Shooting range operation - permit

A permit is required to operate a fixed shooting range.

If you want to operate a fixed facility that is used for shooting sports or other shooting exercises with firearms, the testing of firearms or shooting with firearms for amusement (shooting range) or would like to significantly change its nature or in the way it is used, you need a permit from the responsible weapons authority.

No permission is required for shooting ranges where shots are fired indoors exclusively for the purpose of testing firearms or ammunition by weapons or ammunition manufacturers, by weapons or ammunition experts or by scientific institutions.

In Hesse, the district or the district-free city is responsible as the lower weapons authority, in whose district the fixed shooting range is to be operated.

• Identity card or passport copy)
• Proof of need, if applicable
• Proof of the existence of liability insurance for damage resulting from the operation of the shooting range in the amount of at least EUR 1,000,000.00 - lump sum for personal injury and property damage
• Proof of the existence of accident insurance for damage resulting from the operation of the shooting range to persons involved in the organisation of the shooting range in the amount of at least EUR 10,000.00 for death and EUR 100,000.00 for disability
• If applicable, necessary permits or orders in accordance with building or immission control regulations
• Acceptance by a publicly appointed shooting range expert

Authorisation may be granted only if the applicant:

• the required reliability, and
• has personal aptitude and
• proves insurance against liability as well as against accident related to the operation of the shooting range.
• Building and immission control permits for the construction of the shooting range
• Expert opinion and acceptance by a shooting range expert

The permission must be applied for before the start of use.

In Hesse, the Administrative Costs Regulation for the portfolio of the Ministry of the Interior and Sport (VwKostO-MdIS) of 7 June 2013 provides for a fee range of € 210 to € 1,050 under item 731 of the list of administrative costs.