The small firearms license is an official document that allows the concealed carry of legally acquired blank-firing, irritant, and signal weapons (SRS weapons) outside of private property. However, this only applies to weapons that are approved by the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and have a specific marking.
The small firearms license is a document issued by the competent authority and usually has a validity period of three years. Unlike the large firearms license, applicants for the small firearms license do not need to demonstrate a specific need or liability insurance. Instead, they must prove their reliability and personal suitability. To do this, they must meet certain criteria, such as a minimum age of 18 years, no drug or alcohol dependency, physical and mental suitability, and safe storage of the weapon(s).
Furthermore, applicants must not have any criminal convictions, except for at most one prison sentence, juvenile sentence, or fine of less than 60 daily rates, if five years have not yet passed since the last conviction became final.
To check the reliability and personal suitability of applicants, the competent authority works closely with the local police department. An excerpt from the Central Public Prosecutor's Register and the Federal Central Register is used to verify the applicants.
Since February 20, 2020, a query with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution has also been conducted. The competent authority decides based on these examination results whether it considers the applicant reliable and personally suitable and whether it may issue a small firearms license. It is important to note that the small firearms license only permits carrying the weapon in public, but not shooting. The applicant may only carry the weapon within the legal provisions and for the purpose of defending against dangers. No proof of expertise is required for obtaining the small firearms license, unlike the large firearms license or the firearms ownership card.
The issuance of the small firearms license is carried out by the police, the district office, the regulatory office, the district administrative department, or the municipality, depending on the region. The processing time for an application for the small firearms license usually varies between three and eight weeks, depending on the competent authority. Finally, it should be emphasized that the small firearms license is only valid in conjunction with a valid identity card or passport. Without a valid ID, the small firearms license may not be used.
The weapon must always be stored safely and may only be used for self-defense in emergencies. It is important to familiarize oneself with the legal provisions before using a weapon and to consult a lawyer or the police in case of doubt.
If an applicant receives the small firearms license, they must always carry it with them and be able to present it upon request. If the small firearms license has expired, it must be reapplied for. It is also important to note that the small firearms license is not valid in all countries of the Federal Republic of Germany. Therefore, it is advisable to inform oneself about the legal provisions and regulations before using a weapon in other federal states.
In summary, the small firearms license allows the concealed transport of certain legal blank-firing, irritant, and signal weapons (SRS weapons) outside of private property. The requirements for obtaining the small firearms license are relatively low, but applicants must demonstrate their reliability and personal suitability. It is important to inform oneself about the legal provisions before using a weapon and to always store the weapon safely.
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