In Ukraine, it is entirely legal to own certain types of civilian weapons, particularly traumatic weapons. These self-defense weapons are considered non-lethal, but if used improperly, they can also cause serious harm. For this reason, the state strictly regulates the acquisition, storage, and carrying of such weapons. Purchasing them without official permission is illegal, and violating established rules entails administrative or criminal liability.
In this article, we will discuss how to obtain a permit for a traumatic weapon, who is eligible, how long it takes, and the cost of registration.
The procedure for acquiring, storing, and using traumatic weapons in Ukraine is determined by Order No. 622 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine dated August 21, 1998. Section II, Chapter 8 of this document provides a list of the types of weapons subject to the mandatory permit system. It states that only pneumatic weapons with a caliber of up to 4.5 mm and a projectile velocity of no more than 100 m/s are permitted to be purchased without special documents.
So, is a permit required for a traumatic weapon in Ukraine? Yes, it is, since it does not fall into the specified category. Possession of a traumatic weapon without the appropriate documents is considered a violation of current legislation. In such cases, administrative sanctions are imposed, and under certain circumstances, criminal liability is also possible.
You’re probably wondering who can obtain a license for a traumatic weapon in Ukraine. Permits to purchase, store, and carry them are issued only to citizens of the country who have reached the age of 21 and who fall into certain categories specified by law. Persons who may apply for a permit include:
Therefore, an ordinary citizen who does not belong to any of the categories stipulated by law cannot obtain a permit for a traumatic weapon in Ukraine. This right is granted exclusively to individuals whose professional activities or legal status involve a high level of risk or the performance of security functions.
Even if a complete set of documents is submitted, a permit for a traumatic weapon may be denied. Most often, this is due to the fact that the person:
These grounds are unconditional and are not subject to appeal under the standard permitting procedure.
The procedure for registering a traumatic weapon in Ukraine requires obtaining two separate licenses. The first is a permit to purchase a traumatic weapon. An application for this is processed by the territorial offices of the National Police of Ukraine within 30 calendar days.
After receiving the purchase permit, the applicant has up to three months to actually purchase the traumatic pistol. After this, they must reapply to the police for a license to store and carry weapons. This application is typically processed within 15 calendar days.
Therefore, from the time of submitting the initial application to receiving the license to store and carry traumatic weapons, it takes approximately one to two months. The exact timeframe depends on the speed of document processing and the applicant’s activity.
Obtaining a permit involves several mandatory expenses. How much does a license for a non-lethal weapon cost? Let’s calculate it together. First, you must undergo a medical examination and obtain the relevant certificate. Depending on the region and medical facility, this typically costs between 500 and 800 hryvnias.
The next expense is mandatory training in the safe handling of weapons and their equipment. These courses are conducted by accredited organizations, and their cost in 2025 ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 hryvnias. State fees for processing applications are paid separately. A permit to purchase a non-lethal weapon costs 51.9 hryvnias, while a permit to store and carry it costs 54 hryvnias.
Civil liability insurance for the gun owner is also mandatory. Its cost depends on the insurance company and the terms of the contract, but on average it ranges from 300 to 700 hryvnia. Another significant expense is a safe or metal cabinet for storing weapons. The minimum price for simple models starts at around 2,000 hryvnia, while more reliable options can be significantly more expensive.
The procedure for obtaining a license for a traumatic weapon in Ukraine consists of several mandatory steps. Let’s look at each of them in more detail.
The first step in obtaining a permit for a traumatic weapon is a mandatory medical examination. This can be completed at a state medical institution or a private clinic with the appropriate license.
The examination involves consultations with several specialized specialists. The applicant must visit:
After passing the commission, a medical certificate of the established form 127/o is issued, which is valid for one year. To obtain it, you must have a passport and two photographs measuring 3 x 4 cm. Men must also provide a military ID or equivalent document.
One of the requirements for obtaining a traumatic weapon permit is to undergo special training in the weapon’s hardware and safe handling rules. Such courses are held at certified training centers or shooting ranges in Lviv. Upon completion, you must pass a qualification exam confirming your level of training. Upon successful completion, you will receive a corresponding certificate, which is then submitted to the police department along with the rest of your documents.
The next step is equipping a storage area for your traumatic weapon. This requires installing a special gun safe that meets the requirements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It must be made of metal, have a secure lock, and be firmly attached to a supporting structure (wall or floor). The safe should be placed in a location where only the gun owner and authorized persons have access.
After installing the safe, it is inspected by a local police officer. Based on the inspection results, a corresponding report is drawn up and a certificate is issued confirming that the storage conditions meet the established requirements.
As already noted, to legally acquire, store, and carry a traumatic pistol in Ukraine, you must obtain two separate licenses. The first is a permit to acquire a weapon, which is obtained before purchase, and the second is a permit to store and carry a pistol, which is obtained after the pistol is purchased. Both procedures are carried out by the territorial divisions of the National Police of Ukraine at the applicant’s place of residence.
What documents are required to obtain a license for a traumatic weapon? The applicant must prepare and submit to the police:
If the owner fails to submit documents for license renewal within the prescribed period, it is considered expired and invalid. In such a situation, the National Police has the right to revoke the documents and require the surrender of the non-lethal weapon until the permit is reissued.
Possession of a non-lethal weapon without a valid permit in Ukraine is considered a violation of the law and can have serious legal consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the individual may be subject to administrative or criminal liability.
Administrative liability applies in cases where the violation does not constitute a criminal offense. According to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, illegal possession or carrying of traumatic weapons without proper permission may result in a fine of 7-14 times the non-taxable minimum income. In addition to the fine, the law also provides for possible confiscation of the weapon.
Criminal liability applies in more serious cases, for example, if the illegal possession, transportation, or sale of traumatic weapons is accompanied by aggravating circumstances, repeated violations, or the actual use of the weapon. In such situations, according to Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, an individual may face imprisonment for a term of 3 to 7 years, a fine of up to 2,000 non-taxable minimum incomes, or correctional labor for up to two years. At the same time, the law provides for the possibility of exemption from criminal liability if a person voluntarily surrenders a weapon to the police before the pre-trial investigation begins.
In addition to the basic sanctions, additional measures may be applied to the offender, including:
Therefore, if you plan to own a traumatic weapon and are legally permitted to do so, the only correct course of action is to obtain all the necessary documents. This will protect you from serious legal consequences.
Despite clearly defined regulations, many misconceptions still exist surrounding traumatic weapons in Ukraine. Some of them arise from a misunderstanding of the law. These myths most often result in fines and serious legal problems. Therefore, we would like to examine the most common ones and explain why they are completely unfounded:
These erroneous opinions often lead to fines, confiscation of weapons, or even criminal liability. Therefore, it is worth remembering that in Ukraine, there are no traumatic weapons that do not require a permit. If you want to become its owner, be guided not by rumors, but by legal requirements.
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