Process description
Process description
The procedures for the issuance of arms authorisations are currently governed by the Law on the Circulation of Weapons (adopted on 14 March 2019, entered into force on 10 April 2019) and the Cabinet Regulation No. 211 of 21 May 2019, Regulations on Arms Permissions and on the Destruction and Destruction of Weapons (entered into force on 15 June 2019, hereinafter referred to as the BOM. Regulation No 211) and Cabinet Regulation No. 210 of 21 May 2019, Regulations Regarding the Circulation of Weapons and Ammunition (entered into force on 15 June 2019, hereinafter referred to as BOM Regulation No 210).
In order to acquire, as well as to receive a hunting, sports or self-defence firearm or high-energy pneumatic weapon in an inheritance or gift, a natural person shall submit a relevant submission in accordance with Annex 1 to the Cabinet Regulation No. 211, Regulations regarding the Permits of Weapons and regarding the Destruction and Destruction of Weapons, to the Regional Office of the State Police in conformity with the declared place of residence, the additional address specified in the declaration or the declaration or real estate the location of the immovable property in which the storage of the weapon and its ammunition is intended (hereinafter - the State Police Unit).
The contact details and timing of the regional units of the State Police can be found in the www.vp.gov.lv (Services - Licences, Certificates, Permissions - Contact Information and Acceptance Times).
http://www.vp.gov.lv/?id=724&said=431&topid=0Application
The application shall specify:
1. given name, surname and personal identity number, contact details - address of the place of residence, telephone number, e-mail address;
2. the type of authorisation of the weapon which it wishes to obtain (the authorisation for possession of the weapon or the carrying of the weapon);
Category 3 of weapon;
4. the name of the manufacturer of the firearm, its interchangeable essential component and the manufacturer of the high-energy pneumatic weapon (manufacturer's brand), the model, series and number, and the calibre and capacity shall be indicated if such information is known;
5. the type of use of a firearm which is intended to be acquired. Reasons for the purchase of a firearm or high-energy pneumatic weapon (justification for the purchase, possession, carrying);
6. the intended storage site (address) of the weapon and ammunition;
7. details of the seller shall be indicated if such information is known. The information referred to shall be filled in mandatory if the weapon is intended to be purchased outside Latvia;
8. the customs office, if known, shall be indicated if the firearm, its interchangeable essential component or high-energy pneumatic weapon is intended to be purchased in a country other than a Member State of the European Union or a State of the European Economic Area;Documents to add
The following documents shall be attached to that submission:
1. a copy of the certificate on the completion of a basic training course of first aid for at least 12 hours with a three-hour knowledge test or a copy of the medical education document, or a copy of the diploma and statement of performance of the educational establishment attesting that that person has acquired an appropriate training course in that educational establishment;
2. In accordance with the procedures specified in the Sports Law, a statement of the sports federation (hereinafter - sports federation) associated with the type of shooting, which certifies that a natural person has been registered in the sports organisation of his or her collective member (hereinafter - sports organisation). If a natural person wishes to purchase firearms of category A classified for sport, it shall attach a statement from the sports federation certifying that a natural person has been registered in a sports organisation for at least 12 months and has at least a second sporting class in a shooting-related sport.
3. a statement by a sports federation or a sports organisation specifying:
3.1. the category, type of activity, calibre and the conformity thereof with the sports discipline of shooting and the requirements thereof;
3.2. the name of the sports federation or the name of the internationally established and officially recognised sports federation associated with the type of shooting sport, which has recognised the shooting sports discipline referred to in Sub-paragraph 3.3.1 of these Regulations;
3.3. a statement that a natural person regularly engages in the shooting sports discipline referred to in Sub-paragraph 3.3.1 of these Regulations;
4. a copy of the document certifying the right of succession (in order to receive a firearm, essential components and ammunition to be exchanged or a high-energy pneumatic weapon).
5. one photograph (3 x 4 cm) in which the person was photographed not earlier than six months ago;
Before the initial purchase of a firearm (except a hunting firearm) or a high-energy pneumatic weapon, a natural person shall pass a qualification test regarding the procedures for the circulation of weapons and ammunition and certify the ability to handle the weapon.
A qualification test shall be re-organised by persons for whom a permit for the possession of a weapon (except a hunting firearm) or a permit for carrying has been revoked for violations of the Regulations for the purchase, registration, possession, carrying, transport or marketing of a weapon or ammunition.
The procedures for the adoption of an examination of the qualification of weapons and ammunition, the amount of knowledge necessary for the settlement thereof and the fee for the examination of the qualification shall be determined by Cabinet Regulation No. 191 of 7 April 2020, the content and procedures for the examination of the qualification for the circulation of weapons and ammunition and the amount of the State fee and the procedures for payment thereof.
Natural persons wishing to obtain an authorisation of a weapon must undergo a health check. The health check shall be carried out in order to assess the conformity of the health status of a natural person with the possession (carrying) of weapons or work with weapons and to determine whether the person has not been diagnosed with psychological disorders, alcohol, narcotic, psychotropic or toxic substances, behavioural disturbances, physical shortcomings, due to which the person has not been able to use a firearm or a high-energy pneumatic weapon (hereinafter) - medical indications). The routine health check must be carried out by persons who have received a permit for the possession of a weapon, a carrying permit or a permit for a collection of weapons, a permit for working with weapons or a certificate of a shooting instructor or shooting trainer, shall be carried out every one to five years, depending on the health status of the person.
If a person wishes to receive a permit for the purchase of a hunting firearm or a permit for the purchase and storage of a high-energy pneumatic weapon, the State Forest Service shall take an examination and receive a hunter's certificate. The hunter's certificate shall be issued by the State Forest Service to persons who have passed the relevant examination in the hunter's examination commission (see page Hunting Law and Ministerial AssemblyProperties for the payment of the State fee for the issuance of all types of weapons permits
Properties for the payment of the State fee for the issuance of all types of weapons permits:
Consignee: Treasury
Reg. No 90000050138
receiving authority: Bank of Latvia BIC
TRELLV22
Receiving account: LV46TREL1060140913100
Economic classification code (EEC): 09131Procedures for the Review of an Application
In accordance with Paragraph 6 of Regulation No 211 of the Cabinet of Ministers of 21 May 2019, Regulations Regarding Permits of Weapons and Regarding the Removal and Destruction of Weapons, the State Police Department shall, within one month after receipt of the referred to submission:
1. examine the application and the documents attached thereto;
2. evaluate the reasons for the purchase of a firearm and a high energy pneumatic weapon specified in the application;
3. examine whether a natural person complies with the conditions of Section 14 of the Law on the Circulation of Weapons;
4. examine whether a natural person is not subject to the prohibitions on the issuance of a gun permit specified in Section 23 of the Law on the Circulation of Weapons;
5. examine whether a natural person has passed a practical examination in the hunter's examination commission for shooting with a long-barreled-barrel hunting firearm;
6. examine whether a natural person has passed the qualification test specified in the Law on the Circulation of Weapons with regard to the procedures for the circulation of weapons and ammunition, depending on the category and type of use of the weapon (hereinafter - gun examination);
7. Considered for receiving the payment of the State fee.
If additional examination of the information is necessary for the taking of a decision regarding the issuance of an authorisation for the purchase of a weapon or for the refusal to issue a permit, the State Police Department shall, in accordance with the procedures specified in the Administrative Procedure Law, extend the time period for the taking of the decision and perform the additional examination necessary for the taking of the decision or request the necessary information from the competent authorities.
After examining the submission, the State Police Department shall take a decision to issue a permit for the purchase of a specified category and type of use firearm or high energy pneumatic weapon or, if it has been determined that a natural person does not comply with the requirements specified in the Law on the Circulation of Weapons or that a natural person is subject to prohibitions on the issuance of weapons permits, or that the requirements specified for the purchase of a weapon have not been fulfilled, the State fee for the issuance of the relevant authorisation has not been paid, shall refuse to issue the permit.
If a decision has been taken to issue a permit for the purchase of a weapon, the State Police Department shall invite a natural person to receive a permit.
To a natural person who has intended to acquire a firearm (the essential components and ammunition to be replaced) or a high-energy pneumatic weapon outside Latvia, the State Police unit shall issue at the same time as the permit for the purchase of the weapon:
1. a document of prior consent for the carriage or transfer of firearms and ammunition between the Member States of the European Union (hereinafter - the document of prior consent), if the firearm (the essential component and ammunition to be altered) or a high-energy pneumatic weapon is intended to be purchased in another Member State of the European Union or in the European Economic Area State;
2. a permit for the carriage or transfer of weapons if a firearm (its interchangeable essential component and ammunition) or high-energy pneumatic weapon is intended to be purchased in a third country.
In order to acquire the next firearm of the same type of use, the essential component to be changed or the high energy pneumatic weapon thereof, a natural person shall submit a relevant submission to the State Police Department in which the firearm or high energy pneumatic weapon of the person has been registered.Information on the test for the qualification of the circulation of weapons and ammunition
The procedures for the adoption of an examination of the qualification of weapons and ammunition, the amount of knowledge necessary for the settlement thereof and the fee for the examination of the qualification shall be determined by Cabinet Regulation No. 191 of 7 April 2020, the content and procedures for the examination of the qualification for the circulation of weapons and ammunition and the amount of the State fee and the procedures for payment thereof.
A test of the procedures for the circulation of weapons and ammunition and the ability to handle a weapon takes place once a week in Riga, Pacific Street at 12 korpus 2, on Wednesdays at 14.00.
In order to be able to pass the gun examination, a person must apply in advance under the phone number 67208100, 67208212 or by sending an application to an email address: as@vp.gov.lv.
All information on the proficiency test can be found in http://www.vp.gov.lv/?id=411&said=431&topid=0Information on the hunter's certificate
Before purchasing a hunting firearm, a person shall receive a hunter's certificate. Prior to the purchase of a first-time long-barreled firearm, a natural person shall take a practical examination in the State Forest Service in the shooting of a long-barreled - twin-barreled hunting firearm.
The hunter's certificate shall be issued by the State Forest Service to persons who have passed the relevant examination in the hunter's examination commission (see page Regulations No 567 of the Law on Hunt and the Cabinet of Ministers of 23 September 2014, Regulations Regarding Training and Examination of Hunters and Hunt Managers, as well as Issuing and Cancellation of Hunting Documents).Information on the authorisation for the purchase of a weapon
A permit for the purchase of a weapon shall be valid for three months from the day when the State Police has taken a decision regarding the issuance thereof. A permit gives the right: to purchase the firearms specified therein, their ammunition, essential components to be exchanged and high-energy pneumatic weapons in Latvia from weapons merchants who have received a special permit (licence) for the manufacture or marketing of weapons, or, upon receipt of a permit to import a weapon into Latvia, from foreign gun makers and trade merchants in accordance with the laws of the relevant state. 2) to acquire the firearms specified therein, the ammunition thereof, the interchangeable essential components of firearms and high-energy pneumatic weapons in Latvia or abroad from persons; 3) to store and transport the firearms specified therein, the ammunition thereof, the interchangeable essential components of firearms and high-energy pneumatic weapons until they are registered with the State Police.
A permit for the purchase of a weapon shall not be required if a person who has a permit for carrying a weapon, a storage permit or a permit for the collection of weapons acquires a firearm of the same category and use, the essential components to be altered or a high-energy pneumatic weapon in Latvia from another person. (see) Section 17 of the Law on the Circulation of Weapons).
A natural person shall register it with the State Police within five working days after the purchase or import of a firearm, the essential components to be altered and a high energy pneumatic weapon into Latvia. (see) Section 35 of the Law on the Circulation of Weapons).Information on the authorisation for the possession of a weapon
A permit for the possession of a weapon gives the right to the owner of a weapon: 1) to store the firearm specified in the permit, the essential components to be altered, the high energy pneumatic weapon at the address indicated in the permit: a natural person in his declared place of residence, the additional address and real estate indicated in the declaration, as well as to carry the firearm specified in the permit in the joint property (apartment, residential house); 2); the essential components to be replaced, as well as a high-energy pneumatic weapon; 3) to purchase and store ammunition intended for the weapon specified in the permit; 4) to acquire gunpowder for a hunting or sports-classified firearm and to store it; 5) to purchase a firearm intended for hunting or sport-classified long-barreled firearm intended for hunting or sport (silencer)) and store, as well as carry it; 6) to use and apply the firearm specified in the permit, essential components to be altered and a high-energy pneumatic weapon in conformity with the type of use thereof in the cases and procedures specified in this Law or other regulatory enactments regulating the circulation of weapons. (see) Section 18 of the Law on the Circulation of Weapons).Information on the authorisation for carrying a weapon
A gun carrying permit shall be issued to natural persons for the carrying of Category B short-barreled self-defence firearms.
A permit for carrying a weapon gives a natural person the right: 1) to store a firearm in the declared place of residence of the gun owner, the additional address and real estate indicated in the declaration, as well as in the joint ownership (apartment, residential house); 2) to transport the Category B short-barreled self-defence firearm specified in the permit; 3) to acquire a Category B short-barreled self-barreling firearm specified in the permit specified in the permit the commercially manufactured munitions intended for the defence firearm and store it; 4) to use and apply a Category B short-barreled self-defence firearm in cases and procedures specified in this Law or other regulatory enactments.
A permit for the carrying of a weapon, which was issued for 10 years by the date of coming into force of this Law, shall be valid by the time period specified in the permit, but not later than by 14 September 2023.Information on the authorisation for the marketing of a weapon
A permit for the sale of a weapon shall give a person the right to sell the firearms specified therein, the essential components, ammunition and high-energy pneumatic weapon thereof, through such an arms merchant, who has received a special permit (licence) for the sale of weapons. A permit for the sale of a weapon shall be valid for three months from the day on which the State Police took a decision regarding the issuance thereof.
A permit for the sale of a weapon is not necessary if a person markets a firearm registered in Latvia, the essential components to be changed or a high-energy pneumatic weapon to another person who has a permit for possession of the same category and use weapon issued in Latvia, a permit for carrying or a permit for the collection of weapons. (see) Section 20 of the Law on the Circulation of Weapons).Information on the issuance of a gun permit
A permit for the possession of a weapon, a permit for carrying a weapon, a permit for the collection of weapons in conformity with the decision shall be issued by the relevant State Police Department after the registration of a firearm or a large energy pneumatic weapon.
The Cabinet shall determine the requirements for the receipt of permits and the procedures by which the State Police issues weapons permits, duplicates thereof and repeated permits, review permits, extend the term of validity thereof, suspend and cancel permits, as well as the requirements to be observed during the period of validity of the permits.
National police shall issue weapons storage permits, carrying permits, weapons collection permits, European firearms certificates for a period of five years, but for hunting and sporting uses for an indefinite period, ensuring periodic reviews of permits not less than once every five years.
The national fee shall be payable for the issuance of any type of weapon permit, re-authorisation, duplicate authorisation, European Firearms Certificate, and the extension of the term of validity of the European Firearms Certificate. The amount of the State fee, the facilities and the procedures for payment shall be determined by the Cabinet.
A natural person has the right to acquire or possess a maximum of 10 firearms and high-energy pneumatic weapons, excluding the interchangeable essential components of firearms.
A permit for the possession of a weapon, a permit for carrying and a permit for the collection of weapons, which was issued for an indefinite period until the day of coming into force of this Law, shall be valid until 14 September 2023.