Register as a non-restricted firearms dealer

This is a general registration to deal in all non-restricted firearms and ammunition. This category includes paintball operators.

The definition of a non-restricted firearm is provided for in S.I. No. 21/2008 - Firearms (Restricted Firearms and Ammunition) Order 2008 and S.I. No. 337/2009 - Firearms (Restricted Firearms and Ammunition) (Amendment) Order 2009.

There is a separate category of registration for dealers who only trade in the sale and purchase of ammunition for shotguns, unrifled airguns, and rifled firearms of a calibre not exceeding .22 inches only. The fee for registration as an ammunition only dealer is €75 for 3 years.

Non-restricted firearms dealers who wish trade in restricted firearms may apply for an authorisation to deal in such firearms. The fee for this authorisation is €500 for 3 years.

The fee is €1,000 for 3 years.

Fill in the form below and return lodge it with the Garda sergeant of the sub-district where you reside. They will conduct a suitability report on your character and make a Crime Prevention Report on the location from which you intend to trade.

Both reports will be forwarded to the Minister for Justice for a decision, which will be sent to you in writing. If the Minister’s decision is positive, you may start the building work in order to comply with the recommendations of your Crime Prevention Officer.

Once everything is in order, you will then be required to pay the registration fee as above.

Note: You cannot become a registered firearms dealer if you are disentitled to be registered under the Firearms Acts. The following persons are declared to be disentitled to be registered under section 9 the Firearms Act 1925 as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006:

(a) a person under the age of 21 years

(b) a person of unsound mind;

(c) a person who has been sentenced to imprisonment for an offence under the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2006, the Offences against the State Acts 1939 to 1998 or the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005;

(d) a person who is bound by a recognisance to keep the peace or be of good behaviour, a condition of which is that the person shall not possess, use or carry a firearm or ammunition.

Before you can be registered you will have to satisfy the Minister for Justice that you are immediately about to carry on business as a firearms dealer in the State in premises suitable for that purpose. You should clarify planning permission requirements with your local authority. In considering any such application for registration the Minister shall have regard to the character of the applicant, and generally to the public safety and preservation of the peace.