If you’re considering purchasing a handgun in Maryland and eventually obtaining your concealed carry permit, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. The good news? It’s actually very straightforward when you understand the steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
How to get your Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
How to purchase a handgun in Maryland
How to obtain your Maryland Wear and Carry (CCW) Permit
What to expect at each stage
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: How to Get Your Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
Before you can purchase a handgun in Maryland, you must first obtain a Handgun Qualification License (HQL).
What Is the HQL?
The HQL is required by the Maryland State Police before you can legally purchase a handgun. It confirms that you have completed basic training and passed the required background checks.
Requirements for the HQL
To obtain your HQL, you must:
Complete a 4-hour training class
The class must be taught by a Maryland State Police Qualified Handgun Instructor.
The course covers firearm safety, state laws, and basic handling.
Demonstrate proficiency
You must load and fire at least one round safely under instructor supervision.
This is not a difficult qualification and is designed to ensure basic firearm handling competency.
Get fingerprinted
Fingerprints must be submitted through Maryland’s Live Scan fingerprinting system.
Many training facilities offer this on-site for convenience.
Submit your application through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal
Upload required documentation.
Answer eligibility questions.
Pay the $50 application fee.
How Long Does It Take?
Typically, within one to two weeks, you will receive an email from the Maryland State Police with your approved HQL.
Once received:
Print a copy or
Screenshot it on your phone
You will need to show this to the firearm dealer when purchasing your handgun.
Step 2: Completing the Maryland 77R Form
After obtaining your HQL, the next step in purchasing a handgun is completing the Maryland State Police 77R form.
What Is the 77R?
The 77R is the official Application and Affidavit to Purchase a Regulated Firearm in Maryland.
It is required for:
Handguns
Certain regulated firearms
The 77R Process
Complete the 77R form online through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal.
Submit the application.
Undergo a background check.
The 7-Day Waiting Period
After submission, Maryland requires a 7-day waiting period.
On the seventh day at 6:00 AM, if your application is approved, you will receive an email stating that you have “not been disapproved.”
Yes — it’s a double negative.
But that’s your approval.
Once you receive that email, you may return to the dealer and take possession of your firearm.
Step 3: How to Get Your Maryland Concealed Carry Permit (Wear and Carry Permit)
If you want to legally carry your firearm concealed in Maryland, you must obtain a Wear and Carry Permit, often referred to as a CCW.
Training Requirements
You must complete a 16-hour training course taught by a Maryland State Police certified instructor.
The class covers:
Maryland firearm laws
Use of force laws
Situational awareness
Defensive mindset
Live fire qualification
Live Fire Qualification Requirements
You must fire 25 rounds and hit the target at least 18 times.
Here’s how the qualification works:
Distances: 3 yards, 5 yards, 7 yards, and 15 yards
First 20 rounds are fired within 21 feet
Final rounds include longer distance engagement
This is a manageable qualification for responsible students who pay attention during training.
Fingerprinting (Yes, Again)
Even if you were fingerprinted for your HQL, you must be fingerprinted again for your Wear and Carry Permit application.
Maryland requires separate fingerprint submissions for each license type.
Submitting Your CCW Application
Once you complete training:
Upload your signed qualification sheet
Submit fingerprints
Provide three character references
Answer background questions
Pay the $125 application fee
Approval Timeline
The Maryland State Police have up to 90 days to approve or deny your application.
You will receive notification by email.
If approved:
Your permit card will arrive by mail in approximately one week.
Important: Do not carry your firearm until you physically have the permit card in your possession.
Understanding the Full Process
Here’s a quick summary:
To Purchase a Handgun:
Complete 4-hour HQL class
Fire 1 round
Submit fingerprints
Apply and pay $50
Receive HQL
Complete 77R
Wait 7 days
Pick up firearm
To Carry Concealed:
Complete 16-hour class
Fire 25 rounds (18 hits required)
Submit fingerprints again
Provide references
Pay $125
Wait up to 90 days
Receive permit in the mail
Carry only after card arrives
Is the Process Complicated?
It can feel like a lot of steps, but each one is manageable when taken one at a time.
The key is:
Proper training
Following instructions carefully
Submitting accurate documentation
Many training facilities offer assistance with:
Application submission
Fingerprinting
Portal navigation
Documentation review
This can significantly reduce stress and prevent delays.
Final Thoughts
The Maryland HQL and CCW process is structured to ensure safety, accountability, and legal compliance. While it requires time and attention to detail, it is entirely achievable for responsible citizens.
If you’re ready to:
Purchase your first handgun
Upgrade your firearm
Obtain your concealed carry permit
Start by scheduling your training with a qualified Maryland State Police instructor.
Stay informed.
Stay trained.
Stay safe.
Leave a Reply