A Maryland firearm bill of sale is a form that records a transaction where a buyer purchases a handgun, rifle, or shotgun from a dealer or private seller. Maryland gun laws are relatively strict, and there are a number of hoops that buyers must jump through if they want to purchase a handgun. They must first possess a Handgun Qualification License (HQL), submit an MSP 77R Application and Affidavit (through the licensing portal), and complete an ATF 4473 Firearm Transaction Record (FTR). Furthermore, all handgun sales must be processed through a licensed dealer, and the buyer will be required to wait seven (7) days before they can access their new firearm. While the FTR can serve as a record of the purchase, it would be wise to also complete a bill of sale to prove that ownership has been transferred to the buyer should this information be required in the future.

Concealed Carry Laws

Statute – Title 5, Subtitle 3 (Handgun Permits)

Maryland residents who want to concealed carry or open carry a handgun will first have to qualify for a Wear and Carry Permit. This permit is separate from the Handgun Qualification License. First, applicants must take a 16-hour Wear and Carry Permit training course (list of instructors can be found here). Maryland State Police no longer accept paper applications, and all submissions must be made through their online licensing portal. Applicants should be prepared to submit a passport-sized color photo, certification of their training, and an electronic fingerprint transmission receipt (from a Livescan Fingerprint vendor). The initial application fee is $75 and must be paid by check or money order made out to the Maryland State Police. Fees can be sent to the below address.

Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
ATTN: Handgun Permit Unit