What Is an Arms License?
An arms licence, issued under the Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016 by the District Magistrate or Licensing Authority, permits a person to possess a firearm for self-defence, sport, or a specific professional need.
Documents Typically Required
- Application form and identity/address proof
- Character certificate and police verification
- Medical fitness certificate and passport-size photographs
- A stated justification for the licence (self-defence, sport, professional need)
Applications go through police verification, which can take time; approval is at the discretion of the Licensing Authority based on the applicant’s circumstances.