Shooting range; application for an operating license

If you wish to operate a fixed or mobile facility that is used for shooting sports or other shooting exercises with firearms, for testing firearms or for shooting with firearms for amusement (shooting range), or if you wish to significantly change its nature or the way it is used, you require a permit from the district administrative authority.

No permit is required for shooting ranges where shooting takes place in closed rooms exclusively for the testing of firearms or ammunition by firearms or ammunition manufacturers, by firearms or ammunition experts or by scientific institutions. The operator must notify the competent authority in writing or electronically two weeks in advance of the commencement and termination of operation of the shooting range.

In the case of mobile shooting ranges, a one-off permit is sufficient prior to initial installation. The holder of such a permit must notify the locally competent district administrative authority in writing or electronically two weeks in advance of the start and end of operation of the shooting range.

The permit may only be issued if the applicant

• the required reliability (§ 5 WaffG) and
• personal suitability (§ 6 WaffG) and
• provides proof of liability insurance for damages resulting from the operation of the shooting range in the amount of at least 1 million euros - lump sum for personal injury and property damage - as well as accident insurance for damages resulting from the operation of the shooting range to persons involved in the organization of the shooting operation in the amount of at least 10,000 euros in the event of death and 100,000 euros in the event of disability with an insurance company authorized to do business within the scope of this law. According to § 1 Para. 2 No. 2 of the Showmen's Liability Ordinance, shooting operations are subject to compulsory liability insurance.

In the case of mobile or permit-free shooting ranges, written or electronic notification must be submitted to the district administrative authority two weeks before the start of operations.