Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Strazzari, Francesco and Francesca Zampagni. 2018 ‘Firearms Licences - Italy.’ Between Organised Crime and Terrorism: Illicit Firearms Actors and Market Dynamics In Italy, pp. 243-244. Brussels: Flemish Peace Institute. 1 January
Relevant contents
Two kinds of authorisation are needed to legally purchase firearms:
1. An 'authorisation to purchase' (nulla osta all'acquisto e detenzione) allows the holder to purchase and own a firearm, but not to carry or use it. It is valid for 30 days and for only one purchase. An authorisation to purchase is also needed to inherit firearms from a deceased estate.
2. A licence to carry (licenza di porto d'armi) allows more purchases until the expiry date. It is valid for one year (for concealed carrying) or six years (for sports shooting and hunting).
The local police headquarters (questura) issue both authorisations. To obtain either type of licence, an applicant must be 18 or older, and provide proof of service in the armed forces or police, or a certificate of his/her ability to handle weapons (usually issued by a national sports shooting club). This documentation must not have been obtained more than ten years before the application is made. Finally, the applicant must have a clean criminal record (as verified by the police) and must not be mentally ill or be a known abuser of or addicted to alcohol or illegal drugs.