APPLY FOR YOUR HQL

STEP - 1.

CLICK HERE to create your account.

You will need to create an account in order to proceed with your HQL Application. If you have already created an account, enter your USER ID and PASSWORD and login to the licensing page.

STEP - 2.

Locate previous or related records

You will need to provide your Date of Birth and Last name in the highlighted search fields. Maryland State Police does this to prevent you from creating multiple accounts by accident and to ensure that others cannot attempt to fraudulently create an account as you.

After entering the requested data, click the "SEARCH" button and proceed to step 3.

STEP - 3A.

Create Your Account

If you see the message at the top that reads, "We are unable to find any records associated with your search criteria," don't be alarmed! That just means you haven't created an account yet or there is not an active account associated with you. Now you will just need to provide the required information in the formats requested in each field. Scroll down to "STEP - 4" for instructions on the rest of this page.

If there is an account associated with you, the system will redirect you to the login page where you will need to enter your USER ID and password. If you have forgotten your USER ID and/or PASSWORD, you can follow the prompts from the login page to recover/ reset that information. If you do not have an account, but the system is saying that you do, you will need to contact the Maryland State Police Licensing Division by phone 410-653-4500.

STEP - 3B.

Create User ID & Password.

After entering all of the required information, you will need to create your User ID and a Password. You will also need to create a Password Question and an Answer for it. You will not be able to proceed until all field requirements have been filled out entirely. Once you are done, click the "Register" button and proceed to "STEP - 5".

STEP - 4.

Proceed to Account Login Page

After creating your account and clicking the "REGISTER" button in step 3B, you'll need to click the highlighted link above to login to your account and begin the rest of the HQL Application Process.

STEP - 5

Login to your account

Here you will need to enter your USER ID and PASSWORD. Keep in mind that your USER ID and EMAIL attached to your account are usually different, unless, you chose to use your email as your USER ID.

STEP - 6

Verify your Information & Begin your Application

Verify that your name and address are correct BEFORE continuing any further with the process to be sure that you entered all required information correctly and completely.

If all of your information is correct, click on the "Initial Application" button to begin your application.

STEP - 7A

"Profession"

For the profession entry, select "Firearm Services"

STEP - 7B

"License Type"

"HQL Permit Exempt"

This is for individuals such as Sworn or Retired Law Enforcement or Retired Military who are entering their information into the system to then file a MD 77-R Application to Purchase a Handgun at a later date.

"HQL Standard"

This selection is for individuals who have taken a Standard HQL Training class. (minimum 4-hour class which covers Maryland Firearms Law, Firearm Home Safety, Proper Storage and Maintenance of Firearms and a demonstration by the student on their ability to safely handle, operate, load, discharge and unload a firearm.)

"HQL Training Exempt"

This selection is for individuals who have already completed some form of equivalent firearms safety training such as:

1. Someone who completed a firearms safety training course approved by the Secretary of the Department of Maryland State Police.
2. Has completed a course of instruction in the competency and safety of firearms as prescribed under Natural Resources Article, §10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.
3. Is currently a qualified handgun instructor.
4. Is an honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces of the United States or National Guard.
5. Is an employee of an armored car company who has a handgun permit issued by Maryland State Police.
6. Lawfully owns a regulated firearm.

These six individuals listed above do not have to complete the training to apply for the Handgun Qualification License.

"New Resident Regulated Firearms Registration"

This selection is for individuals who have recently moved to Maryland and need to register their firearms in order to comply with Maryland Law. You DO NOT need an HQL in order to register a firearm you already own that you are bringing with you from another state.

STEP - 7C

"Obtained By Method"

Select "Application" for this field.

Then click on the "Start Application" button.

STEP - 8

Continue Your Application

Maryland State Police lists many requirements, exemptions and other information on this page to help people ensure they are filing the proper application and that they hold good legal standing to obtain a Maryland Handgun Qualification License. Read through this section and then select the link highlighted in the picture to the left to continue your application.

STEP - 9A

Enter All Required Information

Be sure to enter ALL required information in all highlighted fields and ensure that all provided information is accurate and honest.

STEP - 9B

Enter All Required Information

Enter Driver's License/ State Issued ID number and other required information in the proper formats required. In some fields Dashes (-) may not be acceptable and in others, Slashes (/) may be required. If you do not enter the required information in the required format, you WILL NOT be able to continue with your application.

Once you have filled in all required fields, click the "Update" button as highlighted in the picture to the left.

STEP - 10A

Instructor's Information

Remember, your the instructor from your HQL Class will need to verify with the Maryland State Police Licensing Division that you did, in fact, take and satisfactorily complete the required training to obtain your HQL.

Click on the "Add" button to enter your Instructor's credentials provided to you at the completion of your course.

STEP - 10B

Add New Relationship

For "Relationship Type" the field should read "Instructor Prereq"

For "Profession" the field should read "Firearm Services"

For "License Type" you will need to select "Qualified Handgun Instructor Certificate"

STEP - 10C

Add New Relationship

In the "License Number" field, you will need to enter your instructor's Maryland QHIC Number. This number is on your certificate you received at the end of class and begins with the letters "QHIC."

ONLY Enter the QHIC Number for the instructor that taught your class. Only the instructor who certified you can verify your completion with Maryland State Police.

NO NOT enter your instructor's NRA ID Number. Maryland State Police DOES NOT recognize this number and will show an "ERROR" Message.

DOUBLE & TRIPLE CHECK that you entered the correct QHIC Number for YOUR Instructor. If you are off by just ONE single digit, your application could be sent to the wrong instructor and will not be verified and will expire.

Once you have completed and check all fields for accuracy, select the "Search" button.

Your Instructors Name and License Status will display at the bottom. Verify that the name displayed here corresponds to the Name on your Course Completion Certificate.

Click on the "Search" Button once you are done.

STEP - 10D

Associate QHIL/ QHIC

Here you will again verify that you have entered the correct information for the instructor that taught your course and then click the "Add" button.

STEP - 11A

Application Questions

In this section you will begin answering questions based on your background. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully.

STEP - 11B

Application Questions

In this section you will begin answering questions based on your background. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully.

STEP - 11C

Application Questions

In this section you will begin answering questions based on your background. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully.

After answering all questions truthfully and completely, select the "Submit" button.

STEP - 12

Document Upload

*** ATTENTION ***

This section is optional for most applicants.

If you are applying for an HQL using some sort of training exemption OR if you need to upload a copy of your Green Card and/or any other information, this is where you complete that process.

First, choose your file to upload, then select the "Upload Document" button.

After you have uploaded your document or if you do not need to upload a document, click "Next."

STEP - 13A

Application Summary

In this section, your name and address will be displayed at the top. Verify ONE-MORE-TIME that it is all correct.

Your Question Responses will also be displayed. Check your responses ONE-MORE-TIME and make sure you have answered them all correctly and completely. If you misread a question and answered incorrectly OR if you accidentally clicked Yes instead of NO or NO instead of YES, your application WILL BE DENIED.

STEP - 13B

Application Summary

In this section, your name and address will be displayed at the top. Verify ONE-MORE-TIME that it is all correct.

Your Question Responses will also be displayed. Check your responses ONE-MORE-TIME and make sure you have answered them all correctly and completely. If you misread a question and answered incorrectly OR if you accidentally clicked Yes instead of NO or NO instead of YES, your application WILL BE DENIED.

STEP - 13C

Application Summary

In this section, your name and address will be displayed at the top. Verify ONE-MORE-TIME that it is all correct.

Your Question Responses will also be displayed. Check your responses ONE-MORE-TIME and make sure you have answered them all correctly and completely. If you misread a question and answered incorrectly OR if you accidentally clicked Yes instead of NO or NO instead of YES, your application WILL BE DENIED.

At the bottom of your Questions Summary, there will be a Prerequisite Licenses summery with all of your instructor's information. Check this ONE-MORE-TIME and make sure it is ALL CORRECT!!

If all information in summary is correct, click on the "Pay Fees" button to proceed to the next step.

STEP - 14

Pay Fees and Enter Prints

In this step, you will click on the "Pay Fees" button and proceed to checkout and enter your Electronic Fingerprint Information.

BE AWARE: The $50 Maryland State Police HQL Application Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.

After entering your Credit/ Debit card information on the following page, complete your application. After that, you will wait for an email from Maryland State Police giving you a disposition (Approved or Denied) on your HQL Application. This process can take up to, but must be completed by Maryland State Police within 30 days of your submission of a PROPERLY COMPLETED application.

If you have any questions or issues with the application process, you may reach out to DS Gunworks LLC by email or phone or you may contact the Maryland State Police Licensing division directly for assistance. Their information is below. Good luck and we look forward to seeing you in our next class!

Maryland State Police Licensing Division
Contact Information
PHONE: 410-653-4500
EMAIL: msp.hql@maryland.gov