Can I Buy a Gun Online and Ship It to Maryland?
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
You can buy firearms online and have them shipped to a Maryland FFL dealer, but they must transfer the firearm to you following all state and federal requirements including background checks and Maryland's specific regulations.
What This Means for You
Maryland has strict firearm regulations that apply regardless of where you purchase. Online purchases still require compliance with the state's handgun qualification license requirements, assault weapon restrictions, and mandatory safety training. The receiving FFL must ensure you meet all Maryland requirements before completing the transfer.
The Detail
When you purchase a firearm online, federal law requires it to be shipped to a Federal Firearms License holder in your state. The FFL dealer acts as the transfer point and must conduct the background check and ensure compliance with all applicable laws. You cannot have firearms shipped directly to your home address.
Maryland imposes additional requirements beyond federal law. For handguns, you need a Handgun Qualification License before you can legally purchase or receive a handgun transfer. This involves completing approved training, submitting fingerprints, and passing a background investigation. The HQL requirement applies to all handgun acquisitions, including online purchases.
Certain firearms are prohibited in Maryland under the state's assault weapon ban. The receiving FFL dealer must verify that any firearm you're attempting to purchase is legal under Maryland law. This includes restrictions on specific rifle and pistol configurations, magazine capacity limits, and other state-specific prohibitions.
The transfer process through your local FFL will include the federal Form 4473, NICS background check, and any additional state-required documentation. Maryland also has waiting periods for certain transactions and may require additional paperwork depending on the type of firearm. You should verify current requirements with official Maryland State Police resources, as regulations can change.
Build Impact
If you're building a custom firearm, you need to ensure every component configuration complies with Maryland law before ordering parts online. Research the state's specific restrictions on features, barrel lengths, and overall configurations to avoid purchasing components for a build that would be illegal to possess in Maryland.