How To Get Gun License In India 2025?

The process of owning a gun in India is quite rigidly regulated and legal. Increasingly, the concerns of many citizens are about personal safety and security, thus making them consider getting a gun license for personal reasons. For that, here is the complete reference on how to apply for arms legally in India in 2025. 

How to Apply for Gun License?

The first thing to apply for arms is to go to the District Superintendent of Police or the office of the Commissioner of Police pertaining to your area and file Form A, the prescribed application form under the Arms Act of 1959 for arms. You must give justification to apply for possession of a firearm, following which the applicant will be subject to background checks, verification from the police, and an interview.

Once satisfied with the ground for application and after ensuring the background check, it is either approved or rejected outright. In the case of an approval, the applicant gets a requisition of further documents and must pay the prescribed fee structure. Additional permissions may be needed based on type of firearm.

Eligibility for Gun License?

In order to be eligible for a gun permit, the applicant must fulfil the conditions stipulated under the Arms Rules of 1962, and Arms Act of 1959. A few points considered by authorities while issuing a license include:

• Age: Applicant must have completed 21 years;
• Need and Justification: There should be evident and cogent threats to life or property or valid professional requirement, e.g. cash transportation;
• No Criminal Record: Conviction or involvement in any criminal activities disqualifies the applicant. Especially, violent crimes;
• Mental Health: Brain stability must be there for applicant. Medical certificate may be required;
• Documents: Proof of address and identity: permanent residency and identity proofs.
• Waiting period: It is 3 to 6 months. Verification complexity can be the basis; 
• Training: Training in safe and proper handling of firearms for all applicants has been made compulsory in the latest guidelines; 
• Limitation: The maximum cap that can be held by a single person of firearms has been certified and certain firearms are barred for the military or law enforcement only.

Cost of Gun License in India?

The fee structure for obtaining a gun permit differ according to the type of firearm one wishes to own; there are application fees, training fees, renewal charges, etc. Here is a rough idea:

• Application Fee: ₹500 to 1,000 
• Renewal Fee: ₹200 to ₹500 annually 
• Firearm Training: ₹5,000 to 15,000 (most of the states make it mandatory) 

Some extra money may be charged for advanced types of weaponry or for up-gradation from a Non Prohibited Bore (NPB) to a Prohibited Bore (PB) weapon, which is normally not permitted to civilians.

Can a Person Carry Gun Legally?

Yes, legal carrying of guns is possible for a license-holder, but under limitations. Non Prohibited Bore (NPB) handguns could be used for ordinary purposes, whereas carrying spreads to other prohibitive places under special permission for Prohibited Bore (PB). Concealed carrying usually is awkward, so weapons must be carried in a safe holster or bag. Carrying guns through state boundaries may require more clearance.

Firearm & Gun License Benefit

A legal gun and gun permit have some advantages: 

• Protection: A licensed gun owner can furnish himself and his family against threats.
• Protection of Assets: Businesspeople transporting cash and valuables can protect their assets. 
• Training of Employees: Security agencies can legally train their employees in armed protective duties.
• Legal Protection: A licensed gun holder is protected under the Arms Act of 1959, if the weapon is duly used in self-defense.
• Protection of Reputation: Having a legal license speaks for responsible ownership and affirms social standing.

Classification and Firearm Type

Indian firearm laws classify weapons into various categories. Civilian possession of firearms is restricted to certain types under Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB); others classified as Prohibited Bore (PB) are restricted for use by the armed forces, police personnel, and some specified others. Here is a brief overview of types of firearms:

• Handguns: The category includes revolvers and pistols and is generally categorized as NPB.
• Rifles: Bolt action and semi-automatic are available; mostly NPB.
• Shotguns: Applied for sport and home protection; mostly NPB.
• Assault Rifle: That is automatic weapons; under PB, restricted to Defense Forces.
• Submachine Gun: Another firearm under the PB.
• Machine Gun: For Military only under PB.
• Sniper Rifle: Highly restricted; under PB.
• Derringer: A small handgun, if allowed, is classified under NPB.
• Musket: Antique firearms; may need special permission. 
• Carbine: A short-barreled rifle; generically, PB, restricted.

Most civilians can only own handguns, shotguns, and certain types of rifles under Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB).

Conclusion

In India, a firearm is a very serious responsibility and comes under the Acts and Rules of Arms, that is, the Arms Act of 1959 and the Arms Rules of 1962. The application process for arms requires very careful documentation, justification, and safety training. Whether it's personal or professional use, one should understand the law and follow the legal course where his or her right to self-defence remains in the bounds of legality. Form A is for initial application purposes while Form B-2 is used during renewal or modification of existing licenses.

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