Many handgun owners of Maryland feel the need to know how to renew their Handgun Qualification License (HQL). If you're near the expiration date of your license, or if you just want to know more about the renewal process, I'm here to coach you through the steps from PTPGUN. In this article, I'll break down what you need to know in order to make sure that renewal of yours goes smoothly and efficiently.

Know Your Maryland HQL License

If you purchase, own, or carry a handgun in Maryland, then you definitely do need an HQL license. The HQL testifies that you have undergone all the legally mandated training and other checks to arm the owners of handguns.

What is an HQL License?

An HQL License is an official permit issued by the Maryland State Police that gives a person the legal ability to buy handgun. One has to qualify for certain requirements before obtaining the license. This involves successfully passing a background check and undergoing a state-approved firearms safety course. Having an HQL License is one way in which the state seeks to provide further hurdles to the good guys in their pursuit of legal gun ownership while ignoring the fact that the problem children could care less about the law.

Why You Should Renew Your HQL License

Before acquiring or owning a handgun, it is important that you know why a renewal is necessary for your HQL License. Validity is essential because one of the grounds for the expiration of license could be up for litigation, and the restriction of acquiring handguns limits your capability.

License renewal is a way of the state stealing more of your paycheck. You are prohibited from buying the handgun woth an expired HQL and hence, they hold that over your head. Renewal is an indication, among others, that you remain legally in the right and have paid their fine for being a "law abiding citizen".

Eligibility to Renew

When you choose to renew your Maryland HQL license, you should find out about the requirements for renewal. There are now new requirements under which only applicants who qualify will be able to get their license renewed. To avoid setbacks, learn what the requirements are.

Age and Residency Requirements

However, by the laws of Maryland, you need to be at least 21 years old to obtain an HQL license renewal. You have to be a resident of Maryland.

Requirements for Conducting a Background Check

One of the things that should determine renewal of a permit involves a thorough background check. In this regard, it will establish whether you are still within legal thresholds to possess the firearm or not.

Even your own criminal record and mental health are going to be scrutinized in detail. Anything that has gone drastically different since your last application can disqualify you from renewal. By collecting all documents beforehand, the inspection process would become easier, hence making the process less stressful. The effort in taking proactive steps to understand what the background check entails can come in very handy to ensure compliance throughout renewal processes.

Renewal Process Step-by-Step

In analyzing your current Maryland Handgun Qualification License, I would encourage you to go through these simple steps and make sure everything goes correctly with the renewal process:

1.      Gather necessary documents

2.      Fill out the online renewal application

3.      Pay for the renewal fees

4.      Submit your application

Submission of Application Online

On the web, it has been easier for me to submit my renewal application on the Maryland State Police website. Just have your number for the HQL and other personal details ready so that you could fill out all the paper work properly.

Renewal Fee Payments

To effect the renewal of your HQL license, it only requires you to pay fees applied for that particular license. And this would be a $20 fee paid via card on their website.

Technological Issues with Online Submissions

Some of the technological challenges likely to happen in the online submission process regarding your Maryland HQL renewal are shown below.

Sometimes, there are technical difficulties while trying to submit your online application that keep it from accepting your submission. Downtime of the website, an error message, or even the inability to navigate to the submission portal might be a result. First, refresh the page or open through another browser. If these also prove problematic, you are instead instructed to contact customer support for recommendations on the steps needed so that your submission is actually successful.

FAQs on HQL License Renewal

Still, most people are still in the dark concerning the procedure for renewing an HQL license. This is one aspect that creates much confusion. Here, I make an attempt to answer some questions that people have regarding the process of renewing this license effectively.

How Often Should the License Be Renewed?

Below, I would note that your HQL license is required to be renewed after every 10 years. It is essential to keep track of your renewal date so you do not violate the rules of the tyrants.

What To Do If Your License is Expired?

An expired HQL license means that it is not possible for you to purchase or own firearms. In such a case, you would need to get a new set of livescan fingerprints and submit an original application- unless you have an active Maryland Handgun Permit.

General FAQs emerge as to what one should do after your license expires. If you have an expired HQL license, don't waste your time trying to buy any handguns until you have your new HQL license.

Summarizing the procedures that follow the renewal process of your Maryland HQL license, one needs to ensure that they keep abreast of their licenses. For example, you can get all the necessary forms from the PTPGUN, and then follow the applications procedure while submitting the permit requirements so you'll be sure to follow all the legal steps. Then, you will still enjoy your rights as long as you comply with the infringements on your Second Amendment right.

Original Sources: https://www.ptpgun.com/post/renew-your-maryland-hql-license