Can You Get a Gun License at 18 in Maryland?
The Short Answer
In Maryland, you cannot obtain a firearm license at the age of 18. The law requires individuals to be at least 21 years old to apply for a Firearms Safety Training Certificate, also known as a permit-to-purchase permit, in order to purchase a gun legally.
<h2BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON GUN CONTROL LAWS IN MARYLAND
Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. In 2013, the state passed the Gun Violence Prevention Act, which introduced several new measures aimed at reducing gun violence and preventing the unauthorized use of firearms. The law was updated in 2017 with the passage of the Automatic Emergency Response Act, which added additional restrictions on so-called "assault-style" rifles and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
Currently, Maryland has the following gun control laws in place:
• The Firearm Safety Act prohibits the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic rifles (defined as "assault weapons") and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
• The State is in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Background checks are required on all firearms purchases and long-gun transfers.
• Anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from legally purchasing a firearm.
CITIZEN AND FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
To legally purchase and own a firearm in Maryland, individuals must meet the requirements outlined in federal law as well as those set forth by the state. Key federal requirements include:
- The individual must be at least 21 years old.
- They must not be under court-ordered supervision, having been convicted of a serious crime, or have two or more prior convictions or misdemeanor arrests for domestic violence charges.
- They must successfully complete a firearm safety training course specifically approved by the Maryland Secretary of State.
- If applying for a concealed carrying permit, they must satisfy the additional requirements set by the Maryland State Police Firearms Division.
MARYLAND-GAME-APPROVED FIREARM SAFETY COURSES
In Maryland, all firearm safety training courses must be approved by the Maryland Secretary of State. These courses include a minimum of five hours of instruction, of which at least 1.5 hours covers Maryland-specific topics. Approved courses offer students a comprehensive understanding of firearm safety, Maryland firearm laws, and crisis training. Some courses also qualify as NRA National Firearms Safety Training certified courses.
MARYLAND GUN LICENSE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply for a firearm license in Maryland, individuals must follow this process:
- Take a firearm safety training course approved by the Maryland Secretary of State.
- Submit your application and required materials, including a copy of your training certificate, government-issued ID, proof of residency, and $32 application fee.
- Pass a fingerprints and background check using a Maryland State Police certification and fingerprint card.
- Attend an Interview with the Maryland State Police Firearms Division to receive a permit-to-purchase permit.
WAIT TIME FOR GUN LICENSE approval IN MARYLAND
After submitting an application for a firearm license in Maryland, the waiting period depends on the specific circumstances.
• New applicants: 6-12 weeks
• Renege applicants or applicants with previous permit held: 4-12 weeks
Please note: the waiting period may increase during peak licensing periods or due to factors beyond the Maryland State Police Firearms Division’s control (e.g., a prolonged workload or IT issues with the background check system). It is essential to have a clear understanding of the requirements and anticipated waiting period before submitting your application.
CONCLUSION
In summary, yes, you can obtain a firearm license at 21 years old in Maryland but not at 18 years old. Maryland has an impressive array of gun laws aimed at ensuring public safety while also protecting the right to bear arms, a fundamental right protected under the Second Amendment. However, it is crucial that all individuals considering obtaining a gun license understand the unique requirements and processes involved and prepare accordingly.
Relevant Resources:
Maryland State Police
www.marylandgsp.com
Secretary of State
www.choosemaryland.org
Firearm Safety Training Approved Courses
www.md-fstraining.org
