How to Apply for Arms Licence in India — Process, Documents, Fees & Renewal

Owning a firearm in India is a regulated privilege, not a right. The Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016 govern the possession, carrying, and use of firearms across the country. Every individual who wishes to own a gun must obtain an arms licence from the licensing authority — typically the District Magistrate (DM) or Commissioner of Police (CP) in metropolitan areas. This guide covers everything you need to know about applying for an arms licence in India.

Types of Arms Licences in India

Arms licences in India are broadly classified based on the type of firearm:

Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) Licence

NPB firearms are those permitted for civilian use. These include:

• Shotguns — 12 bore single barrel or double barrel (DBBL)
• Rifles — .22 LR, .315, .30-06
• Revolvers/Pistols — .32 revolver, .22 pistol (when classified as NPB)

NPB licences are issued by the District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police. These are the most commonly issued arms licences in India.

Prohibited Bore (PB) Licence

PB firearms include weapons generally restricted to security forces and defence personnel:

• 9mm pistols and revolvers
• .45 calibre firearms
• .38 bore weapons
• Semi-automatic and automatic firearms

PB licences require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India and are issued only in exceptional circumstances such as:

• Genuine threat to life
• Former or serving defence/paramilitary personnel
• VIPs with certified security threats

Other Licence Types

Most applicants apply for a Form III licence for personal possession and carrying.

Carrying Licence vs Possession Licence

• Possession Licence — Allows you to keep the firearm at your registered address only. You cannot carry it outside.
• Carrying Licence — Allows you to carry the firearm on your person within the jurisdictions specified on the licence.

Most licences issued are possession-cum-carrying licences valid across specified states or all-India (for PB licences from MHA).

Eligibility for Arms Licence

To apply for an arms licence in India, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Minimum 21 years (18 years for inheriting a licensed weapon)
• Mental fitness: Must be of sound mind — no history of mental illness
• Criminal record: No criminal conviction or pending criminal cases. A clean police clearance certificate strengthens your application.
• No prohibition order: Must not be prohibited from owning arms under any court order
• Genuine reason: Must demonstrate a valid need — self-defence, crop protection, sport shooting, or professional requirement
• Indian citizen or resident: Foreign nationals cannot apply (except diplomats under specific rules)
• Not a minor, lunatic, or person convicted of offence involving violence

Documents Required for Arms Licence

Prepare the following documents before applying:

Mandatory Documents

1. Application form — Available at the DM/CP office or downloadable from your state's ALIS portal
2. Aadhaar Card — For identity and address verification
3. Address proof — Voter ID, utility bill, ration card, or passport
4. Age proof — Birth certificate, 10th marksheet, or passport
5. Passport-size photographs — 4 to 6 recent photos
6. Income certificate or IT return — To demonstrate financial capacity
7. Affidavit — Self-declaration on non-judicial stamp paper stating:
   • No criminal record
   • No mental illness
   • Genuine reason for requiring a firearm
8. Threat perception report (if applying on self-defence grounds) — FIR copies or police complaints as evidence

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Crop protection: Land ownership documents (khasra/khatauni), certificate from tehsildar
• Sport shooting: Membership certificate from a recognised shooting club affiliated with NRAI
• Inherited weapon: Death certificate of previous licence holder + original licence

Arms Licence Application Process — Step by Step

Step 1: Obtain the Application Form

• Download from the National Database of Arms Licences (NDAL-ALIS) portal at ndal-alis.gov.in
• Alternatively, collect the form from the office of the District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police

Step 2: Fill and Submit the Application

• Fill the application form completely
• Attach all required documents (self-attested copies)
• Submit to the District Magistrate / Additional District Magistrate / Commissioner of Police of your district
• Pay the prescribed application fee

Step 3: Police Verification and Enquiry

After submission, the licensing authority orders a field enquiry through the local police:

• Character and antecedent verification — Police visit your residence and neighbourhood
• Criminal record check — Verification through CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems)
• Police submit their report to the DM/CP with recommendation

Step 4: Background Check and Objections

• The licensing authority may publish your application details inviting objections
• Any member of the public can file an objection within the specified period (usually 30 days)
• If objections are received, a hearing is conducted

Step 5: Interview / Personal Hearing

• In many districts, the DM/CP conducts a personal interview with the applicant
• You may be asked about your reason for wanting a firearm, security concerns, and storage arrangements

Step 6: Licence Issued or Rejected

• If approved, the licence is issued in Form III (typically valid for 3 years)
• The licence specifies:
  • Type and number of weapons permitted
  • Jurisdictions where carrying is allowed
  • Conditions and restrictions
• If rejected, you receive a written order with reasons. You can appeal to the Sessions Court within 90 days.

Processing time: 2 to 6 months depending on the state and district workload.

Arms Licence Fees

Note: Fees vary significantly by state. Check your district's official notification or ALIS portal for exact amounts. Treasury challans are typically used for payment.

Arms Licence Conditions and Storage Rules

Once you receive your arms licence, you must strictly follow these conditions:

General Conditions

• Keep the licence with you whenever carrying the weapon
• Report loss or theft of the weapon to the nearest police station immediately
• Do not lend your weapon to any unlicensed person
• Use only at designated locations — do not fire in public places
• Report change of address to the licensing authority within 30 days
• Carry ammunition within limits — the licence specifies maximum ammunition you can possess

Storage Rules

• Firearms must be stored in a sturdy metal safe/almirah with a lock at your registered address
• Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm
• The safe must be secured to the wall or floor (bolt-down is recommended)
• Do not store weapons at unauthorised locations
• Police may conduct surprise inspections to verify safe storage

Prohibited Activities

• Carrying the weapon in prohibited areas (courts, government buildings, airports, etc.)
• Carrying while intoxicated
• Using the firearm for intimidation or threat
• Converting a weapon to a different bore/calibre without authority

Arms Licence Renewal Process

Arms licences are typically valid for 3 years (some states issue 5-year licences). You must renew before expiry.

How to Renew

1. Apply 90 days before expiry — Submit renewal application to the licensing authority
2. Attach documents:
   • Original licence
   • Passport-size photos
   • Aadhaar card copy
   • Renewal fee challan
   • Affidavit of no criminal involvement since last issue/renewal
3. Police verification — A fresh verification may be conducted
4. Renewed licence issued — Usually within 30 to 60 days

Late Renewal

• If you miss the renewal date, the licence becomes invalid
• You can still apply for renewal within one year of expiry with a penalty
• After one year, you must surrender the weapon and apply afresh
• Possessing a firearm with an expired licence is a criminal offence under the Arms Act

Transfer of Arms Licence

Transfer to Another Person

• You can sell or gift a licensed firearm to another person who holds a valid arms licence
• Both parties must apply to the licensing authority for endorsement of transfer
• The buyer's licence must authorise possession of that category of weapon

Transfer of Jurisdiction

• If you relocate to another district or state, apply for transfer of licence to the new jurisdiction
• The new DM/CP will verify your credentials and endorse the licence
• Both old and new licensing authorities must be informed

Prohibited Bore (PB) Licence — Special Procedure

PB licence applications follow a more stringent process:

1. Apply to the DM/CP with all standard documents plus additional threat perception evidence
2. The DM/CP forwards the application with their recommendation to the Home Department of the State Government
3. The State Government forwards it to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi
4. MHA reviews and either approves or rejects the application
5. If approved, the MHA issues an authorisation and the DM/CP grants the licence

Processing time for PB: 6 months to over 1 year.

National Database of Arms Licences (NDAL)

Since 2016, all arms licences are tracked through the National Database of Arms Licences and Arms Licence Issuance System (NDAL-ALIS). Key features:

• Each licence gets a unique identification number (UIN)
• Prevents duplicate licences across states
• Enables online application and tracking in participating states
• Accessible at ndal-alis.gov.in

Important Tips for Applicants

• Genuine reason matters most — Vague reasons like "hobby" may lead to rejection. Be specific about threat perception or crop protection needs.
• Clean record is essential — Even dismissed cases may cause delays. Obtain your police clearance certificate beforehand.
• Proper storage setup — Have your gun safe installed before the police verification visit.
• Ammunition limit — You can typically possess 25 cartridges at any time (varies by licence conditions).
• Maximum weapons — An individual can hold licences for a maximum of 2 firearms (reduced from 3 after the 2019 Arms Amendment Act).
• Arms Amendment Act, 2019 — Increased penalties for illegal arms, reduced weapon limit to 2, and added stricter provisions for arms trafficking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get an arms licence in India?

The typical processing time for an NPB licence is 2 to 6 months from the date of application. PB licences can take 6 months to over 1 year as they require MHA approval. Timelines vary by state and district.

Can I apply for an arms licence online?

Yes, many states have enabled online applications through the NDAL-ALIS portal at ndal-alis.gov.in. However, document submission and verification still require physical visits in most districts.

What is the difference between prohibited bore and non-prohibited bore?

Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) includes firearms like 12-bore shotguns and .22 rifles that civilians can own with DM/CP approval. Prohibited Bore (PB) includes 9mm pistols, .45 calibre weapons, and automatic firearms that require MHA approval and are issued only for exceptional security threats.

How many firearms can I own in India?

After the Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019, an individual can hold licences for a maximum of 2 firearms. Previously, the limit was 3. Those holding 3 licences were given a transition period to surrender or transfer the extra weapon.

Can I carry my licensed firearm anywhere in India?

No. Your licence specifies the jurisdictions (districts or states) where you are authorised to carry. Carrying beyond those areas is illegal. For all-India validity, a specific endorsement is required. Carrying in prohibited zones like courts, airports, and government offices is not allowed regardless of licence validity.

What happens if my arms licence expires?

An expired licence makes your firearm possession illegal. You must apply for renewal before expiry. Late renewal (within 1 year) is possible with a penalty. After 1 year, you must surrender the weapon to the police and apply for a fresh licence.

Can NRIs or foreigners own firearms in India?

Generally, no. Arms licences are issued to Indian citizens who are residents. NRIs who maintain a permanent address in India may apply but face stricter scrutiny. Foreign nationals cannot apply except under diplomatic provisions.

Related Guides

• How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate
• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online
• How to Get Income Certificate Online