Apply for a permit to carry alarm, irritant and signal weapons (small firearms licence).
Performance specification
The small firearms licence entitles you to carry alarm, irritant or signal weapons with a mark of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB mark, see figure 6). It is not permitted to carry these weapons at public entertainment, public festivals, sporting events, trade fairs, exhibitions, markets or similar public events such as demonstrations, public parades etc.
With the Small Arms Permit and a valid identity card or passport, you can in principle carry these weapons outside your own home, your own business premises, your own contented property (such as a fenced or hedge-enclosed property) or a shooting range.
The Small Arms Permit is valid for an unlimited period of time and without explicit restrictions to specific occasions or areas.
Carrying the aforementioned weapons without a small arms licence constitutes a criminal offence and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Holders of a valid hunting licence do not need a small arms licence to carry alarm, irritant and signal weapons within the hunting area. They may shoot with these weapons within the framework of authorised hunting practice (e.g. training of hunting dogs, game damage prevention, hunting protection). In this respect, the hunting licence already constitutes a permit.
Process flow
You can obtain the small firearms licence on application.
For this purpose, submit the required documents to the competent body for examination.
The authorities will check whether you meet the requirements and issue you with a small firearms licence.
Requirements
The general requirements for the issuance of firearms permits must be met. These are:
Minimum age
18 yearsReliability
As a rule, you do not possess reliability under weapons law if, for example, you have been convicted of criminal offences in connection with the handling of weapons. This is usually determined on the basis of information from the Federal Central Register, the Central Public Prosecutor's Register of Proceedings and by enquiring at the Hessian State Criminal Police Office and the competent constitutional protection authority.Personal suitability
You have personal suitability if you are mentally and physically capable of handling weapons. This is not the case, for example, if you are addicted to alcohol or drugs. If there is any doubt about your personal suitability, the authorities are obliged to order a specialist medical or psychological report at your expense.The competent office will advise you on the requirements to be met in each individual case.
Which documents are required?
- Application for a Small Arms Licence
- Identity document
In addition, further documents may be necessary:
- Positive specialist medical or specialist psychological report
What are the fees?
Costs are incurred. These vary from region to region.
The competent office will inform you about any costs incurred.Important note:
Within the framework of the regular regular check of your reliability under weapons law, you will be charged again each time.What deadlines do I have to observe?
The small firearms licence is valid for an unlimited period.
Legal basis
Applications / Forms
A separate platform has been developed for online applications. On the so-called service platform you can submit your applications electronically and much more! You are welcome to get your own impression of the application in advance without registering first. Use the simulation for this purpose. In order to be able to make full use of the online application, you must first register with the online application procedure.
Online application procedure of the Point of Single Contact Hesse
What else should I know?
You need a separate permit to shoot alarm, irritant and signal weapons.
For other alarm, irritant and signal weapons without PTB markings, you need a general weapons licence and a weapons possession card.
You must store alarm, irritant and signal weapons in such a way that they cannot be lost or taken by unauthorised third parties, at least in a locked container.
Short text
The small firearms licence entitles you to carry alarm, irritant or signal weapons with a circular mark of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB mark).
The Small Arms Permit is valid for an unlimited period of time and without explicit restrictions to specific occasions or areas.
Applications / Forms
Who do I need to contact?
The firearms licence is issued by the firearms authority in your district administration or the administration of your independent city.
The procedure can also be handled via the Single Point of Contact.