Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🛡️ Pistol & Permit Course Information

This page provides essential information about our training courses, application steps, safety policies, legal requirements, and what to expect. If you're considering firearms training in Maryland, start here.

Jurisdiction	Training	Application	Fingerprinting	Permit Validity
Maryland	Wear and Carry: 📚 16 hours of training 🚫 Medical MJ cardholders ineligible (federal law) 🧠 Mental health conditions require MSP pre-approval Contact us about physical limitations	📇 MDSP Licensing Portal ⚠️ Legal restrictions on Resource Page	Required (initial only)	🗓️ 2 years (initial) 🔄 3 years (renewal)
Maryland	HQL: 📚 4 hours (3 class + 1 range) 📃 Certificate valid 3 years	📸 Passport photo Fingerprint receipt (12 months valid)	Required	🔐 10 years
Virginia	Concealed Handgun: 📚 4 hours	Clerk of Circuit Court (residents) VA State Police (non-residents)	Required (initial only)	🗓️ 5 years
D.C. Concealed (🔜 Coming Soon)	Training: 📚 18 hours (16 class + 2 range) 🖥️ 30-min MPD Safety Course	📇 In-person with MPD Required + Justification Letter	Required	🔄 2 years (renewal)

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📋 Application Checklist  (MD Wear and Carry & HQL)

For Initial Applications (MD Wear and Carry & HQL)

✅ Passport-style photograph

✅ Electronic fingerprint receipt (both HQL & Wear and Carry)

✅ Certificate of approved training or proof of exemption

For Renewal Applications (MD Wear and Carry & HQL)

✅ Passport photo (if required by MSP)

✅ Fingerprint receipt (only for Wear and Carry renewal if older than 12 months)

✅ Proof of 8-hour Firearms Safety Training (Wear and Carry only)

Submit All Applications Through MDSP Licensing Portal

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🎯 Maryland HQL Training Exemptions

You may be exempt from the training requirement for the HQL if you are:

👮 Active or retired law enforcement from Maryland or U.S. agencies

🪖  Active or retired military or National Guard

🎯 A certified Qualified Handgun Instructor

🌲 Completed a Maryland-approved safety course (e.g., Hunter Safety Course)

💼 Employee of an armored car company with a valid Wear & Carry Permit

🗓️ Lawful owner of a regulated firearm purchased before Oct 1, 2013

🎯 Maryland Wear and Carry Training Exemptions

Training exemptions are available for:

👮 Active or retired law enforcement

Active, retired, or honorably discharged U.S. military or National Guard

🎯 Qualified handgun instructors registered with Maryland State Police

🚨 Important Notes

❌ Carrying without a valid permit is illegal

🚫 Firearms prohibited in schools, gov. buildings, and marked private property

👮 You must follow state laws even with a valid permit

 

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Concealed Carry License in the District of Columbia

Any person who wishes to legally carry a handgun in the District of Columbia must possess and carry a valid concealed carry license (“CCL”) issued by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

An applicant for a CCL does not need to live in DC. However, the gun that will be on the license must be legally registered in DC. If your gun is not yet registered, please complete the registration process.

Click here for more information.

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⏱️ Processing Timeline

Maryland Wear and Carry Permit: Allow up to 90 days for processing by Maryland State Police (MSP)

Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL): Allow 2–4 weeks for processing by MSP

Washington, D.C. Concealed Pistol License (CPL): Allow up to 90 days for processing by MPD

Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit: Court must issue a decision within 45 days of receiving a completed application

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🔄 Payment | Cancellations | Refunds | Rescheduling

💳 Payment Process

Non-refundable deposit required at registration to secure your spot in the course unless otherwise stated.

Final payment due 24 hours before the registered class date. Payments are accepted via your platform (Shopify or other).

Non-Refundable Payments:

💸 All deposits and payments are non-refundable

Rescheduling Policy:

📞 Notify us at least 48 business hours in advance

💵 $65 rescheduling fee may apply without sufficient notice

Instructor-Initiated Changes:

🗓️ If HARP FTD must cancel/reschedule, we’ll notify you and reschedule at no extra charge.

Missed Classes:

❌ Repeated no-shows may result in being barred from future training