Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

The Handgun Qualification License (HQL) is valid for 10 years in Maryland. This license is required for individuals who wish to purchase, rent, or receive a handgun in the state of Maryland. Option A, 2 years, is a relatively short validity period and would require individuals to renew their HQL more frequently. Option B, 5 years, is a slightly longer validity period but still falls short of the actual length of time an HQL is valid. Option D, lifetime, may seem like a plausible answer, but it is important to note that the HQL may be suspended, revoked, or expired if certain criteria are not met, such as completing a mandatory training course or being convicted of a disqualifying crime. Therefore, the 10-year validity period offers a balance between a shorter and longer time frame, and accounts for potential changes or updates in the law.