Firearms license

A firearms license (also known as a gun license; or licence in British English) is a license or permit issued by a government authority (typically by the police) of a jurisdiction, that allows the licensee to buy, own, possess, or carry a firearm, often subject to a number of conditions or restrictions, especially with regard to storage requirements or the completion of a firearms safety course, as well as background checks, etc.

Additionally, some countries or states may require by law a "permit-to-purchase" in order to buy handguns or firearms.

Some jurisdictions may require a firearm license to own a firearm, to engage in hunting, target shooting or collecting, or to carry a concealed firearm, or operate a business (such as being a gun dealer or a gunsmith).

Some jurisdictions may require separate licenses for rifles, shotguns or handguns.

For example, gun laws in Australia require firearms to be registered by serial number to the owner, who holds a firearm licence.