Weapons Permit Processing

As part of ensuring public safety and implementing the constitutional rights of Ukrainian citizens, the process of obtaining a permit for weapon ownership and carry is a strictly regulated administrative procedure. It should be noted that weapons are divided into combat and civilian categories. While the purchase of military weapons is strictly prohibited for average citizens, pneumatic, traumatic, and hunting weapons are quite available for acquisition. The main condition is having a special permit. Other mandatory requirements include age and proper storage conditions.

What weapons require a permit and how to get a weapons permit in Ukraine — we explore in detail in our new expert article.

Who can obtain a weapons permit and at what age

According to Ukrainian legislation, citizens of the country and foreigners with permanent residence documents who meet the requirements of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine No. 622 and other regulatory acts have the right to obtain a permit to carry weapons.

The age at which a weapons permit is granted directly depends on its type. Non-firearms can be purchased from 18 years old, smoothbore firearms from 21 years old, and rifled firearms from 25 years old.

A permit cannot be issued to citizens who systematically violate public order, have documented cases of domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, storage, distribution or use of drugs, have been convicted of serious and especially serious crimes, have outstanding convictions, or are wanted. In addition, vision disorders and other ailments that could lead to negative consequences when handling weapons are taken into account.

What types of weapons require a permit

Separate legal documents are provided for different types of weapons in our country. They contain clear requirements regarding age and permit documentation for purchase and ownership.

Smoothbore hunting

Smoothbore weapons are used for hunting, sport shooting, and are also effective as a means of self-defense. Purchase is possible exclusively for citizens over 21 years of age who have the appropriate permit.

Rifled

Rifled weapons are widely used in hunting and sports competitions where accurate shooting at long distances is required. In Ukraine, a permit for the purchase and storage of this type of weapon is allowed for citizens from 25 years old.

Pneumatic

If the caliber is more than 4.5 mm and the muzzle energy is higher than 3 J, you need to obtain an appropriate pneumatic weapons permit before purchase. The threshold age for obtaining is from 18 years.

Cold, gas, deactivated

A permit for the acquisition of cold, gas, or deactivated weapons can be issued after 21 years of age.
No permit is required for hunting knives registered in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine system. The owner is the only one who can use the weapon and is responsible for its safety.

Traumatic

Traumatic weapons cannot cause fatal injuries as they are equipped with rubber or other similar ammunition. A permit for purchase and storage is required. This type of weapon can be purchased after 21 years of age and only by certain categories of citizens: law enforcement officers and their close relatives, journalists, people's deputies, judges, participants in public order protection formations, military personnel (except conscripts), and civil servants.

Combat firearms

Combat firearms are prohibited for civilians and private individuals. Weapons are available only to professional personnel — military, law enforcement officers, and other authorized agencies.

Sports

Purchasing sports weapons (except combat weapons with a caliber of more than 5.6 mm) is allowed for physical culture and sports entities of Ukraine. Athletes who have reached 18 years of age must first obtain permission from the National Police with a corresponding request from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Additional conditions for obtaining a permit: a rank of at least Master of Sports in sports that involve the use of firearms (except combat) and active participation in all-Ukrainian competitions (at least twice a year).

What weapons do not require a permit

No permit is required for pneumatics with a caliber of less than 4.5 mm and a bullet velocity of up to 100 m/s. Permit documents are also not required for bows with a draw weight of up to 20 kg inclusive.
A permit is also not required for revolvers or pistols for modern Flobert cartridges due to their low power, which is unable to significantly harm humans and animals.

Types of permits that exist

Strictly speaking, Ukrainian legislation provides for two types of permits that differ in purpose, validity period, and requirements for the processing procedure.

The first is a purchase permit. It is obtained to purchase a certain type of weapon. The document is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. If the weapon was not purchased within a month, the permit is canceled and the procedure must be started from scratch.

The second is a permit for storage and carry of the purchased weapon, which is processed within 10 days from the date of purchase. This document allows you to store the weapon at home in a specially designed safe, as well as transport it if the purpose of purchase requires it (for example, hunting rifles). The weapons permit is valid for 3 years. Renewal of the permit is required for further storage and use.

Permit obtaining procedure — step-by-step algorithm

Now let's look at what is required to obtain a weapons permit step by step.

Medical examination

The first and mandatory stage is a medical examination. You can check your health status at licensed private and state clinics.

The examination involves visiting the following specialists:

• psychiatrist who confirms the absence of mental disorders;
• narcologist to check for alcohol and drug addiction;
• therapist for general health assessment;
• ophthalmologist who confirms the presence or absence of vision problems.

Based on the results of the medical examination, a certificate in form 127/o is issued — specifically for obtaining a weapons permit.

Training and qualification exam

You can learn to use weapons at shooting clubs and ranges that have the appropriate accreditation. This stage is included as mandatory in the weapons permit procedure.

Typically, the course duration is about 7-9 hours and includes two mandatory blocks:

• theoretical — safety rules, laws and usage norms, equipment;
• practical — shooting training at a range or training ground.

At the end of the training, an exam is conducted, which also includes theoretical and practical parts. If the training is completed successfully, a certificate of completion of shooting courses is issued.

Complete document package

Next, documents are prepared according to the list, which are then submitted to the National Police of Ukraine. In addition to originals, copies of all papers will be needed.

Submitting an application online or offline

There are several ways to submit an application for a permit. First, this can be done in person at a territorial police department or at a weapons store. Second, you can use the online service "Unified Citizens' Window".

Applications are reviewed within up to 30 calendar days.

Receiving a decision and registration

If the decision is positive, the applicant receives a permit to purchase a strictly defined type of weapon. The document is valid for 3 months. After purchase, the owner must register the weapon and obtain a storage and carry permit.

List of documents for different weapon categories

To obtain a weapons permit, you will need to prepare a specific list of documents. The following are submitted to the National Police for processing a permit to purchase a weapon:

• internal passport (foreign passport, ID card or residence permit);
• application;
• certificate of residence issued by the Register of Territorial Communities;
• identification code;
• 3.5x4.5 photos;
• health certificate (form 127/o);
• certificate of completion of weapons training issued by a certified shooting club/range;
• extract confirming no criminal record;
• civil liability insurance contract for weapon owners (except traumatic weapon owners);
• documents confirming the applicant's right to obtain a weapons permit (for traumatic);
• payment receipt.

After reviewing the application, the National Police makes a decision and issues an extract from the Unified Weapons Register confirming the permit to purchase weapons valid for 3 months. After purchasing the weapon, you should also contact the National Police to register it and obtain a storage and carry permit. At this stage, you need to prepare the following documents:

• internal passport (foreign passport, ID card or residence permit);
• application;
• extract about place of residence;
• identification code;
• 3.5x4.5 photos;
• weapon and test firing certificate;
• payment receipt;
• weapon purchase receipt from the store.

Approximate cost of obtaining a permit

The cost of a weapons permit includes several expense items. In particular, the medical commission and obtaining a certificate will cost approximately 600 UAH. Taking courses on weapons handling, including practical and theoretical parts, is about 5,000 UAH. Civil liability insurance is within 300-700 UAH. State fees for reviewing applications are about 30 UAH.

Checking validity, renewal and replacement of permit

Now let's talk about how to check a weapons permit, renew or replace it. You can verify the validity of the document at the National Police at your place of residence, as well as online in the Unified Weapons Register or in the Diia app.

There are several important nuances regarding how to renew a weapons permit during martial law and in peacetime. First, the renewal application is submitted to the police in advance — one month before expiration. Second, you will need to prepare the following documents:

• sample application;
• internal passport (or other identity document);
• extract about place of residence;
• taxpayer code;
• original of current weapons permit;
• medical certificate form 127/o;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• certificate of completion of weapons training;
• civil liability insurance contract;
• payment receipts.

Timely submission of a renewal application will protect you from penalties.

Processing features during martial law

After the introduction of martial law in 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine issued Order No. 170 on extending the validity of weapons permits, according to which a simplified processing procedure is in effect for hunting firearms and ammunition. In this case, one permit is issued for the purchase, storage and carrying of weapons, without the need to go through a commission and courses. The list of documents must include (if available) — a military ID or other documents confirming weapon ownership. The permit is issued within 2 days.

For traumatic and pneumatic weapons, permits are processed in standard mode. Applications are submitted through "Unified Citizens' Window" or a licensed point of sale.

The main rule for those planning to purchase weapons is to follow legal and step-by-step processing of permit documents. Only in this way will you successfully obtain a permit, avoid fines and criminal liability.

If your goal is to acquire weapons handling skills and shoot accurately, the best solution is to take shooting courses at the new generation shooting club Darwin Club in Kyiv. Our specialists will help you choose the right weapon, advise you on how to successfully obtain a permit, and quickly and effectively teach you the basics of shooting.