Can I own a hunting weapon?
It depends: you can own a hunting weapon only if you meet the legal conditions and get authorisation. Under Law 295/2004, for a hunting weapon (a lethal weapon) you must: be at least 18; have no conviction for intentional crimes; not be under judicial interdiction or guardianship; present a favourable psychological evaluation from an authorised psychologist (issued no more than 12 months earlier); a medical certificate showing no incompatible conditions; and have completed a theoretical and practical training course. You must also justify a legitimate purpose (hunting). The complete file is filed at the police inspectorate. The psychological evaluation assesses emotional stability, impulsivity and the ability to discern under stress. In short: yes, but only after you pass all the conditions and get the weapon permit.
📋 The rules
- Minimum age 18 (21 for defence weapons)
- No convictions for intentional crimes
- Favourable psychological evaluation (max 12 months old)
- Medical certificate and completed training course
- Justified legitimate purpose (hunting) + file at the police
🔓 Exceptions
- Lethal defence weapons: minimum age 21
- People under judicial interdiction/guardianship: excluded
- Psychological evaluation older than 12 months: not valid
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Owning or carrying a lethal weapon without a permit (or with an expired one) is a crime, punished with imprisonment under Law 295/2004 and the Penal Code, and the weapon is confiscated. The same applies to using the weapon for purposes other than authorised, or breaching storage rules (safe, security conditions). To stay compliant: get the psychological and medical evaluations, complete the training course, file the dossier at the police inspectorate and justify a legitimate purpose. After getting the permit, store the weapon safely, observe the transport and carrying rules, and renew the authorisation on time. Any departure from the regime can lead to the permit being withdrawn and to criminal liability.
📎 Official sources
- Law 295/2004 on the regime of arms and ammunition →
- Romanian Police · weapon permits →
- Penal Code · arms regime →
❓ Frequently asked
Who can get a hunting weapon permit?
A person at least 18, with no conviction for intentional crimes, not under judicial interdiction or guardianship, who presents a favourable psychological evaluation and medical certificate, has completed a training course and justifies a legitimate purpose, such as hunting. The file is filed at the police inspectorate.
What is the psychological evaluation for a weapon?
It's an evaluation issued by an authorised psychologist, which must show you're fit to own, carry and use lethal weapons and ammunition. It assesses emotional stability, impulsivity and the ability to discern under stress, and must be issued no more than 12 months before filing the application.
What documents do I need for the permit?
You need the favourable psychological evaluation, the medical certificate showing no incompatible conditions, proof of completing the theoretical and practical course, documents justifying the legitimate purpose (hunting) and the complete file filed at the police inspectorate. The exact requirements are set out in Law 295/2004 and its application rules.
What do I risk owning a weapon without a permit?
Owning or carrying a lethal weapon without a permit, or with an expired one, is a crime, punished with imprisonment under Law 295/2004 and the Penal Code, and the weapon is confiscated. The same applies to using the weapon for purposes other than authorised, or breaching the safe-storage rules.
How must the hunting weapon be stored?
The weapon must be stored safely, usually in a safe or special cabinet, separate from the ammunition, to prevent unauthorised access. Breaching the storage and security rules can bring sanctions and even withdrawal of the permit. The transport and carrying of the weapon must also observe the conditions set by law.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “hunting weapon permit conditions”
- “psychological evaluation weapon permit”
- “weapon permit documents 2026”
- “law 295/2004 lethal weapons”
- “owning weapon without permit crime”
- “weapon training course hunting”