A Regulated Firearms Dealer is defined as a person who is, or seeks to be, engaged in the business of selling, renting, or transferring regulated firearms for either wholesale or retail. A Regulated Firearms Dealer must be licensed by the Maryland State Police, and must have a valid Federal Firearms License prior to the submission of the Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealer application.
Where to Mail Applications
Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Attn: Firearms Section
Who Should Apply?
A person who is, or seeks to be, engaged in the business of selling, renting, or transferring regulated firearms at wholesale or retail must possess a State of Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealer's License. The Regulated Firearms Dealer's License may be obtained by submitting the initial application (provided under Documents to the left) to the Maryland State Police. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR PROCESSED WITHOUT A VALID FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE (FFL). A separate license is required for each place of business where regulated firearms are sold, rented, or transferred.
How To Apply
To apply, fill out the
Regulation Firearms Dealer's License Initial Application form, along with
TWO
Authorization for Release of Information forms. These forms can be found in the Documents section below or by clicking on the bold hyperlinks above.
Applications will be accompanied upon submission by:
- A copy of the applicant's current valid Federal Firearms License;
- A copy of the applicant's current valid government issued identification card, ie; Drivers License;
- A copy of the applicant's current trader's license, if inventory is maintained;
- Two (2) Authorization for Release of Information forms;
-
An Authorization for Release of Information to Purchase a Regulated Firearm (77R-3);
- A copy of the applicant's retail sales tax license;
- Receipt that
electronic fingerprints were submitted containing the tracking number;
- A photograph of the applicant; and
- A check or money order for the cost of an initial or renewal application, and any other applicable fees. DO NOT SUBMIT FEES FOR FINGERPRINTS AS THEY WILL BE PAID TO THE AUTHORIZED ELECTRONIC FINGERPRINT PROCESSING CENTER.
If the applicant is a corporation, the application shall be completed and executed by a corporate officer who is a resident of the State of Maryland.
How Much Does It Cost?
The initial application fee is $50. The fee for renewal applications is $25. Checks and money orders must be payable to the Maryland State Police. The application fee is non-refundable.
FAQ
Which code types should I use for section 4 of the 77R application?<div class="ExternalClassD57C9167BF31471B8ED96246440BB343"><p>For section 4 of the 77R application please utilize the code types below.  We realize the current 77R application does not include the appropriate coding.  The form has been corrected and will be disseminated upon reorder.</p>
<p>X -Assault Weapon</p>
<p>O -Other</p>
<p>A -Semi-Automatic</p>
<p>S -Single Shot</p>
<p>R -Revolver</p></div>
Do I need a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) in order to purchase a lower receiver?<div class="ExternalClass3DD031265BE4452DA55B210EA3256C5E"><p>No, a lower receiver of a banned assault long gun is classified by the State <span style="font-size:8pt;">as a “firearm,” but not a “handgun”.  A Handgun Qualification License (HQL) </span><span style="font-size:8pt;">is only needed if you are purchasing a handgun that is not classified as a </span><span style="font-size:8pt;">curio and relic.</span><span style="font-size:8pt;"></span></p></div>
May I build my lower receiver purchased at any time into a handgun?<div class="ExternalClass45C5D2E584A04614A1AF9414166695AA"><p>Yes, a lower receiver of a banned assault long gun may be manufactured provided there is compliance with federal and other state laws—into a <span style="font-size:8pt;">handgun.</span><span style="font-size:8pt;"></span></p></div>
May I build my lower receiver purchased after 10/1/2013 into an assault long gun?<div class="ExternalClassD4249241E14E431BBD6D650BCF7BDC62"><p>No, a lower receiver of a banned assault long gun purchased after 10/1/2013 may be built—provided there is compliance with federal and other state <span style="font-size:8pt;">laws—only into a handgun, a short barreled rifle that has an overall length of 29 inches or greater, or if the lower receiver is an AR15 platform, into a </span><span style="font-size:8pt;">heavy barrel model.</span><span style="font-size:8pt;"></span></p></div>
What if the applicant is a corporation?<div class="ExternalClass27E9564C0233407D8EBB47C3DD71D988"><p>If the applicant is a corporation, the application shall be completed and executed by a corporate officer who is a resident of the State of Maryland.</p></div>
Can Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealers transfer Regulated firearms at gun shows?<div class="ExternalClass230953A04DFB49ABAAD6D2BCF154769D"><p>Yes. COMAR 29.03.01.21 ("Transfer of Regulated Firearms Sold at Gun Shows") states:</p>
<p>"A. A seller or dealer may not transfer a regulated firearm sold from a table or fixed display at a gun show until the eighth day after the seller or dealer has forwarded the application to purchase or transfer a regulated firearm by certified mail or facsimile machine to the Secretary.</p>
<p>B. A dealer may conduct business at a gun show if:</p>
<p>(1) A legible photostatic copy of a valid Dealer's License is displayed prominently in public view as part of the display;</p>
<p>(2) All business conducted at a gun show is from a table or fixed display; and</p>
<p>(3) The dealer conducts business in compliance with Public Safety Article, Title 5, Subtitle 1, Annotated Code of Maryland."</p>
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When Should I Renew?
Regulated Firearms Dealer's Licenses expire on the first June 30 after its effective date. Renewal requests must be received 30 business days prior to expiration to allow for the completion of a background investigation. The renewal application is provided in the Documents section under Application Documentation.
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