How to apply for a gun license in Namibia

How to Obtain a Firearm License in Namibia

As crime rates continue to rise, more and more responsible citizens want to apply for a gun license in Namibia to defend themselves and their properties. If you are one of those people, this guide will help you understand the requirements and steps you need to take to become a gun owner in Namibia.

Requirements for Obtaining a Gun License in Namibia

Before you can apply for a firearm license, you will need to meet the following requirements:

1. A registered firearm with a serial number
2. A certified copy of your ID
3. Two passport photos
4. A motivational letter stating why you need a firearm license, which should include:
   • The crime rate in your area
   • Any personal experiences with crime
   • The reasons why you need a firearm
   • Case register numbers of previous robbery incidents
5. A N$50 Revenue stamp
6. A safe to store your firearm when not in use

Once you have collected all the necessary documents and meet the requirements, you can apply for a firearm license by following these steps:

How to Apply for a Firearm License in Namibia

Steps you need to take to get a gun license in Namibia.

Total Time: 3 minutes

Gather Required Documents:

You will need to gather the following documents before you can apply for a firearm license in Namibia:
– A valid ID or passport
– Two passport-size photographs
– A competency certificate from the Namibian Police Force or a recognized training institution
– A completed firearm license application form
– A certificate of medical fitness completed by a medical practitioner
– A declaration of income and expenses (to prove that you can afford to own a firearm)
– A motivation letter detailing why you need a firearm

Visit the Nearest Police Station:

Once you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements, you can visit the nearest police station from where you live.

Provide Fingerprints and Fill Out an Application Form:

You will need to provide your fingerprints and fill out an application form at the police station. The application form will require you to provide personal information, including your name, address, and contact information.

Submit Your Application and Required Documents:

After filling out the application form, you will need to submit it along with all the required documents to the police. The police will review your application and conduct a forensic background check.

Wait for Forensic Background Checks:

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the forensic background checks to be completed. First-time gun owners typically wait between four to six months to receive their firearm license.

Receive Your Firearm License:

If your application is approved, you will receive your firearm license. You can then legally purchase and own a firearm in Namibia.

It’s important to note that first-time gun owners typically wait between four to six months to receive their firearm license. However, in some cases, the process can be expedited.

Here are some key things you should know:

It is essential that individuals who wish to own and operate firearms in Namibia undergo appropriate training and possess a valid license. The Arms and Ammunition Act of 1996 outlines the requirements for firearm ownership and usage in Namibia. We will examine the necessary training required for firearm ownership, regulations governing firearm handling, and background checks for applicants.

Training for firearm license applicants Before an individual is issued a firearm license in Namibia, the Operational Manual, Chapter 13, Section G 3.1 requires that they meet the following requirements:

• Physical fitness and competence in handling firearms.
• Completion of firearms training for the firearm applied for.

Firearm handling regulations Section 38(1) (e), (l), (o) of the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1996 outlines the penalties for individuals who violate regulations concerning firearm handling. These include:

• Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the license issued.
• Negligent discharge of a firearm, which causes harm to people or property.
• Handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Discharging a firearm in a public place or road, except under specific circumstances outlined in the law.

Permission to use a firearm

Section 8(1) of the Arms and Ammunition Act 1996 stipulates that:

• A person who is not under the age of 18 years, disqualified or unfit, may possess an arm for a period not exceeding 21 days with the prior consent of the license holder.
• After 21 days, a permit must be issued by the Station Commander in the area, which must not exceed 12 months.

This means that you can only possess a firearm for a limited period of time without a permit. To obtain a permit, you need to apply to the Station Commander in the area.

Personal clearance/background check on applicants

Before obtaining a firearm license in Namibia, you need to undergo a background check. The Operational Manual E 3(a) requires that fingerprints be taken (on a POL 151) and attached to the application before it is submitted to the head office. Section 40 of the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1996 also stipulates that any person who makes an application for the first time must have their fingerprints taken to check for previous convictions.

Inspection on individual firearm license holders

To curb crimes in the country, the Namibian police carry out routine inspections on individual firearm license holders. During these inspections, unlicensed firearms are confiscated. If you are found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, not only will the firearm be confiscated, but you will also be arrested, charged and taken to court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply for a Firearm License in Namibia

The process of applying for a firearm license in Namibia involves several steps and requirements. Whether you are a new applicant, purchasing a second-hand firearm privately, or making a second or more application, it is important to follow the necessary procedures. This article will guide you through the application process, providing helpful information and insights.

New/First Application from the Dealers

If you are a new applicant purchasing a firearm from a dealer, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Copy of the applicant’s ID
• Pol 151 form
• Revenue stamp of N$50-00 for each application
• Proof of safe (receipt or safe inspection by a Police officer)
• Two passport photos
• Purchase receipt of the firearm from the dealer
• Original application (Pol 563) signed by the dealer

Application for a Second Hand Firearm Sold Privately in Namibia

For individuals purchasing a second-hand firearm from a private seller, the following documents are required:

• Copy of the applicant’s ID
• Pol 151 form
• Revenue stamp of N$50-00 for each application
• Proof of safe (receipt or safe inspection by a Police officer)
• Two passport photos
• Statement from the current or license holder stating that they have sold, given, etc., the firearm to the applicant, along with a copy of their ID and license.

Second or More Application

If you are making a second or more application for a firearm license, the following documents are necessary:

• Copy of the applicant’s ID
• Pol 151 form (only when there are grounds to believe that the applicant has committed or was convicted in any of the schedule 1 offenses)
• Revenue stamp of N$50-00 for each application
• Proof of safe (receipt or safe inspection by a Police officer)
• Copies of all licenses possessed

Additional Categories

There are additional categories that require specific documentation and fees. These include:

• Collecting Hunters, Sportspersons, and Security Companies: N$100.00 for a certificate and N$25.00 for each license.
• Dealers (new application/duplicate or temporary licenses): N$250.00
• Duplicate for private/individual licenses (when lost/misplaced or damaged): N$25.00 for each license in the book.

Inheritance or Heirloom

In cases of inheritance or heirloom firearms, the following documents are needed:

• Copy of the applicant’s ID
• Pol 151 form
• Revenue stamp of N$50-00 for each application
• Proof of safe (receipt or safe inspection by a Police officer)
• Two passport photos
• Copy of the deceased’s ID
• Copy of the license(s)
• Copy of the death certificate
• Letter of executor or last will
• Statement from the surviving spouse or three relatives with their ID numbers

Import and Export Permits

For firearms possessed in foreign countries, an import permit is required. The following documents are necessary:

• Proof of purchase of firearm from the dealer or license of such firearm from the country of origin
• Proof of safe receipt or statement from a Police officer
• Valid passport, including the page of the visa

Authorization to Possess a Firearm

If you require authorization to possess a firearm, the following documents are necessary:

• Purchase receipt of the firearm from the dealer or license of such firearm from the country of origin
• Proof of safe receipt or statement from a Police officer
• Valid passport, including the page of the visa

Firearms Bought in a Foreign Country

For firearms purchased in a foreign country, the following documents are required:

• Copy of the applicant’s ID
• Pol 151 form
• Revenue stamp of N$50-00 for each application
• Proof of safe (receipt or safe inspection by a Police officer)
• Two passport photos
• Valuation from at least two different dealers
• Proof of purchase of the firearm
• Dealer’s particulars, date stamp, and signature on page 2 of Pol 563 (only original forms are acceptable)

Completion of Application Forms

It is important to ensure that the application forms are completed accurately. The Pol 563 form, in particular, can be problematic. Here are some important points:

• Page 2 (d): The business address can be where a person is employed, farming, or whether unemployed or a pensioner.
• Page 3 (g): The trade or profession should indicate the position held by the applicant where they held a business, rather than simply stating “businessman” or “self-employed.”

For any further clarification or assistance, you can contact the Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration at Cohen Building, Casino Street, 2nd Floor, East. Their telephone number is +26461-2094389 or 2094390.

Remember, the process of applying for a firearm license in Namibia requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the necessary requirements. By following the steps outlined in this article and providing all the required documents, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Stay safe and responsible in firearm ownership.

Frequently asked questions About Firearm License in Namibia:

Q: What are the requirements for obtaining a gun license in Namibia?
A: Before you can apply for a firearm license, you will need a registered firearm with a serial number, a certified copy of your ID, two passport photos, a motivational letter, a N$50 revenue stamp, and a safe to store your firearm when not in use.

Q: How long does it take to get a firearm license in Namibia?
A: First-time gun owners typically wait between four to six months to receive their firearm license.

Q: What documents are required to apply for a firearm license in Namibia?
A: You will need a valid ID or passport, two passport-size photographs, a competency certificate from the Namibian Police Force or a recognized training institution, a completed firearm license application form, a certificate of medical fitness completed by a medical practitioner, a declaration of income and expenses, and a motivation letter detailing why you need a firearm.

Q: What is the estimated cost of obtaining a firearm license in Namibia?
A: The estimated cost of obtaining a firearm license in Namibia is 50 NAD for the revenue stamp.

Q: What is required in the motivational letter for obtaining a firearm license in Namibia?
A: The motivational letter should state why you need a firearm license, including the crime rate in your area, any personal experiences with crime, the reasons why you need a firearm, and case register numbers of previous robbery incidents.

Q: What are the penalties for violating firearm handling regulations in Namibia?
A: The penalties for violating firearm handling regulations in Namibia include failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the license issued, negligent discharge of a firearm that causes harm to people or property, handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and discharging a firearm in a public place or road except under specific circumstances outlined in the law.

Q: What are the requirements for training for firearm license applicants in Namibia?
A: The Operational Manual, Chapter 13, Section G 3.1 requires that applicants for firearm licenses in Namibia meet the following requirements: physical fitness and competence in handling firearms, and completion of firearms training for the firearm applied for.

Q: How long can an individual possess a firearm without a permit in Namibia?
A: A person who is not under the age of 18 years, disqualified or unfit, may possess an arm for a period not exceeding 21 days with the prior consent of the license holder. After 21 days, a permit must be issued by the Station Commander in the area, which must not exceed 12 months.

Q: What is the process for obtaining a permit to possess a firearm in Namibia?
A: To obtain a permit to possess a firearm in Namibia, you need to apply to the Station Commander in the area.

Q: What is the procedure for inspection on individual firearm license holders in Namibia?
A: To curb crimes in the country, the Namibian police carry out inspections on individual firearm license holders to ensure they comply with the regulations governing firearm handling.

Note: The answers provided are based on the information provided in the content but may require further verification or confirmation.

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