Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Do I have to ask for the Holy Spirit to receive the Holy Spirit? If I ask, will I receive? Let us answer those two questions one at a time.

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

The apostles did not ask. No, you do not have to ask to receive the Holy Spirit. It is a promise Jesus made and He will keep His Word regardless of our asking.

John 15:26, 16:7 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Note again the consistency of the Word, sent from the Father. Jesus departed and sent the Comforter as promised. He keeps His Word independent of our asking.

The other answer as to asking for the Holy Spirit and receiving it comes from an incident in Act 8. I include only relevant verses. You might want to read them all.

Acts 8:9,13,19,21  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.