In general, the handling of weapons is regulated by the Federal Weapons Act. These regulations therefore apply throughout Germany.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, there are no authority-specific regulations on weapons law - therefore you will find all basic information and advice on this topic on the state website of the NRW police.
Storage of keys for gun cabinets
The Higher Administrative Court for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (OVG NRW) has specified the legal requirements for the secure storage of keys for gun cabinets with key locks in a ruling that has been legally binding since 23.10.2023 (case no. 20 A 2384/20). The requirements applicable according to this case law can be found in the LKA NRW information sheet dated 08.02.2024, which is available on this page in the download area. The initial application for a firearms permit must therefore be accompanied by appropriate proof of key storage with immediate effect. Without this, there is no suitable proof of safe storage, with the result that the firearms permit cannot be issued.
Answers to frequently asked questions on this topic can be found in the LKA NRW catalog (as of March 2024) in the download area.
Application procedure
Please send your application documents primarily by post to:
The district administrator of the Rheinisch-Bergisch district as the district police authority
ZA 1.1 - Weapons authority
Hauptstraße 1 - 9
51465 Bergisch Gladbach
You can also post your application documents in the silver-colored letterbox in the entrance gate of the Bergisch Gladbach office building. This is emptied every working day so that the documents are available to the weapons authority on the next working day at the latest. Please note that the above-mentioned letterbox is not a deadline letterbox.
We ask you to refrain from inquiring about the receipt of your documents, as this leads to avoidable delays in processing. However, you will not receive a confirmation of receipt. We recommend sending it by registered mail if you require proof of receipt.
Delivery of weapons and ammunition for destruction
Please make an appointment in advance for the delivery of weapons and/or ammunition for destruction.
For further concerns, the contact persons at the weapons authority will be happy to assist you by telephone.
Address and opening hours of the weapons authority
Rheinisch-Bergischer-Kreis district police authority
Direction Central Tasks
Hauptstr. 1-9
51465 Bergisch Gladbach
Fax: 02202 205-585
Email: waffenrecht.gl [at] polizei.nrw.de (waffenrecht[dot]gl[at]polizei[dot]nrw[dot]de)
An appointment for a personal consultation during the service corridors
Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00 and
Mondays to Thursdays from 14:00 to 16:00
is only possible by prior arrangement by telephone.