Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Proud to Protect, Ready to Serve

Handgun Qualification Licensing

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office offers the 4-hour certification course as part of the State of Maryland's requirements implemented to purchase a handgun. The following persons are exempt from being required to obtain this certification:

  • Members of the US Armed Forces, including Reserve and National Guard.
  • Honorably discharged members of the US Armed Forces.
  • Active & retired duty law enforcement in good standing.
  • Persons who lawfully owned a regulated firearm prior to October 1, 2013.
  • Persons who have completed a Maryland Hunter Safety Course.
  • Persons who have completed a Certified Firearms Training Course approved by the Secretary of Public Safety.
  • An employee of an armored car company that has a permit issued under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article