Weapons license for security companies and their security personnel; application for an extension

You need a firearms license for the guarding trade and a firearms possession card for carrying firearms requiring a permit to accompany or carry out guarding activities such as personal or property protection and the transportation of money and valuables.

An existing firearms license can be extended before the expiry date. This is possible twice for up to three years.

Employees acting on the basis of official instructions only require a firearms license for the security industry, not a firearms possession card.

If you are employed in the security industry, the firearms license issued will be handed over to the person responsible at your employer.

In order for your firearms license for the security industry to be renewed, you must

• at least 18 years old,
• reliable within the meaning of § 5 WaffG and
• be personally suitable within the meaning of § 6 WaffG and
• the required expertise according to § 7 WaffG and
• provide proof of the need for a firearm in accordance with § 8 WaffG.

In addition, the period of validity of your firearms license must not yet have expired.

The application for renewal must be submitted before the existing firearms license expires.

• Identity card or passport

as a copy or photo

• Certificate of competence

Official certificate of competence or proof from an officially approved commercial training provider. The certificate of competence must meet the current requirements of § 1 AWaffV. This is regularly the case for certificates of competence taken after 01.04.2003.

• Proof of need

Security orders or offers that explicitly state the type and scope of the security activity and the persons, objects or assets to be protected.

• Proof of liability insurance in the amount of 1,000,000 euros, lump sum for personal injury and property damage
• Proof of safe storage of firearms and ammunition in accordance with § 36 WaffG

• Details of the weapons to be entered in the firearms license (if already known)

for applicants who are employed in the security industry
Certificate from the employer:

• • of a current employment relationship and use in a job that requires the carrying of a weapon. The certificate must contain statements on the scope (full-time or part-time) and whether the employment relationship is temporary or permanent. Non-relevant information can be blacked out.
  • stating the type of security activity to be carried out (cash transportation, transport of valuables, property protection, personal protection)
  • with details of the weapon(s) to be carried (if already known)
• Official or specialist medical or psychological certificate of personal aptitude for applicants who have not yet reached the age of 25

• § Section 28 of the Weapons Act (WaffG)

Administrative court action

• The application for renewal of the permit must be submitted in writing or electronically to the competent authority.
• The competent authority checks the documents.
• If the examination is positive, the authorities will issue an extension of the firearms license for the security industry.
• The permit must be extended if the period of validity of the existing firearms license has not yet expired.

There are no indications or special features.