Application Process Changes/Updates
- December 2025 - Designated Collector application transitioned from a paper application to an electronic form located in the Licensing Portal.
Who Should Apply
A person may not purchase more than one regulated firearm in a 30-day period, unless that person is a Designated Firearms Collector. A Designated Collector is a status granted by the Maryland State Police upon submission of an application. It is granted to an individual who devotes time and attention to acquiring certain types of regulated firearms for the enhancement of the collector's personal collection, or possesses a Federal Firearms License (Collector of Curio and Relics). A Designated Collector is not authorized to act as a firearms dealer. Exemptions to the Designated Firearms Collector, and who may also purchase more than one regulated firearm in a 30-day period, are:
- The purchase is for a private collection or a collector series.
- The purchase is a bulk purchase from an estate sale.
- The purchase is for the purpose of taking advantage of a dealer's discounted price for a multiple purchase. No more than two firearms may be purchased at a time in this way.
- The purchase is for a security guard company.
Prerequisites to Apply for Designated Collector Status
- Applicants must have a Licensing Portal account.
- Applicants must have a minimum of one (1) regulated firearm registered in with the Maryland State Police.
How To Apply
- Log into the Licensing Portal. Applicants who do not have a Licensing Portal account will be required to create one.
- From the "Welcome" page, select "START DESIGNATED COLLECTOR APPLICATION".
- Accurately complete the application, assuring that your email address is included and matches your Licensing Portal account.
- Electronically submit the application to the Licensing Division.
Application Process
Once the Designated Collector application is received by the Licensing Division, the application will be reviewed for accuracy and assurance that the applicant meets the prerequisites for Designated Collector status. Those that meet the requirements will be assigned a Designated Collector number. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application via the email address that they provided in the application.
When Should I Renew
Once issued, the Designated Collector status does not expire.
Application Fees
There is no cost to submit a Designated Collector Application.
How Long is the Application Process
APPLICANT - The Designated Collector Application can be completed in 5-10 minutes.
PROCESSING TIME - Once the Licensing Division receives the completed Designated Collector application, the application will be processed and the applicant will be notified of the final disposition within 7-10 days via the email address provided in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a card with my collector status?
No. You will receive an email explaining that you have been granted the status of a "Designated Collector". This status allows for multiple firearm purchases.
Am I licensed when I become a Designated Collector?
No. Designated Collector is a status granted to an individual by the Maryland State Police. This status allows the individual to purchase more than one firearm at a time. This status does not grant any additional privileges or expedite the processing time required for a regulated firearm purchase.
Are there any prerequisites to request for a Designated Collector status?
Yes. An applicant requesting a Designated Collector status must have a minimum of one (1) regulated firearm currently registered with the Maryland State Police.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS MAY BE EMAILED TO THE LICENSING DIVISION FIREARMS REGISTRATION UNIT
[email protected]
Statutes
§5-128 and §5-129 of the Public Safety Article identify when multiple regulated firearm purchases may be applied for. Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 29.03.01.25 grants the Maryland State Police the authority to designate regulated firearm collectors. To obtain the most recent text of any legislation, please go online to LexisNexis or the Maryland General Assembly's website to access the most up-to-date Maryland code. COMAR regulations can be found at the Division of State Documents COMAR Online website.
