Infopedia

Additional information will be posted to this site as it becomes available. Last update: 23 October 2024

Accounts

Maryland

Handgun Qualification License (HQL):

Wear and Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP):

General Information

Firearm News, Laws, Advisories, Bulletins, and Noticies

MDSP BANNED FIREARMS SEARCH:

MDSP LD-FU-17-010 ADVISORY:

ATF 2021R-08F:

MDSP LD-FRU-23-001 NOTICE:

Maryland Statutes | Criminal Law | Title 4 - Weapon Crimes | Subtitle 2 - Handguns | Section 4-201 - Definitions

      (f)    “Short–barreled rifle” means:

                 (1)    a rifle that has one or more barrels less than 16 inches long; or

                 (2)    a weapon that has an overall length of less than 26 inches and that was made from a rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise.

      (g)  "Short-barreled shotgun" means:

                (1)    a shotgun that has one or more barrels less than 18 inches long; or

                 (2)    a weapon that has an overall length of less than 26 inches long and was made from a shotgun, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise.

Nationwide Pistol Brace injunction Issued:

MDSP LD-HQL-23-003 ADVISORY:

Where can I find the Maryland State Police Civilian Wear and Carry Training Course Outline

House Bill 824, which became law on October 1, 2023, has made changes to the required Firearm Safety Training Course requirements in 5-306 of the Public Safety Article. The Maryland State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Health, was charged with developing a new firearms training course curriculum of instruction which includes all of the required topics for classroom instruction in compliance with House Bill 824. The new training curriculum can be viewed here: Firearms Training Course​ (updated 9/8/2023)​  

What does the Maryland State Police Certified Qualification Score Sheet Look Like that has to be uploaded into the MDSP HGP Application?

You will be required to upload a completed and signed MSP 29-14 Certified Qualification Score Sheet​ to the documents section of the Wear and Carry Permit Application in the Licensing Portal. 

Basic Practical Handgun Course: Standard Operating Procedures

3 YARD LINE | 5 ROUNDS | TWO HANDED | POINT SHOULDER | ROUTINE LOAD 5 rounds and assume the LOW READY POSITION.

 

 

Your weapon should be empty with the slides locked to the rear and/or cylinders open. Have an instructor check your weapon. If you need to move to the next shooting position, you may do so after you have been checked by an instructor. If you are just moving the target, you may do so at this time. You may fill any magazines with 5 rounds as needed from the next shooting position.

5 YARD LINE | 10 ROUNDS | TWO HANDED | POINT SHOULDER | ROUTINE LOAD 5 rounds and assume the LOW READY POSITION.

 

 

Your firearm should be empty with the slides locked to the rear and or cylinders open. Have an instructor check your firearm. If you need to move to the next shooting position, you may do so after you have been checked by an instructor. If you are just moving the target, you may do so at this time. You may fill any magazines with 5 rounds as needed from the next shooting position.

7 YARD LINE | 5 ROUNDS | TWO HANDED | POINT SHOULDER ROUTINE LOAD 5 rounds and assume the LOW READY POSITION.

 

 

Your firearm should be empty with the slides locked to the rear and or cylinders open. Have an instructor check your firearm. If you need to move to the next shooting position, you may do so after you have been checked by an instructor. If you are just moving the target, you may do so at this time. You may fill any magazines with 5 rounds as needed from the next shooting position.

15 YARD LINE | 5 ROUNDS | TWO HANDED | POINT SHOULDER ROUTINE LOAD 5 rounds and assume the LOW READY POSITION.


 

CLEAR, INSPECT, PRESENT FIREARM FOR INSPECTION, and PROPERLY SECURE THE EMPTY FIREARM AS INSTRUCTED BY A CERTIFIED HANDGUN INSTRUCTOR.

Basic Practical Handgun Course: Rounds, Scoring, Passing Score, & Yard Qualification

Is the Handgun Qualification License required for purchasing a regulated firearm in the State of Maryland?

FOURTH CIRCUIT U.S. COURT OF APPEA​LS OPINION ON THE HQL LAW​

**UPDATED 8/24/2024**​


The Maryland State Police is aware of the Fourth Circuit​​​'s November 21, 2023 op​inion deeming the HQL law to be unconstitutional. On December 5, 2023, the State requested a re-hearing before the entire Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. On January 11, 2024, the Fourth Circuit granted the State's petition for rehearing the case before the full Fourth Circuit. Oral arguments for this case were heard before​ the court on March 21, 2024. On August 23, 2024, the Fourth Circuit released their decision affirming the constitutionality of the HQL law.

Where are Firearms Prohibited?

Restriction on the wear, carry and transport of handguns and firearms in certain places appear throughout Maryland law and regulations.  Below are statutes and regulations detailing the handgun and firearm restrictions.  This list should not be considered all-inclusive.  


1. On school property (CR 4-102)

2. Within 1,000 feet of a demonstration in a public place after a law enforcement officer advises that a demonstration is occurring at the public place and orders the person to leave the demonstration area until the person disposes of the firearm (CR 4-2​08)

3. In legislative buildings (SG 2-1702)

4. Aboard aircraft (TR 5-1008)

5. In lodging establishments where the innkeeper reasonably believes individuals possess property that may be dangerous to other individuals, such as firearms or explosives (BR 15-203)

6. On dredge boats, other than two 10 gauge shotguns (NR 4-1013)

7. In or around State-owned public buildings and grounds (COMAR 04.05.01.03)

8. On Chesapeake Forest Lands (except for hunting and target shooting as permitted) (COMAR 08.01.07.14)

9. In State Forests (except for hunting and target shooting as permitted) (COMAR 08.07.01.04)

10. In State Parks (except for hunting and target shooting as permitted) (COMAR 08.07.06.04)

11. In State Highway Rest Areas, firearms may not be displayed or discharged (COMAR 11.04.07.12)

12. In community adult rehabilitation centers (COMAR 12.02.03.10)

13. In child care centers, except for small centers located in residences, firearms may not be kept on the premises​ ​(CO​MAR 13A.16.10.04)​

What are the State and Federal firearm prohibitors? 

Click here for the State Prohibitors

Click here for the Federal Prohibitors

How long is the training good for prior to an application submission?

Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL) Training is good for three-years.  If the applicant fail to submit their application within the three-year period, the training will no longer be applicable and the applicant must demostrate another satisfactory completion of a Firearms Saftey Training course.

Maryland Wear & Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP or HGP) Training is good for two-years.  If the applicant fail to submit their application within the two-year period, the training will no longer be applicable and the applicant must demostrate another satisfactory completion of a Firearms Saftey Training course.

Who needs to take the training for the Maryland Wear and Carry Handgun Permit?

Every original application and renewal application submitted after October 1, 2013, unless exempt. If you are any one of the below you are exempt​.

I have a permit/CCW from my state. Is this valid in Maryland? 

​No. Maryland does not recognize permits/CCWs from any other state 

Can I complete an additional application for the purchase of a regulated firearm even though I am currently waiting for my previous application to be approved? 

A person may not purchase more than one regulated firearm in a 30-Day period. You may complete more than one application within 30 days, however you may not transfer or take possession of more than one firearm within the 30 day period. Exceptions to this rule are listed on the Regulated Firearms Collector page.​ 

The Maryland State Police recently confirmed my eligibility and I purchased a handgun last month. Why am I on review again? 

Even though you have recently purchased a handgun legally, a background check is still required. MSP must ensure that since the time of your purchase you have not been served a protective order, or been arrested, convicted of a disqualifying crime, or placed on supervised probation, etc. 

I've been convicted in maryland of a felony and lost my rights to possess a firearm, what can be done for restoration?

In Maryland, a person convicted of a felony loses their right to possess a firearm, but they can restore it in a few ways 

Pardon

The governor can issue a pardon that restores certain civil liberties, including the right to possess firearms. However, the pardon document must specifically restore firearms rights, and the process can be lengthy. You can apply for a pardon from the Maryland Parole Commission at 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 307, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. You can call them at (410) 585-3200 for more information

Expungement

A court can expunge a person's criminal record if they've been convicted of a non-violent crime and have been crime-free for 10 years. Expungement seals arrest and conviction records, making them disappear. The Justice Reinvestment Act, enacted in 2016, allows 100 different misdemeanors to be expunged if the person has been crime-free for 10 years. Minor traffic violations and cannabis possession are exceptions to the Unit Rule, which generally prevents people from expunging records related to other offenses

Note:

A pardon may not provide total relief from all statutory or regulatory restrictions concerning firearms. Please be advised that a pardon does not expunge a person's criminal record. The power to expunge a record is reserved for the judicial branch of government, and may be exercised only by the Courts. 

What is the difference of a Pardon and an Expungement in Maryland? 

Pardons remove or decrease penalties. Expungement clears a charge from a criminal record. Pardons may cover any charge. Expungement only covers certain types of misdemeanors. 

How do I expunge my criminal record in Maryland? 

An Expungement is the removal of court and police records from public inspection. This does not include Motor Vehicle Administration records, which may have minor traffic violations, such as a speeding ticket. This process should take no more than 90 days unless there is an objection or an appeal. 

Information referencing expungement can be obtained through the Maryland Courts website.  To access their website please click here 

How do I get a Governors Pardon for my criminal record in Maryland? 

In Maryland, where individuals have lost civil liberties as a result of a conviction(s), they can apply to the Governor through the Maryland Parole Commission for a pardon for restoration of these rights. An applicant should specify the grounds for consideration and the specific relief from disabilities arising from a conviction(s) that is being sought. Please refer to the attached guidelines and statutory provisions for clarification of eligibility. A pardon may not provide total relief from all statutory or regulatory restrictions concerning firearms. 

Information referencing a Governor's Pardon can be obtained through the Maryland Courts website.  To access their website please click here 

Will my expunged or pardoned record show up on a background check in Maryland? 

Expunged information will not show up in background checks. You are not legally required to tell employers about an expunged record except in certain circumstances not governed by Maryland law. This brochure is about expunging adult criminal records about you from Maryland state court records only. 

Handgun Wear and Carry Permit

Wear and Carry Handgun Permit - WCHP or HGP

GENERAL INFORMATION:

MDSP LD-HPU-22-002 ADVISORY:

MARYLAND SENATE BILL 001 - GUN SAFETY ACT OF 2023:

MARYLAND HOUSE BILL 824 :

What is Wear and Carry Permit Training?

Can I use my original training document for my renewal? 

No, Unless exempt, Maryland law requires the completion of an additional eight (8) hour training course for each renewal application submitted. 

Is it lawful for a medical cannabis patient or a personal user of cannabis to own or possess a firearm? 

​​No. Federal law bars medical cannabis patients and personal cannabis users from purchasing or possessing firearms. The Federal Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), prohibits any person who is an "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802))" from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition. Marijuana is listed in the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule I controlled substance, and there are no exceptions in Federal law for marijuana purportedly used for medicinal purposes, even if such use is sanctioned by State law.

Medical cannabis patient information contained in Maryland's patient registry is considered confidential, protected health information and held in compliance with federal HIPPA regulations by the Maryland Cannabis Commission. However, the Maryland State Police query individuals who seek to purchase a firearm about their status as a medical cannabis patient or personal use of cannabis and bar those who disclose that they are a medical cannabis patients or a personal user of cannabis from making the transaction. Individuals who provide false information by failing to disclose that they are a medical cannabis patient or a personal user​ of cannabis when purchasing a firearm are in violation of federal statute, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000. 

How can I receive an application status check? 

Your current application status can be obtained by logging in to your Licensing Portal account. ​Please note, wear and carry permit applications can take up to 90 days to process. If your application has been submitted for more than 90 days, please contact the Handgun Permit Unit at msp.handgunpermits@maryland.gov​ for further instructions. 

If my permit has expired, can I still submit my application as a Renewal? 

No. All expired wear and carry permit applications must be submitted as an Original application. This includes all Original application fees, fingerprints, training, and documentation requirements.​ 

If my handgun permit should expire before I receive my renewed handgun permit card, can I still carry a handgun? 

​As long as the renewal application has been submitted in the Licensing Portal at least fourteen (14) days prior to the expiration date of the current handgun permit, you are still allowed to carry on the expired permit until you receive your renewed permit. If the application is returned to you for incompleteness and you resubmit it after the two (2) weeks, you will not be a​llowed to carry your handgun.​​ 

What documentation do I need to submit with my renewal application? 

You will need to submit an updated MSP 29-14 Certified QualificationScore Sheet. If you would like to or are required to update your photo, you will upload an electronic photo to the documents section of the renewal application.​ 

How do I obtain a replacement if my Handgun Permit is lost or stolen? 

Wear and Carry card “Replacement” requests are submitted in your online portal account. If you do not have an existing portal account, you will need to create one to submit this request. You must attach a notarized letter to your online request, explaining the circumstances of the loss/theft. There is a $10 fee, which is paid via credit card upon the submission of your request. If you are a security guard, private detective, armored car driver or special police officer, please attach an updated company sponsorship to your request.​​ 

What is a "PCN" number? 

The "PCN" or "TCN" is the number located on the Live-Scan fingerprint reciept. 

Who is exempt from the training requirement? 

Click Here to see the exemptions

Can an out-of-state LiveScan provider print me? 

No.  Out-of-state providers are not approved by the Dept. of Public Safety and Correctional Services.​ 

Can a LiveScan provider that is not on this list print me? 

No.  They must be approved by the Dept. of Public Safety and Correctional Services.​ 

Where can I go to be LiveScan fingerprinted? 

​To find a fingerprinting service provider, please Click Here 

Can I legally transport firearms interstate? 

​Yes, under Title 18, Section 926A, of the United States Code, a person who is not prohibited from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In the case the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked compartment other than the glove compartment or console.​ 

Handgun Qualification License

Handgun Qualification License - HQL

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Exceptions to possession of the HQL:

Required to have HQL, but exempt from training component:

Regulated Firearm Purchases:

MDSP LD-HQL-20-003 BULLETIN:

MDSP LD-HQL-23-001 ADVISORY:

Is it lawful for a medical cannabis patient or a personal user of cannabis to own or possess a firearm? 

​​No. Federal law bars medical cannabis patients and personal cannabis users from purchasing or possessing firearms. The Federal Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), prohibits any person who is an "unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802))" from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition. Marijuana is listed in the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule I controlled substance, and there are no exceptions in Federal law for marijuana purportedly used for medicinal purposes, even if such use is sanctioned by State law.

Medical cannabis patient information contained in Maryland's patient registry is considered confidential, protected health information and held in compliance with federal HIPPA regulations by the Maryland Cannabis Commission. However, the Maryland State Police query individuals who seek to purchase a firearm about their status as a medical cannabis patient or personal use of cannabis and bar those who disclose that they are a medical cannabis patients or a personal user of cannabis from making the transaction. Individuals who provide false information by failing to disclose that they are a medical cannabis patient or a personal user​ of cannabis when purchasing a firearm are in violation of federal statute, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000.

Do I need an HQL to fire at a gun range? 

No. An HQL is the only required to purchase, rent or transfer a firearm.​ 

How can I prove I legally owned a handgun before October 1, 2013 and am therefore exempt from the training requirement? 

​When applying for your HQL you will be asked for the serial number of your legally owned handgun. Upon providing that serial number you will have met your obligation.​ 

How does a new resident register a regulated firearm? 

Prior to October 1, 2013, the registration process will be automated on the Maryland State Police Licensing Division webpage.​ 

Firearms

Can I legally transport my regulated firearm to the range? 

Yes, however, Maryland and Federal laws require specific conditions be met while transporting a handgun. Please refer to Maryland Annotated Code, Criminal Law, Title 4, Section 203 for a detailed account of wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun. You may access the Maryland General Assembly website at http://mlis.state.md.us/ You can access the Federal requirements through www.atf.gov and conduct a search for “27 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 178” and then look for “Transportation of Firearms.” The basic requirement during transport is the handgun must be unloaded and in an enclosed case or enclosed holster with the ammunition separate from the handgun AND you must be transporting the handgun to or from the locations listed in the statute. 

Is there a law for storing firearms in the home? 

Yes. Under the Maryland Annotated Code, Criminal Law, Article 4 Section 104, it is unlawful for any person to store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where the person knew or should have known that an unsupervised child would gain access to the firearm. (For safety purposes, the stored firearm should be unloaded and the use of a trigger lock is recommended) 

What handguns are approved for sale in Maryland? 

How can I legally transport firearms within / through Maryland? 

They must be unloaded, in a carrying case, holster with a flap and the ammunition should be separate. It would be best to keep the unloaded weapon in the trunk where you do not have access to it. There are further regulations but essentially you can only transport a handgun between residence, to and from a repair shop, a shooting sporting event, between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person. 

Firearms Collectors

Do I get a card with my collector status? 

No. You will receive a letter explaining that you have been granted the status of a “Designated Collector”. This status allows for multiple firearm purchases.​ 

Am I licensed when I become a firearms collector? 

No.  A Firearms collector is a status granted to an individual by the Maryland State Police.  This status allows the individual to purchase more than one firearm at a time.  This status does not grant any additional privileges or expedite the processing time required for a regulated firearms purchase.​ 

How to become a firearms collector? 

Are there any prerequisites to request for a Designated Collector status? 

Yes. An applicant requesting a Designated Collector status must have a minimum of one (1) regulated firearm currently registered with the Maryland State Police.