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Apply for exemption from the minimum age for shooting at shooting ranges to promote competitive sport

If your child is under the age of 12 and has a talent for shooting, you must apply to the relevant authority for a special permit if they wish to shoot at shooting ranges.

  • Basic information

    The minimum age for shooting at shooting ranges is generally 12 years. In detail, the following applies

    • Children aged 12 and over may shoot with compressed air weapons, spring-loaded weapons and weapons whose projectiles are propelled by cold propellant gases
    • young people between the ages of 14 and 18 may also shoot with firearms up to a caliber of 5.6 mm lfB (.22.l.r.) for rimfire ammunition with a maximum muzzle energy of 200 joules (J), as well as with single-shot long guns with smooth barrels with a maximum caliber of 12 gauge.

    Children and young people may only shoot if a written or electronic declaration of consent has been provided by their legal guardians and suitable supervisors are present for the work with children and young people.

    If a shooting club considers children under the age of 12 to be sufficiently talented to practice shooting as a competitive sport, the competent authority may allow these children to shoot on request. A special permit must be applied for for these children. Depending on the federal state, the shooting clubs or the parents or guardians must apply for the exemption. It is recommended that you obtain information about the relevant regulations from the responsible authority.

    For children under the minimum age, proof must be provided that they are mentally and physically fit. This must always be confirmed by a doctor. For exceptions, it is recommended that you obtain information about the relevant regulations from the competent authority.

    Whether children under the minimum age are suitable for competitive sport in a shooting discipline may not be tested with the corresponding firearms, but must be done in another way.

    The exception to the minimum age can also be requested for an event, for example for a "taster day" to recruit young talent in a shooting club. This exemption is only granted for the event and does not apply to regular training for children and young people.

    Requirements

    • Mental and physical aptitude of the child to handle weapons
    • Special shooting talent of the child

  • Procedure
    • You must apply for the special permit from the relevant firearms authority. Submit the application together with the required documents.
    • The firearms authority will issue the special permit if the requirements are met.

    Online application

    • Use the online service. You will find the link under "Further information" - Online service" The online service guides you step by step through the application.
    • You can store the required documents directly in the online service.
    • If you wish to use the full online functions of the service, you must log in with your Bund-ID user account.
    • If you do not yet have a user account, you can register on the registration page.
    • If you do not register with your Bund-ID, you will need to make an appointment in person at the firearms authority to have your personal details checked before your application can be processed.
    • Once the application has been checked, you will receive the firearms permit and the invoice by post.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Medical certificate
      • (e.g. from the family doctor, specialist in pediatrics and adolescent medicine) about the child's physical and mental suitability for competitive shooting sports
    • Confirmation from the club of the child's shooting talent

  • Competent Department

  • Online Services

  • Fees / Costs

    The fees may vary and depend on various factors. Further information on fees can be found in the Internal Administration Costs Ordinance. You will find the link under "Legal bases" - "Cost Ordinance for Internal Administration (InKostV)".

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    There is no deadline.

    How long does it take to process

    4 weeks bis 8 weeks

  • Legal Bases

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This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 07.10.2025

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