Contact options
The weapons authority ZA 12 is available to you in writing, by e-mail and by telephone.
In principle, all matters relating to weapons law can be dealt with in writing or by e-mail. This applies in particular to the registration and deregistration of firearms and the application for firearms licenses. As a rule, there is no need to appear in person.
If a personal meeting should be necessary in individual cases, the responsible employee will arrange an appropriate appointment with you. We ask for your understanding that, for organizational reasons, no visits are possible without an appointment.
Notes on the small firearms licence
The Cologne police are currently receiving numerous applications for the issue of a small firearms licence. Many of these applications are made by citizens who do not live in Cologne or Leverkusen. The Cologne police would like to point out that applications for a small firearms license in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia must be submitted to the local police authority (place of residence). Submitting an application to a police authority other than the one where you live will delay the processing of the application.
You can find an overview of the police authorities and how to contact them on the state website of the NRW police.
Information on firing pyrotechnics (e.g. on New Year's Eve)
Firing pyrotechnics with alarm or signal weapons is not permitted even if you are in possession of a "small firearms license". In addition, the carrying of any weapons (even with a small firearms license) is prohibited at public events - including large New Year's Eve events.
General information on weapons law can be found on the state website of the NRW police.
In the download area, we provide you with forms that you will need if you want to submit an application to your Cologne police department regarding weapons law.
You can reach us by email at za12.koeln [at] polizei.nrw.de (ZA12[dot]koeln[at]polizei[dot]nrw[dot]de) or by telephone on 0221 229-0.