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Individuals over 21 years of age who have handgun qualification licenses can purchase handguns. The handgun qualification license expires after 10 years.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR A HANDGUN QUALIFICATIONS LICENSE?
In order to quality for a handgun license in Maryland, an individual must be a resident of the state. In the last three years, he or she must have completed a firearms safety training course. The course must include a minimum of 4 hours of instruction by a qualified handgun instructor, as well as classroom instruction on state firearm law, firearm safety, and handgun mechanism and operations (MD code §5-117.1).
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO CARRY A HANDGUN?
In order to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, an individual must obtain a permit from the state of Maryland (MD code §5-303).
HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR A PERMIT?
An individual must complete 16 hours of instruction by a qualified handgun instructor, classroom instruction on state law, home firearm safety, and handgun mechanisms and operations. The individual must also demonstrate proficiency at the use of a firearm. He or she must not indicate any propensity to violence or instability, and must also have a good substantial reason to wear or carry a gun (MD code §5-306).
I’VE BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME, CAN I STILL GET A PERMIT?
An individual who has ever been convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor that resulted in a prison sentence of more then one year cannot receive a permit. Having been convicted of a crime involving possession or use of a dangerous substance, and/or addiction to either a dangerous, controlled substance or alcohol, also prohibits an individual from qualifying for a permit. Individuals who have a protective order issued against them by a court in any state or by a Native American Tribe are unable to get a permit (MD code §5-306).
ARE THERE LIMITS TO WHEN I CAN HAVE MY GUN?
It is illegal to carry, wear, or transport a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so will result in a misdemeanor and a prison sentence of not more then one year, and a fine of up to $1,000 (MD code § 5-314).
For more information, see Maryland Code §5-101- §5-406.