Many handgun owners of Maryland feel the need to know how to
renew their Handgun Qualification License (HQL). If you're near the expiration
date of your license, or if you just want to know more about the renewal process,
I'm here to coach you through the steps from PTPGUN. In this article, I'll
break down what you need to know in order to make sure that renewal of yours
goes smoothly and efficiently.
Know Your Maryland HQL License
If you purchase, own, or carry a handgun in Maryland, then
you definitely do need an HQL license. The HQL testifies that you have
undergone all the legally mandated training and other checks to arm the owners
of handguns.
What is an HQL License?
An HQL License is an official permit issued by the Maryland
State Police that gives a person the legal ability to buy handgun. One has to
qualify for certain requirements before obtaining the license. This involves
successfully passing a background check and undergoing a state-approved
firearms safety course. Having an HQL License is one way in which the state
seeks to provide further hurdles to the good guys in their pursuit of legal gun
ownership while ignoring the fact that the problem children could care less
about the law.
Why You Should Renew Your HQL License
Before acquiring or owning a handgun, it is important that
you know why a renewal is necessary for your HQL License. Validity is essential
because one of the grounds for the expiration of license could be up for
litigation, and the restriction of acquiring handguns limits your capability.
License renewal is a way of the state stealing more of your
paycheck. You are prohibited from buying the handgun woth an expired HQL and
hence, they hold that over your head. Renewal is an indication, among others,
that you remain legally in the right and have paid their fine for being a
"law abiding citizen".
Eligibility to Renew
When you choose to renew your Maryland HQL license, you
should find out about the requirements for renewal. There are now new requirements
under which only applicants who qualify will be able to get their license
renewed. To avoid setbacks, learn what the requirements are.
Age and Residency Requirements
However, by the laws of Maryland, you need to be at least 21
years old to obtain an HQL license renewal. You have to be a resident of
Maryland.
Requirements for Conducting a Background Check
One of the things that should determine renewal of a permit
involves a thorough background check. In this regard, it will establish whether
you are still within legal thresholds to possess the firearm or not.
Even your own criminal record and mental health are going to
be scrutinized in detail. Anything that has gone drastically different since
your last application can disqualify you from renewal. By collecting all
documents beforehand, the inspection process would become easier, hence making
the process less stressful. The effort in taking proactive steps to understand
what the background check entails can come in very handy to ensure compliance
throughout renewal processes.
Renewal Process Step-by-Step
In analyzing your current Maryland Handgun Qualification
License, I would encourage you to go through these simple steps and make sure
everything goes correctly with the renewal process:
1. Gather
necessary documents
2. Fill out the
online renewal application
3. Pay for the
renewal fees
4. Submit your
application
Submission of Application Online
On the web, it has been easier for me to submit my renewal
application on the Maryland State Police website. Just have your number for the
HQL and other personal details ready so that you could fill out all the paper
work properly.
Renewal Fee Payments
To effect the renewal of your HQL license, it only requires
you to pay fees applied for that particular license. And this would be a $20
fee paid via card on their website.
Technological Issues with Online Submissions
Some of the technological challenges likely to happen in the
online submission process regarding your Maryland HQL renewal are shown below.
Sometimes, there are technical difficulties while trying to
submit your online application that keep it from accepting your submission.
Downtime of the website, an error message, or even the inability to navigate to
the submission portal might be a result. First, refresh the page or open
through another browser. If these also prove problematic, you are instead
instructed to contact customer support for recommendations on the steps needed
so that your submission is actually successful.
FAQs on HQL License Renewal
Still, most people are still in the dark concerning the
procedure for renewing an HQL license. This is one aspect that creates much
confusion. Here, I make an attempt to answer some questions that people have
regarding the process of renewing this license effectively.
How Often Should the License Be Renewed?
Below, I would note that your HQL license is required to be
renewed after every 10 years. It is essential to keep track of your renewal
date so you do not violate the rules of the tyrants.
What To Do If Your License is Expired?
An expired HQL license means that it is not possible for you
to purchase or own firearms. In such a case, you would need to get a new set of
livescan fingerprints and submit an original application- unless you have an
active Maryland Handgun Permit.
General FAQs emerge as to what one should do after your
license expires. If you have an expired HQL license, don't waste your time
trying to buy any handguns until you have your new HQL license.
Summarizing the procedures that follow the renewal process
of your Maryland
HQL license, one needs to ensure that they keep abreast of their licenses.
For example, you can get all the necessary forms from the PTPGUN, and then follow the applications
procedure while submitting the permit requirements so you'll be sure to follow
all the legal steps. Then, you will still enjoy your rights as long as you
comply with the infringements on your Second Amendment right.
Original Sources: https://www.ptpgun.com/post/renew-your-maryland-hql-license
