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Authorisation to carry alarm fire, irritant and signal weapons

Issuance of a small firearms licence

Granting of KWS

Your responsible authority

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  • Forms

    Written form requirement (prospective: online procedure)

  • Detailed description

    The KWS does not represent a carte blanche for the use of an SRS weapon without cause!

    The acquisition and possession of alarm shot, irritant and signal weapons (SRS weapons), which correspond to the design according to § 8 of the Shelling Act and bear the approval mark (PTB and approval number in the circle) (see application form), is permitted to persons who have reached the age of 18 without a permit. A KWS is not required for this!

    KWS in accordance with Section 10 (4) sentence 4 of the Weapons Act (WaffG) only entitles the holder to carry SRS weapons. The SRS weapons may be carried by the KWS owner ready to fire and access.

    The prohibitions under weapons and assembly law on carrying weapons at public events and gatherings also apply to KWS owners!

    For the purposes of the Weapons Act, a weapon is wielded by any person who exercises actual power over it outside his or her own home, business premises, pacified property or a shooting range.  

    KWS does not entitle you to shoot with SRS weapons in public (including remote locations). This also applies to New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

    The regulations on self-defense and state of emergency (§§ 32 - 35 StGB) also apply to KWS holders!

    If someone invokes the justification of self-defense or necessity, the law enforcement agency regularly checks whether such a situation actually existed. If it turns out that there was no self-defense or emergency, you must expect prosecution. This also applies to the unjustified threat of the use of firearms. Consequences can also be civil law claims (e.g. damages, compensation for pain and suffering) if a person or property is injured by the unlawful use of an SRS weapon.

  • Requirements

    The applicant must be at least 18 years of age, have the necessary reliability and personal aptitude.

  • Documents

    Written application

  • Fees

    50 Euro

  • Process

    Written application to the competent weapons authority. Written decision of the Weapons Authority.

  • Deadline

    none

  • Responsible authority

    Police headquarters

  • Point of contact

    Police Headquarters, Responsible Police Directorate

  • Legal basis
  • More information
  • Approved

    Ministry of the Interior and Municipal Affairs,

    Unit 44

  • Approved date
    15.04.2020
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