Frequently asked questions about firearms

This page brings together the most common questions about civilian firearms in Brazil, with short answers based on Lei 10.826/2003, Decreto 11.615/2023 and guidance from the Polícia Federal (Federal Police). Use it as a starting point and go on to the guide for the service you need.

Possession and carry

What is the difference between possession and carry?

Possession (posse) allows you to keep the registered firearm inside your home (or its premises) or at your workplace, if you are the owner or legal manager of the business. Carry (porte) allows you to take the firearm with you outside these places. Carrying is prohibited as a rule and is only granted in the cases provided by law (art. 6 of Lei 10.826/2003) or when the Polícia Federal recognizes an actual need.

Who issues the documents?

The Polícia Federal, through Sinarm (the national firearms registry), issues the CRAF (Certificado de Registro de Arma de Fogo, the firearm registration certificate) and the carry permit. Since July 1, 2025, it also controls the firearms of collectors, sport shooters and hunters (CAC), previously handled by the Exército (Brazilian Army). Psychological aptitude and technical capacity reports are issued by psychologists and instructors accredited by the Polícia Federal.

Requirements

What are the requirements to buy a firearm?

Under art. 15 of Decreto 11.615/2023:

• minimum age of 25;
• ID document;
• concrete proof of actual need (it is not presumed);
• criminal record certificates from the Federal, State, Military and Electoral Courts, for the places of residence in the last five years;
• proof of lawful occupation and of residence;
• proof of technical capacity, issued by an accredited instructor;
• psychological aptitude report, issued by an accredited psychologist;
• statement that you have a safe or secure place with a lock and that you will prevent access by anyone under 18.

How many firearms can I own for personal defense?

Up to two firearms, proving actual need for each purchase, and up to 50 rounds per firearm per year (art. 15, § 2, of Decreto 11.615/2023).

Validity and renewal

How long is the registration valid?

Under art. 24 of Decreto 11.615/2023, the CRAF is valid for five years for possession and three years for CACs. Renewal must be requested before expiry.

What happens if the registration expires?

The owner is notified electronically to, within 60 days, renew, transfer the firearm or surrender it to the Polícia Federal. If nothing is done, a revocation procedure is opened, with seizure of the firearm (art. 26 of Decreto 11.615/2023).

Costs

How much does it cost?

According to the Polícia Federal table: registration, renewal and a duplicate registration cost R$ 88,00; issuing or renewing a carry permit, R$ 1.466,68. For CACs, granting the CR (Certificado de Registro, the CAC registration certificate) costs R$ 100,00 for individuals. The psychological report, shooting test and certificates are paid separately, to professionals or registry offices.

Do I need a despachante?

No. Any application can be made by the person themselves, online. Despachantes (paperwork agents) and lawyers are optional.

Inheritance and unregistered firearms

I inherited a firearm. What should I do?

The estate administrator must report the death to the Polícia Federal within 90 days. Then, they can transfer the firearm to an heir who meets the requirements (with a court order or authorization from the heirs) or surrender it to the Polícia Federal in exchange for compensation. Until then, the firearm stays stored in a safe place (art. 29 of Decreto 11.615/2023).

I have an unregistered firearm. Can I regularize it?

The safe route is voluntary surrender: anyone can surrender a firearm, registered or not, at any time. Good faith is presumed and liability for the irregular possession of that firearm is extinguished (art. 32 of Lei 10.826/2003). See the voluntary surrender guide.

Transport

Can I take my firearm from one place to another?

Only with the proper document: guia de trânsito (transit permit, for personal defense) or guia de tráfego (traffic permit, for CACs), with the firearm unloaded and packed, on the authorized route. Having possession does not authorize taking the firearm out on the street.

Can a CAC transport a firearm on election day?

No. Decreto 12.345/2024 prohibited CACs from transporting firearms and ammunition on election day and in the 24 hours before and after, in all municipalities, and prohibited shooting clubs from operating during that period.

Recent changes

• July 1, 2025: control of CAC firearms moved from the Exército to the Polícia Federal.
• December 23, 2025: IN DG/PF 322/2025 kept a ten-year validity for CAC CRs issued while Decreto 9.846/2019 was in force.
• March 24, 2026: Lei 15.358/2026 increased by two thirds the penalty for firearm crimes linked to drug trafficking.
• April 2026: staggered schedule for renewal of CAC CRAFs issued before July 21, 2023.
• 2026: launch of Portal PF for CAC applications.

Disclaimer

This guide is for information only and does not replace the official text of the rules or advice from a professional. Rules change often: before any application, check the current version of Lei 10.826/2003 (Estatuto do Desarmamento, the Disarmament Statute), Decreto 11.615/2023 (with the amendments of Decreto 12.345/2024) and the Polícia Federal normative instructions, such as IN DG/PF 201/2021 and IN DG/PF 311/2025 (amended by IN DG/PF 322/2025).