Firearms license

Afirearms license(also known as agun license;orlicenceinBritish English) is alicenseor permit issued by a government authority (typically by thepolice) of a jurisdiction, that allows the licensee to buy, own, possess, or carry afirearm,often subject to a number of conditions or restrictions, especially with regard to storage requirements or the completion of a firearms safety course, as well as background checks, etc. Firearms licenses are not required in all jurisdictions. Additionally, some countries or states may require by law a "permit-to-purchase" in order to buy handguns or firearms.A licence may also be required to buy ammunition.

A Norwegian firearms license for a.44 Magnumrevolver,with name and address of the owner, as well as firearm type, brand, caliber and serial number.

A German firearms license.

The permit or license scope varies according to what firearm(s) or activity(s) it allows the holder to legally do with the firearm. Some jurisdictions may require a firearm license to own a firearm, to engage in hunting, target shooting or collecting, or to carry a concealed firearm, or operate a business (such as being a gun dealer or a gunsmith). Some jurisdictions may require separate licenses for rifles, shotguns or handguns.

The requirement to have a firearm license is usually in addition to a requirement forfirearm registration.For example,gun laws in Australiarequire firearms to be registered byserial numberto the owner, who holds a firearm licence.

Countries with firearms licensing

• Australia
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• France(only northern France)
• Germany
• India
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Pakistan
• Paraguay
• Perú
• Poland
• Philippines
• Romania
• Russia
• Slovakia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• United States of America(for some states and/or municipalities)
• Uruguay
• Zimbabwe

See also

• European Firearms Pass
• Overview of gun laws by nation