Southern Maryland Firearms: Licensing Made Simple

Getting your firearms license shouldn’t be confusing, time-consuming, or intimidating. At Southern Maryland Firearms, we’ve built our training programs around one core mission—making the firearms licensing process simple, safe, and accessible for everyday people. Whether you’re applying for your first Handgun Qualification License (HQL), planning to obtain a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, or looking to sharpen your skills, we offer practical, streamlined courses designed for real-world use.

We proudly serve the communities of Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Baltimore, making us the go-to regional leader for firearm education and licensing support in Maryland.

Why Firearm Licensing Matters in Maryland

Maryland has some of the most detailed firearm laws in the country, and licensing is a legal requirement for anyone who wants to purchase, own, or carry a handgun. Whether you’re protecting your family, pursuing recreational shooting, or preparing for professional use, your journey starts with the proper licensing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Maryland’s key licensing requirements:

• Handgun Qualification License (HQL): Required for anyone buying or receiving a handgun.
• Wear and Carry Permit: Needed to legally carry a concealed handgun in public.
• Firearm Safety Training Certification: A mandatory component of both permits.

Navigating all these rules can be confusing on your own. That’s where we come in. Our experienced team simplifies every step, ensuring you meet all legal requirements quickly and correctly.

Southern Maryland Firearms Training: What Sets Us Apart

We aren’t just another training center—we’re your local firearms partner. With certified instructors, real-world training, and a track record of student success across Brandywine, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Ocean City, and Baltimore, we’ve built a reputation for excellence.

Here’s what makes our programs different:

• Real-World Relevance: Our courses go beyond classroom theory and focus on real-life application.
• Certified Instructors: You’ll be trained by law enforcement veterans, military professionals, and experienced civilian instructors.
• State-Compliant Curriculum: All training meets or exceeds Maryland State Police (MSP) requirements.
• Hands-On Training: We emphasize safety, firearm handling, situational awareness, and live-fire drills.
• Support With Paperwork: We assist with fingerprinting, digital submissions, and application guidance.

Whether you’re brand new to firearms or already experienced, we meet you at your level and help you advance with confidence.

Licensing Programs We Offer

Handgun Qualification License (HQL) Course

To legally purchase a handgun in Maryland, you must complete the HQL training course. Our 4-hour class includes:

• Firearm safety instruction
• Maryland firearm law education
• Operation and handling of handguns
• Live-fire component (required unless exempt)

We walk you through each part and assist with the background check and fingerprinting process. If you’re ready to get started.

Wear and Carry Permit (Concealed Carry) Course

Carrying a concealed firearm requires a Wear and Carry Permit, which involves a 16-hour training course and a live-fire qualification. We offer:

• Legal instruction on Maryland carry laws and use-of-force principles
• Defensive shooting techniques
• Gear selection and holster guidance
• Range qualification
• Application and paperwork assistance

We also offer the 8-hour renewal course for those who already have their permit. Our instructors make sure you’re fully prepared—not just to pass the test, but to carry responsibly in daily life.

[Sign up here] to secure your spot in an upcoming carry permit class.

Serving Southern Maryland with Accessible Training Locations

We understand that your time is valuable, and long travel distances shouldn’t be a barrier to good training. That’s why we offer firearms licensing courses in:

• Brandywine – Convenient for residents of Charles and Prince George’s Counties
• Lexington Park – Serving the St. Mary’s County and Naval Air Station community
• Annapolis – Central to Anne Arundel County and surrounding cities
• Ocean City – Perfect for coastal Maryland residents and vacation homeowners
• Baltimore – City-based access to training for urban professionals and residents

Each of our locations offers the same high standard of instruction and support, giving you flexibility and convenience without compromising on quality.

What to Bring to Class

To make sure you’re prepared for training day, we recommend bringing:

• Government-issued ID (required for certification)
• Comfortable clothing for classroom and range portions
• A personal firearm (if you own one – rentals available)
• Ammunition (typically 50 rounds)
• Eye and ear protection
• Notebook for taking important notes

Have questions about what’s required? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

Not Just Training—Ongoing Support

We don’t just train you once and send you off. We’re here for the long haul with ongoing support, refresher courses, and advanced skills classes. Many of our students return for follow-up training in:

• Defensive pistol skills
• Home defense tactics
• Low-light shooting
• Situational awareness and decision-making under stress

You’re not just getting a license—you’re building a mindset and skillset for safe, effective firearm ownership.

Ready to Get Licensed? Start Here.

If you’ve been putting off getting your firearms license because it seems confusing, now’s the time to act. With our expert instructors, user-friendly process, and local training centers, we make licensing simple, fast, and effective.

• Sign up here to view our full course schedule
• [Enroll] in an HQL or Wear and Carry Permit class near you
• [Contact us] with any questions about the process, eligibility, or class requirements

At Southern Maryland Firearms, we believe that responsible citizens deserve easy access to high-quality firearms education. Let us help you get licensed the right way—confidently and legally.