Weapons permit for military personnel

With the introduction of martial law in Ukraine, simplified rules for obtaining weapons licenses for military personnel are in effect. These changes are directly related to the need to ensure the safety of the country's citizens. In addition, owning a personal weapon provides a sense of security and confidence, which is extremely important for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Which military personnel can obtain a permit to purchase their own weapon and how to do it correctly — all the details are in this article.

Which military personnel are eligible for a weapons permit

Military personnel serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, as well as members of territorial defense, law enforcement officers and other military units are eligible to obtain a permit for the purchase and storage of weapons. In other words, this applies to military personnel on active duty, in reserve, or those carrying out defense tasks. These categories of citizens have priority when issuing weapons licenses.

The basic requirements for obtaining a permit are the same for both civilians and military personnel. Only amendments regarding age and type of weapon apply to the military.

In particular, Ukrainian legislation provides for the possibility of obtaining a permit for:

• traumatic weapons upon reaching 18 years of age — for military personnel only;
• smoothbore hunting weapons — from 21 years of age;
• rifled weapons (if smoothbore is already owned) — from 25 years of age.

Other criteria include Ukrainian citizenship or a certificate of permanent residence. Registration is not mandatory — a rental agreement or a certificate of ownership of real estate can serve as proof of residence.

Another change: only one medical document is required to obtain a permit — form No. 5. It replaces other medical examination certificates. In addition, an expunged criminal record is no longer an obstacle.

What types of weapons are available for military personnel

The rules for obtaining a permit for pneumatic weapons, as well as rifled, smoothbore and traumatic models in Ukraine during martial law are regulated by Decree No. 170. The provisions of this document also regulate the types of weapons available for purchase by military personnel under simplified conditions.

Military personnel have the opportunity to purchase:

• rifled weapons — carbines, rifles used for hunting large game (deer, roe deer, wild boar);
• smoothbore weapons — rifles, shotguns for hunting small game (birds, hares);
• rapid-fire weapons — pistols, submachine guns equipped with rubber bullets or other non-lethal ammunition.

List of documents required for obtaining a permit

When applying for a permit, military personnel will need to prepare the following documents:

• Ukrainian passport — copies of pages 1, 2 and 11 (photocopies of both sides of the ID card, along with a residence registration extract);
• application form;
• identification code;
• document confirming civil liability insurance for the weapon owner;
• form 5, issued no earlier than 1 month before the permit application;
• military ID, which must include the service weapon (the applicant may substitute this with shooting courses);
• receipts for administrative services;
• extract confirming the absence of criminal records;
• 3x4 photographs.

If available, a copy of the certificate of membership in a public order protection organization should also be attached.

Can a license be obtained without a military ID

One of the most common questions is whether a permit can be obtained without a military ID. A military ID, service certificate or combat veteran certificate is one of the main conditions for obtaining a weapons license for military personnel. In addition, a permit can only be issued in the absence of outstanding criminal convictions, mental and chronic illnesses that pose an obstacle to the safe handling of any type of weapon.

Where and how to submit documents

In Ukraine, there are several options for submitting documents to obtain a permit for military personnel.

Option one — a personal visit to the territorial service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine at your place of residence. You will need to visit the center, write an application and submit the document package.

Option two — submitting documents online, namely through the Unified Citizens' Appeal Window or the Unified Weapons Registry. In this case, you need to register on the official portal using an electronic signature, fill out the application form and upload scanned copies of all documents. If filled out correctly, the documents along with the application are automatically forwarded to the police. After that, police officers will carry out all necessary checks.

Option three — processing at a licensed weapons store through consultants who will help prepare the necessary documents and explain the nuances of the procedure.

How does the procedure for military personnel differ from the civilian one

For military personnel in Ukraine, the procedure for obtaining a weapons permit is simplified and expedited compared to civilians, since they are already serving. At the same time, key documents such as the health certificate and proof of ability to handle weapons remain required. In addition, the process is only possible with a military ID or service certificate.

Step-by-step guide for obtaining a weapons permit

Now let's look in detail at how a military service member can obtain a weapons permit.

Step 1: Document preparation. Gather the complete document package according to the list.

Step 2: Medical examination. Only form No. 5, issued by a psychiatric dispensary, is required. The certificate is valid for 30 days, so we recommend not delaying the application.

Step 3: Application submission. The application can be submitted in any convenient way — online through official portals or offline at a police station. Depending on the chosen method, copies or scanned copies of documents are attached to the application.

Step 4: Waiting and receiving the permit. After reviewing the application and conducting the relevant checks, a permit granting the right to purchase weapons is issued, or a refusal. The permit typically specifies storage conditions, the number of weapon units and the right to carry.

Once the license is in your hands, you can purchase the weapon and register it in the corresponding registry.

We additionally recommend checking messages from the police about the status of your application at every stage. Notifications may be sent via SMS, email or through your personal account.

As a rule, the review period is up to 20 business days. In case of application rejection, an appeal may be filed in certain cases. Renewing a weapons permit during martial law has certain specifics. Documents for renewal should be prepared and submitted in advance — at least one month before the current license expires.

Common mistakes and reasons for refusal

In practice, mistakes that may lead to application rejection are not uncommon when applying for a weapons permit.

Among the most common mistakes:

• Missing photocopy with the new photo in the passport.
• Providing an extract from the DIIA app without an electronic signature.
• Expired form No. 5.
• No insurance.
• No certificate of absence of criminal records.
• Insufficient documents confirming military status — sometimes additional evidence is required (orders, appointments).

As for the most common reasons for refusal:

1. Criminal convictions for serious crimes or crimes involving firearms.
2. Acute and chronic mental disorders that make weapon ownership unsafe.
3. Age not meeting the established legal requirements.
4. Previously documented violations of weapon use and storage requirements.

To avoid difficulties when obtaining a permit, we recommend identifying potential restrictions in advance and consulting with lawyers. If you submitted an incomplete document package, inquire about the possibility of correcting the situation and providing the missing papers or equivalent supporting certificates. Don't forget about photocopies and photographs. Pay careful attention to filling out the application, monitor the status through your electronic account, and in case of refusal, demand a written explanation. Also, keep up with legislative updates, as submission rules may change. If possible, talk to military personnel who have already obtained a weapons permit — it's a good way to avoid mistakes.

As you can see, obtaining a weapons license for military personnel is a quick, transparent and fairly straightforward process if you know all the nuances in advance. Contact the specialists at Darwin Club, the next-generation shooting club — we will advise on any permit-related questions and help you master weapon handling and marksmanship skills.