How to Apply for a Personal Gun License

Rishyon Klei Yeriya Prati

רישיון כלי ירייה פרטי

The main Government site for submitting an application for a gun license can be found here.

Process Overview

• You can watch the process video guide in Hebrew for an overview
• Before applying for a gun license, it is recommended to see if you meet the eligibility criteria to apply. Eligibility does not guarantee receiving a license
• Please note that you must have a basic command of Hebrew to the extent that you can have a basic conversation, follow instructions, read rules and regulations and register correctly upon request
• If you meet the above criteria you then to need to prepare the following documents to attach to your application:
  • Health declaration signed by a family doctor
  • Copy of your Teudat Zehut – תעודת זהות – ID card and Sefach – ספח – appendix
  • Proof of Sherut Leumi – Ezrachi – שירות לאומי אזרחי – National Civic Service or exemption from service
  • Proof of IDF service (using Chrome browser)
  • Additional documents supporting the application data. For the list of criteria and supporting documents, see Hebrew here
  • Complete the online application

Step 1 - Apply Online

• You must fill out the application form for a private firearm license, attach the required documents, and submit them online
• The application is submitted after identification in the national identification system, and provides a personalized service after a short, one-time registration, with maximum security that protects against fraud and identity theft
• After submitting the application, a text message will be sent with the application number, processing times, and further instructions

Step 2 - Fee Payment

• Payment must be made via the Government Payment Service site (Hebrew) or at the postal bank (for renewal).
• You can view the current fees – here.
• Reserve soldiers are eligible for a 50% discount on the total license fee, upon presenting a certificate that entitles them to the discount. See the ‘Miluim’ website for more information

After Submitting the Application

• After checking the application’s validity, eligibility for an interview exemption will be determined, or a text message will be sent with a link to schedule a personal phone interview.
• After the interview, eligibility for “conditional approval” will be reviewed.

Step 3 - Firearms Proficiency Tests

• You must go to a licensed shooting range with the payment confirmation, a copy of the health declaration, and the conditional approval, and undergo training with a weapon identical to the one you wish to purchase.
• The training duration is 4.5 hours, and it includes:
  
  • Theoretical training – including a written exam (a passing score is 70%)
  • Anyone who does not pass the theoretical exam successfully will not be able to take the Practical Shooting exam
  • Practical training – shooting practice of 80 rounds, at the end of which a qualification test of 20 rounds will be held (a passing score is 70%)
  • Anyone who does not meet the training program requirements is allowed to undergo the training process again
  • If you complete the training and pass all the tests, your approval is valid for a period of three months from the date of your training

Fast-Tracked Training

• A person with prior knowledge and training in operating a handgun can receive approval for undergoing fast-tracked testing in one of the following cases:
  • Served in a security organization; you must present approval of prior knowledge and training signed by a licensed shooting range
  • Completed training at a licensed shooting range in the three years preceding the application, and the training was reported to the government
  • If the training was not reported, you must contact the shooting range to obtain confirmation and approval for this training.
• The training duration is two hours, and it includes:
  
  • Theoretical training – including a written exam (a passing score is 70%).
  • Practical training – shooting practice of 20 rounds, at the end of which a qualification test of 10 rounds will be held (a passing score is 70%).

Step 4 - Purchasing a Firearm

• When purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer – the transfer of ownership, receiving the weapon and ammunition, and obtaining a license will be done by the dealer
• When purchasing a firearm from a private individual – the government licensing department allows the submission of a bill of sale, without the need to go to a licensing officer, provided that the seller and buyer complete and sign the bill of sale and have it signed by a lawyer
• You can view the following video for more information about the buying and selling process
• To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, upon purchasing a weapon you must install a home safe to store the firearm in. Watch here for instructions on installing a home safe

Receiving Your License

Within 90 days of the transfer of ownership, a license card will be sent to the updated mailing address registered in the Firearm Licensing Department.