Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
MD Public Safety § 5-117.1
Required
Maryland residents must obtain an HQL before purchasing any handgun. You must be 21+, complete a 4-hour firearms safety course from an MSP-certified instructor within 3 years of applying, and submit Livescan fingerprints. Processing takes up to 30 days. The license costs $50, is valid for 10 years, and must be renewed before expiration. Limited exceptions apply for C&R firearms.
7-Day Waiting Period
MD Public Safety § 5-123(a), § 5-124(a)(1)
7 Days
Applies to all regulated firearms (handguns and assault weapons). The 7-day clock begins when the MSP Licensing Division receives the application. The full 7 days must elapse even if the background check clears in 1–2 days. The applicant is notified of approval by the morning of the 8th day. No exceptions for prior approval or FFL status.
Magazine Capacity Limit
MD Criminal Law § 4-305
10 Rounds Max
Maryland prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, purchase, receipt, or transfer of detachable magazines with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds. Possession of magazines is not illegal on its own. Selling or transferring a magazine over 10 rounds in Maryland carries up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine, with a 5-year enhancement if used in a felony.
One Handgun Per 30 Days
MD Public Safety § 5-129
1 / 30 Days
A person may not take possession of more than one regulated firearm (handgun or assault weapon) within any 30-day period. Multiple applications may be submitted within 30 days, but only one transfer may be completed per period. Designated Collectors approved by the MSP are exempt. Violations are a criminal offense.
77R Form & Transfer Process
MD Public Safety § 5-123 through § 5-129
MSP Form 77R
Every transfer of a regulated firearm in Maryland requires submission of the MSP 77R Regulated Firearm Application through the MSP licensing portal. The dealer or MSP barrack charges a $10 processing fee (dealer may add up to $20 for secondary sales). A background check is required with each purchase.
2025 Penalty Enhancements
HB 413 (Chapter 136) — Effective Oct. 1, 2025
New Felonies
As of October 1, 2025: Trafficking firearms into Maryland for illegal sale = up to 10 years / $25,000 fine. Possessing/selling stolen regulated firearms = up to 5 years / $10,000 fine. Selling a handgun not on the Maryland Handgun Roster = up to 5 years — this directly affects EGO Arms sellers shipping to MD buyers.
Maryland Regulated Firearm Purchase Process
1
Obtain Handgun Qualification License (HQL)
Complete 4-hour firearms safety course, submit Livescan fingerprints, apply online at the MSP portal with $50 fee. Must be 21+ and a Maryland resident.
⏱ Processing: up to 30 days · Valid: 10 years
2
Confirm Firearm is on the Approved Handgun Roster
Only handguns approved by the Maryland Handgun Roster Board (Public Safety § 5-401) may be sold by Maryland dealers. Check the MSP licensing portal to confirm. Updated quarterly.
⚠️ Non-roster handguns may not be sold by MD dealers — felony as of Oct. 1, 2025
3
Submit MSP Form 77R Through Licensed FFL
Buyer and dealer complete the Regulated Firearm Application (77R) via the MSP online portal. Background check is initiated. Dealer charges $10–$30 processing fee.
⏱ Background check: typically 1–3 business days
4
Wait the Full 7-Day Waiting Period
Regardless of when the background check clears, the mandatory 7-day waiting period must elapse from the time the application is received by MSP. No exceptions.
⏱ Mandatory: 7 full calendar days
5
Take Possession
On the morning of the 8th day (assuming approval), the buyer may take possession of the firearm at the FFL. Remember: only one regulated firearm may be received within any 30-day period.
✓ One per 30-day period maximum
⚠️ EGO Arms Sellers — Maryland Buyer Restrictions
If a Maryland-based buyer wins your auction: (1) You may not ship directly to the buyer — all regulated firearms require FFL transfer. (2) For handguns, confirm the specific make/model/variant is on the Maryland Approved Handgun Roster before accepting a Maryland bid — selling a non-roster handgun to a Maryland dealer is now a felony (Oct. 1, 2025). (3) Do not include or ship magazines over 10 rounds to a Maryland address. (4) Named assault weapons on the Maryland banned list cannot be transferred to Maryland residents through normal channels. Use the EGO Arms FFL Network to find Maryland-licensed transfer dealers.
Maryland Assault Weapons Ban — Maryland Public Safety Article § 5-101(r)(2) defines "assault weapon" to include the following specifically named firearms, their copies and duplicates, and any semiautomatic centerfire rifle with a detachable magazine capable of accepting 20+ rounds or with a detachable magazine plus any two of: folding/telescoping stock, grenade/flare launcher, flash suppressor. Sale, transfer, or purchase of these weapons is prohibited in Maryland.
37 weapons
| Make / Manufacturer | Model / Description | Type | Statutory Reference |
|---|
Features-Based Prohibition: Any semiautomatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine AND has a folding or telescoping stock, a grenade or flare launcher, or a flash suppressor is also prohibited — even if not named above. Any semiautomatic shotgun with a folding/telescoping stock, a pistol grip, a fixed magazine capacity over 5 rounds, or an ability to accept a detachable magazine is likewise banned. Pistols with a magazine that attaches outside the pistol grip or that can accept a detachable magazine and accept a barrel shroud are also prohibited. If you are uncertain, consult a Maryland firearms attorney before listing or transferring.
Maryland MSP Approved Handgun Roster — Official Source
The complete, current Maryland Approved Handgun Roster is maintained exclusively by the Maryland State Police Handgun Roster Board and is searchable by manufacturer on the MSP Licensing Portal. The roster is updated quarterly (approximately every 3 months). Only handguns manufactured after January 1, 1985 are subject to roster requirements — pre-1985 handguns are exempt.
As of March 5, 2025: The Handgun Roster Board approved 107 submissions at its most recent meeting, with a 96–98% approval rate. The full roster contains several thousand approved models. The examples below are representative — always verify on the MSP portal before completing any Maryland handgun transfer.
As of March 5, 2025: The Handgun Roster Board approved 107 submissions at its most recent meeting, with a 96–98% approval rate. The full roster contains several thousand approved models. The examples below are representative — always verify on the MSP portal before completing any Maryland handgun transfer.
— models
| Make | Model | Caliber | Action | Status |
|---|
Important: This table is a representative sample of commonly known approved models and is not exhaustive or guaranteed current. The MSP updates the roster quarterly. A handgun may be added or removed at any meeting. Always verify on the official MSP portal before completing any Maryland handgun sale or transfer. A dealer who sells a non-roster handgun in Maryland faces felony charges as of October 1, 2025 (HB 413).
Maryland Compliance Checker
Enter a firearm's make, model, and type to check against Maryland's banned weapons list and the known approved handgun roster. Always verify results against the official MSP portal.
Legal Disclaimer: This tool checks against a database of known Maryland banned and approved firearms for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for verification through the official MSP Licensing Portal. Maryland firearms law is complex and subject to change. When in doubt, consult a licensed Maryland firearms attorney. EGO Arms is not responsible for any reliance on information provided by this tool.
Recent Law Changes
October 1, 2025 · HB 413 (Chapter 136)
Three New Firearms Felonies
1. Firearms Trafficking: Knowingly transporting or arranging the transport of firearms into Maryland for illegal sale is now a felony — up to 10 years imprisonment and/or $25,000 fine.
2. Stolen Regulated Firearms: Possessing, selling, or transferring a stolen regulated firearm is a felony — up to 5 years and/or $10,000 fine.
3. Non-Roster Handgun Sales: A licensed dealer who sells, rents, or transfers a handgun not on the Maryland approved roster to a purchaser commits a felony — up to 5 years. This directly impacts EGO Arms sellers whose Maryland buyers attempt to complete a non-roster handgun purchase.
2. Stolen Regulated Firearms: Possessing, selling, or transferring a stolen regulated firearm is a felony — up to 5 years and/or $10,000 fine.
3. Non-Roster Handgun Sales: A licensed dealer who sells, rents, or transfers a handgun not on the Maryland approved roster to a purchaser commits a felony — up to 5 years. This directly impacts EGO Arms sellers whose Maryland buyers attempt to complete a non-roster handgun purchase.
October 1, 2023 · Senate Bill 1
Public Carry Restrictions
Maryland enacted broad restrictions on where permit holders may carry firearms. Buildings open to the public now default to prohibited carry unless the owner or agent affirmatively consents. Certain locations (government buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, churches, transit) are off-limits regardless of property owner consent. The Fourth Circuit Court affirmed these restrictions on January 20, 2026.
March 5, 2025 · MSP Handgun Roster Board
107 Handguns Approved at Latest Roster Meeting
The MSP Handgun Roster Board approved 107 submissions at its March 5, 2025 meeting, continuing its 96–98% approval rate for submitted handguns. The Kel-Tec PR57 (approved April 21, 2025) and multiple Glock Gen 5 variants were among recent additions. The roster is updated quarterly. Dealers and buyers should search the portal for the most current list.
Ongoing · MSP HQL Processing
HQL Processing Times
Maryland HQL processing currently takes approximately 30 days (statutory maximum). Applicants should apply well in advance of any planned firearm purchase. The HQL is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. The $50 fee is non-refundable if denied. Online renewal is available through the MSP portal.
Sources: Maryland Public Safety Article (annotated); Maryland General Assembly (mgaleg.maryland.gov); Maryland State Police Licensing Division (mdsp.maryland.gov); Giffords Law Center State Law Database; MSP Handgun Roster Board Meeting Minutes. Laws current as of June 2026.