This page was automatically translated using the online service DeepL. The translation is intended to aid understanding and may contain language-specific inaccuracies. The official text is written in German. Any discrepancies or differences resulting solely from the translation are not legally binding. In case of doubt, the German version shall prevail. It is recommended to consult a qualified translator in case of doubt.

Firearms Dealer License

  • Service description

    A firearms dealer's license is required if you buy and sell firearms or ammunition on a commercial basis or as a self-employed individual as part of a business venture.
    The firearms dealer's license may be limited to certain types of firearms and ammunition.

    A person engages in the trade in firearms if they purchase, stock, accept or seek orders for, transfer to others, lend, or act as an intermediary in the acquisition, distribution, or transfer of firearms or ammunition.

    If the arms trade is to be conducted by a representative, or if a person is appointed to manage a branch office or a dependent branch, a separate representative permit must be applied for on their behalf.

  • Procedure

    To apply for a firearms dealer’s license, submit the designated application form. Please check to see what other documents you may need to provide.
    Provided all requirements are met, the firearms dealer’s license will be issued to you. It will be mailed to you along with the fee notice.

  • Prerequisites


    • Minimum age: Generally 25 years
      . However, certain exceptions apply: Upon presentation of an expert opinion on personal
      suitability, the minimum age is 18 years (§ 6(3) of the Firearms Act).

    • Reliability

    • Personal Suitability

    • Technical Proficiency Exam
      : The technical proficiency exam is administered by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
      You are not required to take the technical proficiency exam if you meet the requirements for registering
      a gunsmith business in the craft trade register.

  • What documents are required?

    • Application for a Firearms Dealer's License

    • Copy/Photo Identification card
      (Front- and back)

    • Proof of Secure Storage
      It must be specified wherethe the firearms and their ammunition are stored be . Please consult with the relevant firearms authority in advance regarding this matter.

    • Extract from the Central Business Register

    • Certificate of Expertise
      Copy/photo of the certificate of examination from the Chamber of Industry- and Chamber of Commerce (IHK) or proof that you meet the requirements for registering a gunsmithing business in the craft trades register.

    • Certificate for Tax Purposes
      The certificate must be submitted to the tax office tax office responsible for you.

    • Excerpt from the Debtors' Registry
      Can be requested via the Enforcement Portal’s website .

    • If applicable, an extract from the commercial register
      An extract from the commercial register is required only for legal entities (e.g., GmbHs). The local court has jurisdiction -the registry court- at the registered office of the legal entity.


      All documents should preferably be submitted via e-mail-email .

  • What fees apply?

    Fees are charged by the firearms authority for applying for a firearms dealer’s license. Under the Firearms Act, your reliability is reviewed every three years, for which fees are also charged on a regular basis.

    The fees related to firearms law can be found in Section 7 of the Appendix to the Administrative Cost Regulations for the Ministry of the Interior, Security, and Homeland Protection (VwKostO-MdI) dated June 7, 2013.

  • Applications / Forms


Responsible departments

Help with accessibility

  • General

    We endeavor to make our websites accessible. You can find details on this in our accessibility statement. You can send us suggestions for improvement via our feedback form Report accessibility.

  • Font size

    To adjust the font size, please use the following key combinations:

    Larger

    ⌘command
    +

    Smaller

    ⌘command
    –

    Larger

    Ctrl
    +

    Smaller

    Ctrl
    –
  • Keyboard navigation

    Use the TAB and SHIFT + TAB keys to navigate to the next or previous links, form fields, and buttons.

    Use the ENTER key to open links and interact with elements.

  • Contrast mode

    Press the following key combination to reduce or increase the contrast:

    Enlarge

    ⌃control
    ⌥option
    ⌘command
    .

    Decrease

    ⌃control
    ⌥option
    ⌘command
    ,
    Note: The shortcuts must be activated in the system settings of the operating system.

    Press the left ALT key + left SHIFT key + PRINT SCREEN to quickly turn high contrast mode on or off.

  • Invert colors

    Press the following key combination to switch the color inversion on and off:

    ⌃control
    ⌥option
    ⌘command
    8
    Note: The shortcuts must be activated in the system settings of the operating system.

    First activate the screen magnifier and then switch the color inversion on and off with the following key combinations:

    1. screen magnifier

    +

    2. invert colors

    Ctrl
    Old
    I
  • Screen magnifier

    Press the following key combinations to use the screen magnifier:

    Switch on/off

    ⌥option
    ⌘command
    8

    Enlarge view

    ⌥option
    ⌘command
    =

    Reduce view

    ⌥option
    ⌘command
    –
    Note: The shortcuts must be activated in the system settings of the operating system.

    Switch on / Enlarge view

    +

    Reduce view

    –

Select language