Rostock makes gun applications online: easy, fast, safe!

Rostock makes gun applications online: easy, fast, safe!

In Rostock there is now significant relief for everyone who deals with the topic of weapons. From now on, applications for the purchase and possession of weapons and ammunition can be conveniently processed online. For this purpose, the city office has made 23 different services available in a newly implemented online service. This includes, among other things, applying for a small firearms license as well as all the associated firearms ownership cards and the European firearms passport. This modernization could make it easier for many to meet the legal requirements surrounding gun ownership. The Rostock town hall reports that this step was developed under the motto “One for all service” in close cooperation with the Free State of Bavaria and Saarland.

Dr. Chris von Wrycz Rekowski, Senator for Finance, Digitalization and Order, was pleased with the new application conditions. “We are pleased that we can simplify the processes for citizens,” he says. The new service is already used by 80 weapons authorities across Germany, which shows that the initiative is generating great interest. The city administration has published all services on its website, and interested applicants can find out more on the website rostock.de under the section “IDs, registration and certificates”.

Comfortable and legally secure

A real plus is the online application, which guides users through mandatory fields and informative information. Applicants only need a user account in the MV service portal and a Bund.ID to identify themselves using the online identification function of the ID card. Anyone who does not want to or cannot use the electronic ID function must present their ID card or passport when collecting the documents. Important documents such as purchase contracts must be presented in the original. Personal consultations are also possible, but these must be arranged in advance. Those interested can contact the email address Waffen@rostock.de.

There are currently 842 people registered as gun owners in Rostock, who together own a total of 4,458 weapons that require a permit. Last year, 934 applications for firearms permits were submitted there, including around 110 applications for the small firearms license. According to the city administration, the small firearms license is valid indefinitely and allows you to carry certain blank-firing, irritant and signal weapons outside of your own living space. However, it should be noted that carrying these weapons at public events is generally prohibited, as the city explains on its website [rostock.de](https://www.rostock.de/rathaus/online-dienste/kleinen- Waffenschein-beträgeren-124486047.html).

Legal situations and advice

Before you set out to apply for a small firearms license or a firearms ownership card, it is advisable to thoroughly study the applicable rules and regulations of firearms law in advance. In particular, the requirements for applicants are clearly defined: a minimum age of 18 years, proof of personal suitability and reliability as well as the presentation of a specific need are necessary in order to receive a positive decision. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has provided detailed information on this [bka.de](https://www.bka.de/DE/ihresicherheit/RichtigesVerhalten/Waffen/ Waffen_node.html).

Weapon possession and transfer are subject to strict legal restrictions and it is important to obtain the appropriate permits before handling weapons and ammunition. Otherwise, applicants must expect legal consequences in the form of fines or even imprisonment. The city of Rostock is committed to ensuring that these applications are processed in a clear and user-friendly manner and is prepared to offer its citizens the best service.