Q. What is Maryland's firearms safety training requirement?
A.
General instruction regarding safety in the use and storage of firearms, required for purchase or acquisition of handguns and other regulated firearms after January 1, 2002.
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Q. Do I have to take firearms safety training every time I buy a regulated firearm?
A.
No. The course only mandated for the first acquisition of a firearm after January 1, 2002.
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Q. Do I have to take a course offered by the Police Training Commission?
A.
A person is not required to complete a certified firearms training course if:
- They are a law enforcement officer of the State or any local law enforcement agency of the State;
- They are a member, retired member, or honorable discharged member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, (they present their DD-214) ;
- They are a member of an organization that is required by federal law or regulations governing their specific business or activity to maintain handguns and applicable ammunition;
- They have been issued a permit to carry a handgun in Maryland under the Maryland Public Safety Article, Title 5, Subtitle 3;
- They have completed a Maryland Hunter Safety Course since January 1, 2002, (the card must be dated on or after January 1, 2002);
- They have completed a National Rifle Association Basic Firearm Safety Course in Maryland since January 1, 2004, the card must me dated on/after January 1, 2004, and the card must have a number assigned that can be used by the Maryland State Police for tracking purposes.
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Q. Does this law cover all guns?
A.
The training provision applies to handguns and other regulated firearms such as assault weapons.
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Q. Do I have to take a test?
A.
The Police Training Commission training course may not, by law, require any skills or knowledge testing.
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Q. I already own a gun and don't plan to purchase another after January 1, 2002. Do I still have to take the class?
A.
No. The law does not apply to firearms acquired prior to January 1, 2002. You may, however voluntarily attend the firearms safety training program.
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Q. I have already completed the NRA Handgun Safety Course. Do I still have to take the class if I obtain a regulated firearm after January 1, 2002?
A.
Not if the NRA safety course was taken after January 1, 2004.
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Q. Will the class cover everything I need to know to be able to handle a gun safely?
A.
The course cannot cover all the areas of gun safety but it will cover the information you will need to satisfy the Responsible Gun Safety Act.
You may want to consider further education in gun safety and use at your local range or firearms organization.
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Q. May I take the class after I purchase a firearm?
A.
No. You must take the class prior to the acquisition of a handgun or other regulated firearm.
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Q. How do I prove that I took the course?
A.
At the conclusion of the online course, you will be prompted to print out a certificate of completion.
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Q. Do I need to provide positive identification when I take the course?
A.
You should provide the same identification required for the purchase of a firearm. A photo ID such as a Maryland Drivers License is satisfactory, but not required.
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Maryland Firearms Safety Training
