Weapons authority

Exemptions from age requirements for handling weapons/ammunition by children/young people

In principle, only persons who have reached the age of 18 are permitted to handle weapons and ammunition. However, exceptions may be permitted under certain conditions for shooting by minors at club-owned shooting ranges and if there are special reasons.

Permission to shoot with a firearm

Anyone who wants to shoot with a firearm needs a permit to do so, unless there is an exception (i.e. the shooting is not permitted on the basis of a recognised need under weapons law).

Notification in the event of loss of weapons, ammunition or permit certificates

If a person has lost weapons or ammunition requiring a licence or licence documents, he or she must notify the firearms authority of the loss immediately after it has been ascertained.

Weapons offences

Violations of weapons law may constitute criminal offences or misdemeanours. The punishment of corresponding administrative offences is the responsibility of the weapons authority.

Weapons bans for individual cases

Under certain circumstances, the weapons authority can issue bans on the possession of weapons.

Inherited and found weapons

Anyone who takes possession of weapons or ammunition requiring a licence in the event of the death of a weapons owner, as a finder or in a similar manner, must notify the weapons authority. Under certain conditions, the heir of a deceased owner of legal firearms has the option of retaining the firearms permanently. The examination takes place after the application has been submitted by the weapons authority. In addition to the application for the issue of a weapons possession card for heirs, proof of the right to inherit (will or certificate of inheritance) and, in the case of several heirs, an informal declaration of renunciation are required. As a rule, inherited weapons must be secured by a special blocking system. In addition, the storage regulations under weapons law apply. Any ammunition must be handed over to an authorised person or the weapons authority.

Weapons storage

Anyone in possession of weapons and/or ammunition must take the necessary precautions to prevent the loss of these objects or the unauthorised taking of them by third parties. Every owner of weapons must have an approved security container. The requirements depend on the type and number of weapons and ammunition present (Section 36 WaffG, Section 13 AWaffV).

• Supplement for residences in the last 10 years
• Application for Acquisition Permit EU.pdf
• Application for shared user authorisation.pdf
• Application for succession.pdf
• Application pre-entry hunter.pdf
• Application for Pre-registration Sport Shooter.pdf
• Purchase notification for silencers.pdf
• Application for succession - attachment.pdf
• Application exception age requirement.pdf
• Acquisition notification for firearms.pdf
• Display found weapon.pdf
• Arms Trade Application.pdf
• Application for a European firearms pass
• Application for a club licence (first issue).pdf
• Truthful Statement - Loss Document.pdf
• Display of deactivated firearms.pdf
• Declaration on the safe storage of firearms and ammunition.pdf
• Application for a small firearms licence.pdf
• Notification of transfer of firearms.pdf
• Information sheet European firearms pass
• Application for firearms possession licence etc..pdf
• Application for club pre-registration (additional firearm).pdf
• Truthful Declaration - Loss of Weapon.pdf
• Application for a transfer licence
• Information sheet small firearms licence.pdf
• Declaration on the safe storage of property.pdf