Applying for information from the National Weapons Register

If you would like to know what information about you is stored in the National Firearms Register, you can apply for information.

All important information on privately and commercially owned firearms requiring a permit is stored in the National Weapons Register. Among other things, the aim is to be able to quickly check for each firearm subject to authorization

• who is currently the owner of the weapon,
• how long they have owned the weapon,
• where and from whom it was acquired and
• the history of the weapon.

If you are a natural person in possession of a firearms license or a firearm, you can request information about what data about you is stored in the register. Stored data can be

• Data about the weapons authority from which you received permission to own/carry your weapon. These are, for example
  • Name and
  • address.
• Data about you as the owner. These are, for example
  • Name,
  • address,
  • date of birth,
  • place of birth and
  • nationality.
• Data on your firearms license, for example on the
  • type of permit
  • Permit validity
  • Permit status
• Data on your weapon. These are for example
  • Manufacturer name,
  • model,
  • weapon category and
  • caliber designation.
• Data on your weapon part. These are for example
  • Manufacturer name,
  • model,
  • Weapon part category and
  • Essential weapon part

You can submit your application in writing, online or in person to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).

You must submit the following with your application

• Proof of identity by:
  • official certification of your signature on the application form or
  • an officially certified copy of the front and back of your valid identity card or passport or
  • electronic authentication with eID when applying online

Please note:
An official certification can be issued by an authority. This can be a municipal, district or local authority, for example.
When applying on site, you must present

• valid identity card or passport

• Forms: yes
• Online procedure possible: yes
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: no

Applications for information can be made by

• Holders of a firearms license (to which a weapon may be attached) or persons who may be registered for other reasons

• Objection
• Administrative action
  

You can apply for information from the National Weapons Register in writing, online or in person. You can submit the written application by post or in person at the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
Written application:

• Go to the BVA website and fill out the application form for information on affected persons electronically.
• Print out the completed form and sign it.
• Send the completed and signed form to the BVA by post together with the certified identity card or the certified signature and any other required documents.
• The BVA will check your application.
• Once your application has been checked, the BVA will send you information about the stored data by post.

Online application:

• Go to the website of the federal portal and complete the application form for data subject information electronically.
  • Note: You will need your ID card with PIN number to use the online function
• Add the other required documents as a scan.
• Send your application.
• The BVA will check your application.
• Once your application has been checked, the BVA will send you the information on the stored data by post.

Applying in person:

• Go to the BVA website and complete the application form for data subject information electronically.
• Print out the completed form and sign it.
• Attach all other required documents.
• You can submit your completed application in person to the BVA in Cologne. You must then take your valid ID with you.
• The BVA will check your application.
• Once your application has been checked, the BVA will send you the information on the stored data by post.

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2 to 3 calendar weeks

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