How to renew hunting gun permits in 2026?

january 16, 2026

If hunting season is just around the corner, renewing your firearm license is like passing your vehicle's technical inspection: without that seal, there's no hunting day. In this guide, I'll explain, step by step, how to renew your hunting firearm license (D or E), the required documentation, deadlines, and how much it will cost you.

To renew your hunting firearm license in 2026, you need a valid psychometric test, personal documentation, proof of fee payment, and to submit your application at your local Weapons Intervention Unit or online via the Electronic Headquarters. The general validity period is five years and may require endorsements based on age. Review official forms and deadlines.

If you also want to get your gear ready for the new season, visit our hunting store.

How to renew your hunting firearm license: a 5-step overview

Here's a summary of the process. Afterwards, we'll go into detail so that the renewal doesn't become an obstacle course.

Book your psychometric test at an authorized center.
Gather your documentation: identification, proof of activity, and forms.
Pay the fees and keep the receipt.
Submit the application: at your local Weapons Intervention Unit or via the Electronic Headquarters.
Receive the resolution and pick up or download your renewed license.

According to the Civil Guard's Electronic Headquarters, the renewal procedures for D and E licenses detail requirements, channels, and accepted documentation.

Documentation for renewing your hunting firearm license: a clear checklist

Organize a folder with these essentials. It will save you back and forth.

Valid identification (DNI, NIE, or passport).
Valid psychophysical aptitude certificate.
Proof of paid fees.
Proof of activity: regional hunting license or shooting federation license, depending on your case.
Official renewal forms (D or E).
Passport-sized photos if your Intervention Unit requests them.

Tip: digitize everything and upload it to the cloud. When you have to renew your hunting firearm license again, you'll be glad you did.

How to renew your Type D hunting firearm license (rifle)

If your primary weapon is a rifled rifle, this is your lane. It involves:

What it covers: large game rifled long guns.
Procedure: psychometric test, fees, and application at your Intervention Unit or via the Electronic Headquarters.
Validity: generally five years; there may be age-based endorsements.
Storage: gun safe or strongbox with ammunition stored separately.

Season trick: if you're chaining together big game drives and stalk hunts in autumn, schedule your psychometric test with enough time to renew your hunting firearm license without being left out just when it matters most.

How to renew your Type E hunting firearm license (shotgun)

For small game or sport shooting with a shotgun, you need an E license. This type of weapon follows a similar structure:

What it covers: hunting shotguns and certain sport shooting weapons.
Procedure: psychometric test, fees, application, and resolution.
Validity: five years, with possible age-based endorsements.
Storage: weapon and ammunition locked up and stored separately.

Practical advice: take advantage of the renewal to check your chokes, hard case, and hearing protection. You'll notice the difference in your performance during the first drives.

Documentation needed to renew your hunting firearm license (in detail)

Psychometric test: vision, hearing, and coordination; make sure it's current on the day of application.
Fees: pay only through official channels and attach the receipt.
Proof of activity: valid regional hunting license or shooting federation card.
Forms: review the version and fields; don't leave signatures until the end.
Administrative inquiries: some are verified ex officio; your Intervention Unit will tell you if you need to provide anything else.

How to renew your hunting firearm license online (fast and organized)

Prefer to do it online? Good. Here's how I usually approach it:

Access the Electronic Headquarters and search for the renewal of your license type (D or E).
Identify yourself and complete the data.
Attach the required documents and pay the fees through the official gateway.
Download the proof of payment and, when applicable, the license in PDF.
Save a copy on your mobile and another in your cloud storage.

Is something getting stuck? Complete the process in person at your Intervention Unit; bring your receipts.

How to renew your hunting firearm license at the counter

If you're more comfortable with paperwork, no problem. To do this:

Make an appointment if your Intervention Unit requires it.
Bring identification, psychometric test results, and proof of paid fees.
Present the forms and check that the data matches your firearms.
Ask about resolution times and how you will be notified.

Simple and without surprises if you have your checklist.

What is the cost of renewing a hunting firearm license?

The million-dollar question. The cost of renewing a hunting firearm license is updated periodically and varies by license and regulations. The safest bet is to check the current amount on the Electronic Headquarters before paying and attach the correct receipt. This will help you avoid refunds and delays.

Set an alarm 60 and 30 days before the expiration date: that way, renewal is a procedure, not a sprint.

Useful mini-checklist for fees:

Review the concept and model.
Pay only through official channels.
Save the receipt in PDF.
Check that the holder and NIF/NIE are correct.

Renewing a firearm license with a hunting license in another community

Do you hunt in several autonomous communities? You can renew your hunting firearm license at the Intervention Unit of your domicile even if your regional hunting license is from another community. The important thing is to prove activity (hunting or shooting) and meet the requirements for D or E licenses.

If you also practice fishing or travel through various regions, consider inter-community licenses according to your schedule, but the central point for renewal is always your resident Intervention Unit.

Deadlines, expiration, and age endorsements

General validity: five years for D and E.
Age endorsements: your Intervention Unit may require them from a certain age.
Expiration: if the date passes, you cannot use the weapon until the situation is regularized.

Golden rule: schedule your psychometric test and payments with plenty of time. This way, renewing your hunting firearm license fits into your hunting schedule.

Errors that delay renewal (and how to avoid them)

Psychometric test expired on the day of application.
Fee with the wrong concept or without an attached receipt.
Outdated proof of activity.
Forms with empty fields or without a signature.
Cutting it close with deadlines and missing out on a big game hunt.

Solution: checklist, digital copies, and two mobile alarms. Renewing your hunting firearm license becomes predictable.

Current sector data: why it's good to be proactive

The 2023 Statistical Yearbook from the Ministry of Interior, published in 2024, compiles the volume of firearm licenses and authorizations and their evolution by province. This official series helps to gauge renewals each year and reinforces the need to renew your hunting firearm license with enough time to avoid coinciding with peak processing periods.

Quick Questions (FAQ)

How far in advance should I start the process?

Between four and eight weeks. This will give you time for the psychometric test, fees, and, if necessary, to make an appointment.

Can I renew my hunting firearm license online?

Yes. The Electronic Headquarters allows you to process, pay, and download receipts. If something doesn't add up, complete it at your Intervention Unit.

Do I need a gun safe if I only use a shotgun?

You must ensure secure storage. For D licenses, a gun safe is standard practice; for E licenses, the weapon and ammunition should be separated and locked up.

What happens if I change my address?

Notify them and process it at the Intervention Unit corresponding to your new residence to renew your hunting firearm license without delays.

Closing and a second push

You now know how to renew your hunting firearm license, what documents to bring, when to pay, and what mistakes to avoid. Now, fine-tune your gear: adjusted scope, case in good condition, regular cleaning. Is there anything else you need to complete the season?

Visit the hunting store and be prepared from the first shot.