HANDGUN INFORMATION

Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
If you are seeking to own and/or purchase a firearm in Maryland, the permit you need is the Handgun Qualification License (HQL).  

To apply for an HQL, you are required:

• To submit for a fingerprint based background check.  You cannot submit your application until fingerprinting is completed.  Fingerprints are valid for 12 months prior to the submission of the application. 

• To demonstrate satisfactory completion of a Firearms Safety Training Course.  Our instructor, David Kevin Dorsey, is a certified instructor, for this course.

The HQL certification course includes class time and range time (“live fire”), a minimum of 4 hours of instructor-led training.  To find information about applying for the HQL permit, go to "Handgun Qualification License" (maryland.gov)

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Maryland State Police (MSP)-issued Handgun Wear and Carry Permit
If you are seeking to carry a handgun in Maryland, the permit you need is the Wear and Carry Permit.  To apply for this permit, you are required:

• To attend an Approved Wear and Carry Permit training course offered by an approved Qualified Handgun Instructor.  Our instructor, David Kevin Dorsey, is a certified instructor, for this course.

• 16 hours of instruction is required for an original application

• 8 hours of instruction is required for a renewal application

• Must shoot at least 25 rounds, from no further than 15 yards and score at least 70% accuracy

To find information about applying for a Wear and Carry permit, go to "Wear and Carry Permit" (maryland.gov)

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It is important to understand that there are restrictions for when you can carry, even if you hold a Wear and Carry permit:

1. On school property (CR 4-102)

2. Within 1,000 feet of a demonstration in a public place (CR 4-208)

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 (COMAR 08.01.07.14)

9. In State Forests (COMAR 08.07.01.04)

10. In State Parks (COMAR 08.07.06.04)

11. In State Highway Rest Areas, unless properly secured within vehicle (COMAR 11.04.07.12)

12. 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)

13. In community adult rehabilitation centers (COMAR 12.02.03.10)

14. In child care centers, except for small centers located in residences (COMAR 13A.16.10.04)

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DC-Issued Handgun Concealed Carry Permit

If you are seeking to carry a handgun in DC, the permit you need is a Concealed Carry Permit.  

To apply for this permit, you are required:

• To fill in the application Concealed Carry Pistol License Application and submit it in person to the Metropolitan Police Department

• To attend an Approved Concealed Carry Permit training course offered by an approved Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Instructor

• To attend 16 hours of instruction for an original application and 2 hours of range time

• To attend 4 hours of instruction for a renewal application and 2 hours of range time

• The two hours of range training must include a 50-round qualification from a maximum distance of 15 yards with a minimum score of 70 percent.

To find more information about applying for a Concealed Carry permit, go to "DC Concealed Carry Application Procedures and Training Requirements (arsenalattorneys.com)