exemption status. Class's forming in Essex, Bel Air, and Baltimore Md.
Exceptions to possession of the HQL License:
-A Licensed Firearms Manufacturer.
-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, or a local law enforcement agency of the State.
-Active or retired member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and possesses a valid military identification card.
-A person purchasing, renting or receiving an antique, curio or relic as defined in federal law.
-Maryland licensed firearms dealers.
Required to have the HQL, but exempt from the training component:
-Someone who completed a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary of the Department of Maryland State Police.
-Has 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. Application for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Course Certificate can used in lieu of Qualified Handgun Instruction.
-Is currently a qualified handgun instructor.
-Is an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or National Guard.
-Is an employee of an armored car company who has a handgun permit issued by MSP.
-Lawfully owns a regulated firearm. If you already own a handgun or assault weapon prior to October 1, 2013, you do not have to complete the training to own, poses your current firearm. However, to purchase new regulated weapons you must have the training to apply for the Handgun Qualification License.
In accordance with the Firearm Safety Act of 2013, individuals who are voluntarily admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility (either state, private or acute general), for a period of 30 consecutive days or more, or involuntarily certified and retained by an Administrative Law Judge may have to surrender their firearms and will be prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm unless an individual is granted relief from firearm disqualification.
Handgun Instruction Class
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Get a concealed carry permit or HQL to protect yourself. We offer our classes in-person on weekday's after work and on the weekends.