A brief guide to Maryland handgun qualification license (HQL)

Maryland issues permits on state level to authorize a person carrying a gun concealed. This permit is issued by state police. Private firearm sellers handle transfer of firearms through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agencies who conduct the background checking of the buyer. Is it hard to get a concealed carry permit in Maryland? The law permits concealed and open carry in Maryland only for Maryland wear/carry handgun permit (WCHP) holders. It is tough to fulfill all the parameters required for obtaining the permit, but it is not impossible.

Eligibility

Applicants need to be between to 21 years of age and must not have any history of convictions in the recent past. The candidate must not be an alcoholic or addict of harmful substances apart from prescribed for medical purposes. Must not have any history of domestic violence and must be of sound mental ability, and has successfully completed the Maryland police approved firearms training course within 2 years prior to submitting the original or renewal application. The applicant will need to seek a MSP qualified or certified handgun instructor and complete a 16-hour training course. Minimum 70% accuracy must be achieved by the applicant during the shooting portion of the training to pass. Apart from these criteria, the applicant must show a good and substantial reason to wear, carry or transport a handgun, without which the permit application will be rejected.

Process of Application

The applicants can download the application form online from the Maryland state police licensing division. The filled application form should be submitted along with other relevant documentation such as proof of training, livescan fingerprint, passport sized photos and the nominal application fee. After the initial background checks, the applicant will be asked to appear for an interview with an investigator, who will determine if the candidate needs to submit any more relevant additional documentation and will provide necessary advice concerning the application. After this process is complete, the licensing department will advise the applicant and issue the license.

The procedure is complex, but necessary to ensure gun safety and decrease of gun crime. The state police also keep a roaster that, subject to limited exceptions, lists the only handguns that dealers or any private sellers are allowed to sell.