Education

A Closer Look at Maryland’s Handgun Qualification Standards

Manita Verma
May 03 2025
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For residents of Maryland seeking to legally own a handgun, understanding and meeting the state's handgun qualification standards is a crucial step. Maryland’s approach to firearm ownership emphasizes safety, responsibility, and proper training. This ensures that every individual who chooses to carry or own a handgun has the foundational knowledge and practical skill set required for safe operation. If you're considering gun ownership or concealed carry in Maryland, this blog breaks down what you need to know about the state’s handgun qualification process—and how you can prepare.

Why Maryland Has Handgun Qualification Standards

Maryland has some of the most comprehensive firearm regulations in the country. These laws were designed to reduce gun violence, promote safe firearm ownership, and ensure only trained, law-abiding individuals possess handguns. By implementing mandatory training and qualification requirements, the state helps promote a safer environment for all Marylanders.

Whether you live in Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, or Baltimore, these standards apply uniformly—and meeting them is a necessary step toward handgun ownership or applying for a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit.

What Is the Handgun Qualification License (HQL)?

In Maryland, anyone wishing to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun must first obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL), unless exempt by law (e.g., certain military or law enforcement personnel). The HQL is issued by the Maryland State Police and involves both classroom instruction and practical firearms training.

To obtain your HQL, you must:

Be at least 21 years old
Pass a background check
Complete a certified firearms safety training course
Submit fingerprints through an approved provider

Our team, the regional leader in practical and firearms training in Maryland, provides certified instruction and HQL courses in Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Baltimore.

What Does the Maryland HQL Training Include?

The HQL training is structured to ensure responsible gun ownership. The course must be conducted by a Maryland State Police-approved instructor and includes at least four hours of instruction. Topics covered include:

State Firearm Laws: Learn about Maryland-specific gun regulations, where you can and cannot carry, and legal responsibilities.
Home Firearm Safety: Understand safe storage, handling, and usage of firearms in the home environment.
Firearms Operation: Get hands-on instruction about the mechanics of handguns, including loading, unloading, and safe operation.
Live-Fire Component: A mandatory portion of the course requires students to fire at least one live round under supervision.

If you're serious about getting your handgun license, enroll in a course with experienced professionals. Our certified instructors ensure that every student not only meets the standards but leaves with the confidence to handle firearms responsibly.

Preparing for Your Qualification Course

Before attending your course, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Then, prepare yourself by doing the following:

Bring valid ID: You must present government-issued identification.
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing suited for range use.
Be ready to learn: Our classes are engaging, focused, and designed for all experience levels—from beginners to seasoned shooters.

We offer both in-person and virtual components to accommodate your schedule, followed by the required hands-on training.

Beyond the Basics: Wear and Carry Permit

Once you complete your HQL and begin responsibly owning and operating a handgun, you may wish to pursue a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit—the state's concealed carry license. While the HQL allows for purchasing and owning a handgun, the Wear and Carry Permit allows you to carry your firearm legally in public under specified conditions.

To obtain a Wear and Carry Permit, additional training, live-fire qualification, and a compelling reason for the permit are required. Our courses go beyond the HQL and prepare you for this next step with practical scenario-based instruction and legal knowledge tailored to real-life application.

Why Choose Us?

As the regional leader in practical firearms training across Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Baltimore, we are proud to offer:

Certified instructors with military and law enforcement backgrounds
Comfortable and accessible classroom environments
Range facilities designed for skill-building
Flexible scheduling for busy professionals and families
Customized training options for individuals, couples, and groups

Our goal is not just to help you meet Maryland's handgun qualification standards—but to exceed them. We believe responsible gun ownership begins with education and continues with regular practice and community support.

What Happens After You Pass the Course?

Once you’ve completed your HQL training and live-fire requirement, your instructor will provide documentation of completion. You must then:

Submit your application online to the Maryland State Police.
Include your training certificate and fingerprint receipt.
Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait for approval, which typically takes between 30 to 90 days.

After approval, your HQL is valid for 10 years, after which you must renew it through a streamlined process.

Conclusion

Maryland’s handgun qualification standards are designed to ensure responsible, legal, and safe handgun ownership. Whether you're preparing for your first firearm purchase or looking to carry legally in public, proper training is non-negotiable—and that’s where we come in.

With training locations in Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Baltimore, we’re here to walk you through every step of the qualification process. When you're ready to take the next step toward legal handgun ownership, enroll in one of our Maryland HQL courses or contact us to learn more about our upcoming class schedule.

Don’t wait. Sign up here to get the training, confidence, and certification you need to exercise your Second Amendment rights legally and responsibly in Maryland.