How to get a gun carry permit in Brazil in 2026: requirements, costs and steps

To get a gun carry permit (porte de arma) in Brazil in 2026, you apply online to the Federal Police (Polícia Federal, PF) and must prove an effective need (efetiva necessidade), based on a high-risk professional activity or a threat to your physical safety. You also need a registered firearm, criminal record certificates, a psychological assessment and a technical capability test. The R$ 1,466.68 (Brazilian reais) fee is paid only if the application is approved, and the permit is valid for up to 5 years.

Warning: the carry permit is an exceptional and discretionary authorization from the PF. Meeting the document list does not guarantee approval. This text is for information only and does not replace legal advice or the Federal Police.

What is a carry permit?

A carry permit is the authorization to carry a firearm on your person, concealed, outside your home or workplace. It is different from firearm ownership (home possession, posse), which only allows keeping the firearm at home or at work. See the difference in firearm ownership and carry.

Decree 11.615/2023 (Decreto 11.615/2023) defines the self-defense carry permit as an "exceptional authorization, by grant and registration with the Federal Police, to move about with the firearm in a concealed manner" (article 2, XXXII).

The permit "is personal, non-transferable and revocable at any time and is valid only for the firearm specified in it" (article 48 of the decree).

Who can get a federal carry permit?

The federal carry permit for permitted-use firearms is granted by the PF under article 10 of Law 10.826/2003 (the Disarmament Statute). The applicant must:

• demonstrate effective need based on a high-risk professional activity or a threat to physical safety (article 10, paragraph 1, I);
• meet the requirements of article 4 of the law: good standing, lawful occupation, fixed address, psychological fitness and technical capability;
• own a firearm registered in Sinarm, the national firearms system (article 10, paragraph 1, III).

Law 10.826 prohibits anyone under 25 from buying a firearm (article 28), with exceptions for some categories. Since the permit requires a registered firearm of your own, in practice an ordinary citizen must be at least 25.

What is effective need?

It is the concrete reason why you need to carry a firearm. The official page of the Obter Porte de Arma de Fogo service asks for a statement with "a detailed description of the factual circumstances faced, the activities performed and the applicant's personal criteria".

Each justification needs documentary proof, except for public and well-known facts. A profession alone is not enough: each application is reviewed case by case. There are bills on carry permits by profession, but none has become law; see what is a bill and what is in force.

Which documents does the PF require for a carry permit?

The list below comes from the official service page, updated on July 24, 2026:

• dated and signed application;
• documentary proof of each effective need justification;
• identity document and CPF (Brazilian taxpayer number);
• clean criminal record certificates from the Federal, State, Military and Electoral Courts;
• proof of lawful occupation;
• proof of permanent residence (if it is in someone else's name, attach that person's statement and a copy of their ID);
• psychological fitness report from a psychologist accredited by the PF;
• proof of technical capability with a revolver and a pistol, from an instructor accredited by the PF.

Both reports must be no more than 1 year old, counted from the assessment date. The PF office may request other documents and schedule an appointment.

In the form, you also state that you are not under police investigation or criminal prosecution.

To find accredited psychologists and instructors, use the professionals directory.

How much does a carry permit cost in 2026?

The cost has three parts with amounts set by law or regulation: the PF fee and the legal caps for the two assessments. The table uses amounts checked on October 19, 2026.

Under article 11-A, paragraph 3, of Law 10.826, an accredited professional who charges more than these amounts may lose PF accreditation.

Registering the firearm (CRAF, the Firearm Registration Certificate) costs R$ 88.00 in the PF table, if the firearm is not yet registered in your name.

How to get a carry permit, step by step

1. Have the firearm registered in your name in Sinarm.
2. Take the psychological assessment and the technical capability test with professionals accredited by the PF.
3. Gather certificates and proofs and the evidence of effective need.
4. Open the PF electronic form with a silver or gold gov.br account (the Brazilian government login) and fill in the application. The official page estimates 20 minutes for this step.
5. Attach all documents. Uploading through the system is mandatory. If you do not attach them at the end, return through the "consultar andamento de processo" page.
6. Track the process on the same page. The PF estimates up to 60 calendar days.
7. Pay the GRU (federal payment slip) only after approval. The fee link appears on the tracking page.
8. Print the permit. After payment, it is available for printing within 5 business days.

If the system shows an error, the PF advises writing to suporte.cgarm.dpa@pf.gov.br with screenshots, name, CPF and application number.

Read also: the self-defense carry permit guide.

How long is the permit valid and how is it renewed?

The permit is valid for up to 5 years, according to the official page. There is no renewal or extension: near the expiry date, you must file a new application, under article 36 of IN No. 201/2021-DG/PF (a PF Normative Instruction).

The PF also warns: "There is no firearm carry permit with an application receipt". In other words, the receipt of a new application does not replace the permit.

Where can I not go armed, even with a permit?

Under article 51 of Decree 11.615, holders of a self-defense carry permit cannot carry the firearm in plain view or enter or stay armed in:

• churches;
• schools;
• stadiums;
• clubs;
• bank branches;
• other places where people gather for events of any kind.

A violation leads to revocation of the permit and seizure of the firearm. The permit also loses effect if the holder is stopped while drunk or under the influence of drugs (article 10, paragraph 2, of Law 10.826).

The permit must be shown together with an identity document and a valid CRAF. A change of address and the theft, robbery or loss of the firearm must be reported to the PF (article 50 of the decree).

Next step

Before spending on assessments, write down your effective need justification and check what documentary evidence you have. If it is weak, talk to a lawyer before applying.