Hamburg police

Apply for a red weapon ownership card for weapons or ammunition experts

If you wish to purchase and possess weapons or ammunition in order to test, assess or examine them as an expert, you must apply for a permit from the relevant authority.

Use Online-Service

e-weapon

Detailed description

You can apply for the red firearms ownership card as a firearms expert in order to purchase or own firearms or ammunition. You are a firearms expert if you need firearms or ammunition for scientific or technical purposes, for testing, assessment, investigation or a similar purpose.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You are at least 25 years old
  • You are a weapons or ammunition expert
  • You have the necessary firearms law reliability (no previous convictions)
  • You have the necessary personal suitability (no incapacity, mental illness or drug addiction)
  • You are knowledgeable in the handling of weapons and ammunition and have knowledge of firearms regulations
  • They can ensure the safe storage of weapons and ammunition

Permission can also be granted to people under 25 years of age if personal suitability is proven by a report.

Documents required

  • Identity card or passport (copy)
  • Proof of activity as a weapons or ammunition expert
  • Proof of expertise
  • Proof of storage, for example a purchase contract for a gun safe or photos of the gun safe and its location
  • if applicable, a medical or psychological certificate confirming your mental suitability (if you are not yet 25 years old)

Please note

If you move, you do not need to re-register your permit.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You submit the application together with the required documents.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and, if necessary, request any missing information or documents from you.
  • The weapons authority will issue you the red firearms ownership card if you meet the necessary requirements.

Processing time

Up to several months

Fees

An administrative fee will be charged. The amount of the fee depends on the type and scope of your application.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

§ 4 Weapons Act (WaffG)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__4.html


§ 18 Weapons Act (WaffG)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__18.html


§ 36 Weapons Act (WaffG)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__36.html


§ 13 General Weapons Act Ordinance (AWaffV)


www.gesetze-im-internet.de/awaffv/__13.html


Fee schedule for official acts in the field of firearms law


(GebOWaffR)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-WaffRGebOHAV8Anlage/part/G

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Hamburg police

Mon 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tue 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thu 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to many telephone inquiries, we are sometimes difficult to reach by telephone.



All firearms and hunting law matters can also be handled in writing


to be edited. Applications as well as hunting and weapons law documents can be sent by post,


Email or by putting it in your home mailbox.



Due to the current situation, processing at the hunting and weapons authority may take several months.


We ask for your patience and will get back to you without being asked.

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: Weapons recycling Weapons report Weapon damage WBK

Last updated: 14.07.2026