Arms License
An Arms License (also known as a firearm license, gun license or weapons permit) is a government-issued authorisation to legally buy, own, carry, transport or use specific firearms and ammunition. The goal is to balance the necessity for self-defence, sport, hunting, or industrial use with public safety and national security concerns.
The following important laws govern the purchase, ownership, production, sale, and transfer of weapons and ammunition in India:
The main law governing firearms and ammunition in India is the Arms Act of 1959.
Important Points to Remember:
In order to expedite processes under the 1959 Arms Act, the Arms Rules, 2016 were introduced.
Important attributes:
A single system for managing and digitizing weapons licenses.
Prohibited Bore (PB):
Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB):
In India, weapons licenses are classified according to the type of firearm, the applicant (person or institution), and the purpose of use under the weapons Act, 1959 and the Arms Regulations, 2016. The main categories of arms licenses granted in India are listed below:
issued for particular uses to private individuals.
Sub-categories:
Issued to institutions and organizations for operational and security reasons.
Eligible Institutions:
Awarded to people who work in the production, distribution, maintenance, or testing of firearms and ammunition.
Types:
Issued to authorized importers and exporters engaged in the global arms and ammunition trade.
needs permission from:
For firearms that fall within a restricted category, like high-caliber or automatic weapons.
Qualifications:
According to the Arms Act, 1959, and the Arms Regulations, 2016, there are stringent eligibility requirements for obtaining an arms license in India. The government makes sure that only law-abiding, responsible individuals and organizations are authorized to possess or carry firearms.
Nationality
Minimum Age Requirement
Sound Mind
Physical Fitness
Clean Criminal Record
The candidate must have no prior convictions related to:
Background and character checks by the police are required.
A legitimate and convincing justification for requesting the license must be provided by the applicant, such as:
Organizations requesting an arms license are required to:
In India, continuing to possess firearms requires the renewal of an arms license. According to the Arms Act of 1959 and the Arms Regulations of 2016, permits are normally granted for a finite amount of time and then need to be renewed in order to stay valid.
Submission of Application
Police Verification
Police verification and a new background check are carried out to evaluate:
Scrutiny by Licensing Authority
Decision on Renewal
Many candidates have their arms licenses denied even after providing the necessary paperwork and application. According to the Arms Act of 1959 and the Arms Regulations of 2016, the Licensing Authority has complete discretion over whether to accept or reject an application on a number of factual and legal grounds.
The applicant doesn’t offer a legitimate or compelling justification for owning a firearm.
Every applicant has their background checked by the police.
Any unfavorable police comments drastically lower the likelihood of approval.
An unfavorable police report could mention:
Even criminal cases that are still unresolved may result in automatic rejection.
Candidates with prior convictions, particularly those pertaining to:
Internal application processing
If the license is granted or renewed, the fee must be paid online using a payment gateway for New Arms or in person at the licensing unit using a debit or credit card for renewal.
Fee for receipts
Renewal of the license
Online payment methods for the fee include Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, and UPI.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR A WEAPON (I) In the typical scenario: A notary-attested scanned copy of an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper worth Rs. 10; a scanned photo; a scanned signature; a scanned copy of a license; (e) A scanned copy of the ITR or pay stub, (f) a scanned copy of identification documentation, (g) a scanned copy of the NOC from the government employee’s department, (II) If submitting an application based on inheritance: As stated above, (a) to (g) (h) A scanned copy of the receipt for the weapon deposit, (i) a scanned copy of the permit for the weapon deposit, (j) A digital version of the death certificate, (k) A scanned copy of the indemnity bond, on non-judicial stamp paper worth Rs. 100, attested by the first class magistrate; (l) a scanned copy of the remaining legal heirs’ NOCs, on non-judicial stamp paper worth Rs. 10 attested by the notary. (III) If applying based on heirloom: (a) to (g) as previously stated. (h) A notary-attested scanned copy of the consent on non-judicial stamp paper, valued at Rs. 10/-.
Online payment methods for the fee include Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, and UPI.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR WEAPON TYPE CONVERSION (a) A scanned picture, (b) a scanned autograph, (c) A scanned license copy, (d) A notary-attested scanned copy of the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper valued at Rs. 10 (e) A scanned copy of the pay stub or ITR, (f) a scanned copy of the identification proof, (g) A scanned copy of the Department of Government employee’s NOC,
Yes: To get the weapon deletion, you will need to apply online.
To sell, transfer, or give a weapon: The following documents are needed: – An online application form with the name and address of the approved weapons dealer, or – a copy of the buyer’s license number and proof that the buyer is permitted to purchase the weapon. License for Original Arms. Affidavit to sell, transfer, or give a firearm Click to Download Steps: – Following registration, the application will be submitted online at www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in. When the application is finally processed, a signed printout of the completed online form and the necessary paperwork should be brought to the Licensing Unit, 1st Floor, Police Station, Defence Colony, New Delhi-110049. Required documents: – b. to remove a weapon that has already been given, sold, or transferred: The application must be completed online. Evidence of the firearms’ sale or transfer. When visiting the licensing unit, the original arms license was present. Procedure: Within 15 days of the weapon’s sale, the applicant must bring the signed application form printout and the original Arm License to the Licensing Unit to have the weapon deleted.
within 15 days of the weapon’s selling date.
The cost is paid online.
Required documents include: – An online application In the event of completion or damage, the original license. A copy of the Non-Cognizable Report (NCR), or FIR, in the event that the weapons license booklet is missing. The application itself includes a promise that the applicant will not abuse the license and will return it to the licensing office in the event that the misplaced license is later located. An affidavit worth Rs. 10 that has been properly attested by a notary public must be presented by applicants on non-judicial stamp paper. How to do it: Documents and the application form will be uploaded online, and the applicant will be notified if any are missing. The necessary fee will be paid online once the application has been accepted. The application procedure will be communicated to the candidate by SMS and email.
(i) In the event that the arms license booklet is misplaced, stolen, or lost. (ii) The licensing booklet for damaged or destroyed arms. (iii) The licensing booklet for arms has been filled out.
No. You must apply at this office, and the Home Department of the Delhi GNCT will transmit your request to MHA.
The following licensee categories may be granted Area Validity by this office in accordance with Rule 19(2) of the Arms Rule 2016. 1. Members of Parliament or Union Ministers; 2. Members of the Central Armed Police Forces and Defense Forces; 3. All India Services Officers; 4. Government or Government Sector Undertakings of Public Sector Undertakings with the right to serve anywhere in India; 5. Committed athletes and athletes listed in the table in rule 40 (2) with serial numbers (1) to (4). With the exception of the aforementioned, all other matters are sent to the Office of L.G. Delhi via the Home Department in accordance with Rule 19(3). Delhi’s GNCT for the purpose of granting area validity to other states or, if applicable, to all of India.
When the area validity extension expires, this office will extend it. You don’t have to send in the paperwork again. As long as your arm license is current and the required fees are paid, a simple paper application will be accepted.
1. A prescribed affidavit requiring an extension of the area.
2. Medical fitness (on form S-3), which is issued by a licensed physician on a proforma that is prescribed; it is not necessary for members of the armed forces, police, or paramilitary forces.
3. A self-attested photocopy of the arm license that will be posted online.
4. A self-attested copy of two IDs and proof of residency (such as an arms license) must be uploaded online.
5. Documentary Proof of Area Extension: Certified copies of the property or business (with the name or relationship of the owner or owners) in the required or concerned state or states for which the extension is sought must be given by the applicant. (self-reported)
6. A report on authenticity and character verification is provided if the licensee is registered from outside.
7. If the applicant is employed by the government or a private company, a service certificate issued by his supervisor, employer, or head of office must include his name, designation, and full office address. It must also include the applicant’s current posting, permanent address, and a desirability report stating that he needs to extend his firearms license in the relevant state (along with the date the certificate was issued). copy of a self-attested document of birth (such as a passport, matriculation certificate, or school leaving certificate, etc.)
8. In the event of a business or property, the most recent certified copies of ownership or occupation (including the identity and relationship of the owner or owners) pertaining to business premises, offices, or property in the relevant state or states must be supplied in accordance with the law and regulations, including GST. The applicant may attach any necessary, valid, and genuine documentation issued by the relevant competent authorities if they have established an office in the required state or states. in backing up his claims. (Self-Attested)
9. Documents proving regularity or quantity of travels to the location or states in question for which an extension is requested, such as copies of fare tickets, gas pump receipts, toll tax receipts, etc. (with checklist/datewise list and Self Attested)
10. The MAP and suggested/shortest path that the applicant uses to get to the suggested extension area
11. Documentary evidence supporting a complete reason for carrying a weapon in the relevant State or States or outside of the current jurisdiction should be attached if there is any sense of a threat (Self Attested).
12. Making a commitment that all of the applicant’s documents are accurate, authentic, genuine, and up-to-date, and that none of them contain any anomalies. If a document has ambiguity, His case might be turned down.
13. Evidence of financial status, such as a salary slip or income tax return (ITR).
14. A weapon handling certificate is not necessary for members of the armed forces, police, or paramilitary groups.
15. Every document you submit needs to be accurate, legitimate, real, and up-to-date; there shouldn’t be any irregularities. Your case can be rejected if there is uncertainty in the documentation.
16. Certified copies of the proof of any property in the required state or states for which an extension is requested must be presented.
17. If there is a threat perception, documentation supporting the need for carrying a firearm outside of the current jurisdiction must be shown.
The area validity is currently only extended for a duration of five years.
Indeed, in accordance with proviso Rule 19(4), the renewing authority may suggest that your application be reviewed if they are convinced, based on some substantial evidence, that you no longer need an extension of the area validity.
Three choices are available to you here: 1. With the licensing authority’s approval, a family member who already holds an arm license may add this weapon to it, as long as all legal heirs have granted their assent. Please find the necessary document list. 2. A new arm license under the inheritance category should be applied for by any family member who does not currently have one and want to keep this weapon. Please find attached the list of documents needed and the procedure. 3. This weapon may be sold to any other licensee or authorized arms dealer with the consent of all family members. Please refer to the process for selling, transferring, or giving a weapon as well as the paperwork needed for these transactions.
You should use our website to apply right away for permission to deposit the firearm with the closest police station or approved weapons dealer. Please refer to the frequently asked questions about depositing weapons in the event of death.
The clause allowing someone to act as a retainer for an individual’s license has been removed in the new Arms Rule of 2016. The clause “Additional Licensee” has now been inserted. Please refer to the information under Additional Licensee. Nonetheless, Rule 22 of the Arms Regulations 2016 still provides for retainers for businesses.
Yes. The 2016 Arms Regulations established the idea of an additional license for close relatives, such as a mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter. The same conditions as the parent license may apply to a subsequent license. The original licensee must submit an application to his licensing authority for this reason, along with the necessary paperwork for a new arm license, in order to be added as an additional licensee.
You must apply online, complete the necessary paperwork, and send in the required documentation. You will receive a confirmation SMS to visit the Licensing Branch after your request has been processed. Please bring the original arm license together with the original paperwork you completed online. Your requested change to your name or surname will be reflected in both the record and the arm license book.
Any working day is a good time to stop by our office. using a straightforward request on paper. Please provide the original arm license booklet and two white passport-sized photos. Your arm license booklet will have one photo attached and stamped upon payment of Rs. 500 for service charges, and a second photo will be retained for your records.
You can just point out the disparity in an application on simple paper. If the licensing authority made a human error, it will be fixed after checking the record.
You can bring your weapon, original arm license, and any supporting documentation for inspection. After the weapon has been inspected and the record examined, the necessary action will be taken.
The licensing authority should be notified of the address change right away. You must complete the online form and provide proof of residency at the new address you have moved to in order to do this. The local police station will get your request and verify it. Following receipt of the verification report, it will be processed in the office and you will be notified to bring the original proof of residency and the Arm License booklet to the licensing branch. Both our records and your arm license booklet will reflect this.
Section 3(2) of the Arms Act of 1959 states that an individual is only allowed to possess two firearms. In subsection (3), the exceptions are listed.
True. Regarding this, kindly review Rule 14 of the Arms Rules of 2016. The Licensing Authority will, however, issue a thorough speaking order and send you with a free copy if your application for an arms license is denied.
Yes. According to Rule 18 of the Arms Rule 2016, you have 30 days to appeal the licensing authority’s decisions. In Delhi, the Appellate Authority is the Hon. L.G.
It will be considered a concealing of material information and could result in license suspension or revocation if you do not notify the Licensing Authority of the registration of a criminal case against you within a reasonable amount of time. Since each renewal must be handled as a new Arms application under the rules, the licensing authority may use its own discretion to determine if you are eligible to own a firearm and may ask you and the local police for more information.
There are numerous. First, you will be considered to have a firearm in your possession without a current license, which is against the Arms Act and is punished by law. Second, the licensee is required by Section 21 of the Arms Act 1959 to promptly deposit the firearm with the police station or an arms dealer. Again, in accordance with Section 30 of the Arms Act of 1959, noncompliance with this clause constitutes a distinct offense. Thirdly, the Licensing Authority has the right to suspend or cancel your license if it is not pleased with the explanations for the postponement of renewal. Therefore, you should always remember when your arm license expires.
You do not need to renew your arm license because you are giving it up and it will be revoked once the weapon is disposed of. You can apply to sell or transfer a weapon while requesting that your arm license be revoked or surrendered.
According to the law, there is no such restriction.
When submitting an application for an arms license, a person must be at least 21 years old. However, a person must be at least 12 years old to apply for an arms license based on sports shooting. Only if the application is backed by certification or a recommendation from the certifying authority, NRAI/SAI, will it be taken into consideration.
For all arms-related services, you can apply online exclusively at the licensing branch’s website, www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in.
Yes, you can apply for a grant of arms license on an inherited basis. For this reason, you must provide two extra documents: an indemnity bond (duly certified by a first-class magistrate) and a NOC from the remaining legal heirs. However, weapons licenses will be given on a case-by-case basis, based on the merits and facts of the case.
No, you are not qualified for heirloom arms licenses. The transferor must be at least 70 years old or have had his license for 25 years previous to filing this application.
No, you cannot receive a weapons license on an inherited or heirloom basis. The only people who receive an arms license on an heirloom or inheritance basis are the transferor licensee’s spouse, wife, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother, sister, and grandchildren.
After downloading and signing the undertaking (FORM S1), you must upload it.
Yes, even a blank firearm need an arms license.
Yes, even if you have a blank firearm, you must have an arms license.
When requesting an arms license for a category of firearm that is legal, you are not obliged to complete weapon handling training. For those whose application for an arms license has been granted, the licensing authority will set up the required weapon handling training in its office. The appropriate authorities will also provide them with a certificate in FORM S2.
Yes, since the Arms Rules of 2016 were announced, an arms license is also needed for air guns and rifles with a bore or calibre greater than.177.
No, you must apply to the licensing authority that has jurisdiction over your current domicile or place of posting in order to be granted an arms license.
Yes, members of the Armed Forces or the CAPF who are subject to all India service obligation must apply for a weapons grant from the licensing authority that has jurisdiction over their current posting.
According to the 2016 Arms Regulations, the.38-bore revolver is classified as a restricted firearm, and the Central Government in MHA is the licensing authority for this type of weapon. Online applications are available at www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in.
Weapons must be endorsed within 30 days.
Online payment is accepted.
Only online applications are accepted at the Delhi Police Licensing website, www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in.
You may buy it from: (a) Any Indian Authorized Arms Dealer (b) From any additional Licensee who possesses a current Arm License. (c) From any producer who possesses a current license.
If you want to buy something from outside of Delhi, you must get a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from this office. This NOC will be used as the foundation for your Journey License application to the relevant licensing authority where the weapon is being sold.
After receiving a new license or selling an existing weapon, the licensee must purchase/acquire a weapon within two years, which can be extended by one year (total 2+1 year) at the discretion of the Licensing Authority.
The licensee may only apply online at www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in, the Delhi Police Licensing website.
The arms license will expire if the weapons are not acquired within the allotted time (2+1).
LIST OF DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR WEAPON ENDORSEMENT Scanned Signature (b) Scanned Photo (a) (c) Scan of proof of residence (d) A copy of the invoice, if the weapon was bought from an arms dealer in Delhi (e) Taking over the slip, whether the firearm was transmitted heirloom-wise or bought from another licensee. In the event that the weapon has been transferred following the death of the original licensee (inheritance case), a copy of the death certificate is required. (g) If the weapon is issued by COD, a copy of the issuance voucher or NOC If a firearm is bought outside of Delhi, further paperwork is needed: (1) License for Transportation (TL) (2) The Licensing Unit in Delhi provided the NOC.
Online payment is accepted for the charge.
A) The licensee must revalidate the license if there is no weapon listed on it and the license’s validity expires. Required documents: The application must be completed online. Weapon(s) and original arms license for examination. various documents proving residency, such as a copy of a recent phone, water, or electricity bill, a driver’s license, a passport, a tax return, a property or house tax, etc. (self attested photocopies). Only when accompanied with a copy of the tax return that shows the address will a copy of the PAN card be allowed. For members of the armed services and paramilitary forces exclusively, the commanding or supervising gazetted officer must provide a posting-cum-residence certificate or recommendation. Police officers may also provide this evidence. Then, a second confirmation of residency is not necessary. The application process will take place online at www.delhipolicelicensing.gov. When the application is finally processed, the applicant will present the signed printout of the online application form and the affidavit to the Licensing Unit, 1st Floor, Police Station, Defence Colony, New Delhi-110049. B) The purchase time must be extended if it has already expired if you have the authorization to acquire more than one weapon and at least one of them is listed on the license but the other has not been bought. Documents needed: Original Arms License application form in the format specified. The application form and supporting documentation will be posted electronically, and the applicant will be notified if any papers are missing. The necessary fee will be paid online after the application has been accepted. The application procedure will be communicated to the candidate by SMS and email.