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How to Register a Gun
Many laws restrict the purchasing, storing, carrying, and transporting of a firearm in the state of Maryland. According to the Maryland Public Safety Code § 5-117.1, the legislation stipulates that any individual who wants to purchase, rent, or transfer a handgun must apply for and be granted a Handgun Qualification License. This same obligation is not necessary to buy a rifle or shotgun. To obtain a Handgun Qualification License, you may apply online at the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. Remember, you will be required to submit a fingerprint card (from a participating provider) and undergo a background check and state-approved firearms safety program. When purchasing through a federally licensed firearm dealer or private sale, the buyer must pass a background check (even upon receiving a valid HQL), and the transaction will be recorded and sent to the state authorities to archive the transfer. Many guns categorized as “automatic weapons” are mandated to be registered. Still, you may also voluntarily register a gun that does not necessarily require registration on the licensing portal, should you choose to.
How to Obtain a Conceal and Carry Permit
Long guns can be carried openly without a secured permit, but only in areas deemed acceptable by state laws (for hunting, shooting competitions, or shooting ranges). To carry a handgun openly, licensure is required, and it is only granted to security officers who meet the standard criteria. Alternatively, to carry a concealed handgun, an individual must gain access to a Maryland Handgun Qualification License.
To apply for the Handgun Qualification License, you will need to fill in a Maryland Handgun Qualification License Application or do so electronically by visiting the online licensing portal. You can then create an account and complete the electronic application. Once you have finished, print out the completed form. You can then send via mail to the Maryland State Police Licensing Division the following documentation:
- Finalized Maryland Handgun Qualification License Application Form.
- Certificate of completion of a firearm training course from a qualified instructor.
- A fingerprint identification card.
- A passport-style color photograph of the applicant, taken within 30 days of submission.
- Payment in the form of a cashier’s check or money order for all application fees ($50).
You can then send the listed materials in a sealed and stamped envelope to the following address:
Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Once submitted, processing and background checks can take up to 3 months for a response via mail. After receiving a license, the renewal will not be required for another two years in the same month as it was in which it was issued.
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