In Maryland you are required to have a HQL (handgun qualification license) card to purchase a handgun AND if you want to buy two handguns in a month you need to have a collectors license AND you can only buy handguns on the "approved list". Its been in effect for 20+ years, so now people just expect it like its normal
Certain individuals , and certain handguns are exemempt from HQL .
W/o Designated Collector status , you Can purchase Two handguns , at same time , and then have 60 day until next one .
1966 - 7 Day Wait , and State Police aporoval for each Handgun * Transaction * . ( In 1980's " 7 days " typically took 2‐3 weeks)
Late 1980's - Handgun Roster .
( Compressed for space - Various 1990's laws 20 rd mag limits , One per month , and all Handgun transfers must go thru State Licensed Dealer . A couple of different Bans of certain Evil Black Firearms , and remaining subject to " handgun purchase process " .)
2013 - Creation of HQL , 10 round mags ( with astrix ) , Ban most of not yet Banned Evil Black Rifles . Plus a bunch more fine print stuff .
2022 - All Longgun transfers must go thru FFL , with narrow exceptions .
More recently - Post Bruen Hissy Fit . Not California level expensive , but make carry permit more complicated and expensive , +/- $500 total expendature .
Plus make almost everywhere No Carry under penalty of law . The State Level 2A Org got Injunctions against the worst of them , and Litigation is ongoing .
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But the distinction of HQL vs FOID , is HQL only applies to the Purchase of most Modern Handguns .
FOID applies also to Posession of Any Firearm , or Any Ammunition .
As long as you don't purchase an additional handguns , you can let the HQL expire , with no effect . FOID must be kept current , to continue to posess what you already own .