Portable shooting range - apply for a licence to operate
If you wish to operate a mobile 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 if you wish to significantly change its nature or the way it is used, you require a permit from the competent weapons authority.
In the case of mobile shooting ranges, a one-off licence is sufficient before the first installation. The holder of a corresponding licence must notify the local competent authority in writing or electronically two weeks in advance of the commencement and termination of the operation of the shooting range.
Responsible authority
the district police authorities
Depending on where you live, the district police authority is
- the district administration,
- the municipal administration (in urban districts and large district towns) or
- the administrative community
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
The licence may only be issued if the applicant
- has the necessary reliability and
- personal suitability and
- provides evidence of liability insurance for damages resulting from the operation of the shooting range in the amount of at least EUR 1 million - 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 organisation of the shooting operation in the amount of at least EUR 10,000 in the event of death and EUR 100,000 in the event of disability with an insurance company authorised to do business within the scope of this Act. For shooting events that are subject to the Showmen's Liability Ordinance, liability insurance is governed by Section 1 (2) (2) of this ordinance.
A licence and approval for temporary structures must also be available.
Procedure
The application for a licence must be submitted by the operator of the shooting range to the weapons authority responsible for the location of the shooting range.
Deadlines
Authorisation must be applied for before use is commenced.
Required documents
- Identity card or passport (copy)
- Proof of expertise
- Proof of the existence of liability insurance and accident insurance for shooting transactions to the extent specified above
- further proof if necessary
Costs
The amount of the fees depends on the municipal fee regulations. Please enquire with the responsible authority.
Miscellaneous
Shooting ranges must be inspected by the competent authority with the assistance of a recognised shooting range expert before they are put into operation for the first time and in the event of significant changes to their condition with regard to safety requirements. Shooting ranges where shooting is carried out with firearms requiring a permit must also be inspected by the competent authority every four years. If shooting on a shooting range is only permitted with unauthorised firearms, the interval between inspections shall be a maximum of six years. The costs of calling in a recognised shooting range expert for the inspections shall be borne by the operator of the shooting range.
Legal basis
Waffengesetz (WaffG):
- § 27 Schießstätten, Schießen durch Minderjährige auf Schießstätten
- § 27a Sicherheitstechnische Prüfung von Schießstätten; Verordnungsermächtigung
Verordnung über die Haftpflichtversicherung für Schausteller (Schaustellerhaftpflichtverordnung - SchauHV):
- § 1 Versicherungspflicht
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 24.02.2025