How to become a gunsmith in Brazil: course, PF license and requirements

To work as a gunsmith in Brazil, a course is not enough: you need a license from the Federal Police (Polícia Federal, PF). The PF inspects the workshop and requires a psychological report, clean record certificates and a technical assessment by a PF instructor. The license is free, is issued within up to 90 days and is valid for 5 years, according to the official service page on gov.br.

Note: this text is for information only and is based on PF Ordinance No. 2259/2011-DG/DPF (Portaria 2259/2011), which the PF listed as the rule for this service on October 19, 2026. It does not teach how to repair or modify firearms.

What is a gunsmith under the law?

A gunsmith (armeiro) is the professional qualified to perform maintenance and repair of firearms. Law 10.826/2003 (Lei 10.826/2003, the Disarmament Statute) gives Sinarm, the PF firearms system, the task of registering active gunsmiths and granting their licenses (art. 2). Decree 11.615/2023 (Decreto 11.615/2023) also requires gunsmiths and their licenses to be registered in Sinarm (art. 7, I).

Under Ordinance No. 2259/2011, "the practice of the gunsmith activity is subject to a license issued by the Federal Police" (art. 1).

Does a gunsmith course replace the license?

No. An optional gunsmith course helps you learn the trade, but it does not authorize anyone to work. The technical proficiency required for the license is proven in an assessment carried out by a PF firearms and shooting instructor, appointed by the National Firearms Service (Serviço Nacional de Armas) (art. 2, § 1, of Ordinance 2259).

This assessment certifies:

• knowledge of firearm concepts and safety rules;
• knowledge of firearm components and parts;
• handling, assembly and disassembly of a revolver, pistol, carbine and shotgun.

What are the requirements for a gunsmith license?

Under the official service page and art. 2 of Ordinance 2259:

• minimum age of 25, except for the cases in art. 28 of Law 10.826;
• ID, CPF (Brazilian taxpayer number) and a 3x4 photo;
• proof of permanent residence issued within the last 60 days;
• clean record certificates from the Federal, State, Military and Electoral Courts, and a statement that you are not under criminal investigation or prosecution;
• the company's articles of incorporation or, for self-employed workers, municipal registration;
• a psychological fitness report from a psychologist accredited by the PF;
• a Registration Certificate (CR) from the Army, only if the gunsmith will use controlled products.

On the CR, the PF cites Legal Opinion No. 14099668/2020: a gunsmith may be accredited without an Army CR "as long as they do not use controlled products". Anyone who will use them must obtain the CR from the Army.

Learn what the report involves in psychological assessment for a firearm.

What must the workshop be like?

The PF inspects the workshop before granting the license and may carry out unannounced inspections later (art. 1). Ordinance 2259 requires:

• customers' firearms stored, never on display, in a secure cabinet or compartment, separate from ammunition, with devices that prevent immediate use, such as chains, locks or trigger locks;
• protected entrances, with metal bars on doors, windows and openings, and devices such as alarms, cameras or electronic locks;
• ammunition and other controlled products stored according to Army rules.

If the inspection finds problems, the PF may grant up to 60 days to fix them (art. 1, § 5).

What is the license process, step by step?

1. Gather the documents and the PF's own form.
2. Apply for registration in person at a PF unit. The document review is expected to take up to 30 business days.
3. Receive the workshop inspection, also expected within up to 30 business days.
4. Take the technical assessment scheduled by the firearms control office.
5. Wait for the decision. The total estimated time is up to 90 calendar days.

The service is free, according to the official page.

How long is a gunsmith license valid?

5 years, under Ordinance 2259 (art. 2, § 3) and the official page. The gunsmith must apply for renewal personally.

What are the obligations of a licensed gunsmith?

• Control book: record the entry and exit of each firearm, with the owner's name and CPF, serial number, caliber, service and dates, in a book with numbered and initialed pages (art. 3).
• Permits at the workshop: keep the permits that authorized transporting the firearm to the workshop. For carry permit holders, a copy of the permit is enough (art. 3, § 1). For CACs (collectors, sport shooters and hunters), see how to issue the transit permit, which has a specific purpose for repair by a gunsmith.
• Unregistered firearm: do not service a firearm that is unregistered or lacks documents, and notify the PF immediately (art. 4).
• Reloading prohibited: the gunsmith may not reload ammunition or own equipment for it (art. 5).

For firearm owners, basic everyday maintenance is covered in how to clean a pistol safely. Repairs and adjustments are for a licensed gunsmith.

Next step

Before investing in a workshop, read the whole of Ordinance 2259, including the annex with inspection criteria, and contact the PF firearms control office in your region. See also the gunsmith license guide and the professionals directory.