Types of hunting weapon licenses in Spain in 2026

january 16, 2026

If you are preparing for the season, choosing the right license is like picking the correct key to unlock your legal hunting ground: it allows you to enter, move safely, and enjoy without incident. Here I clarify doubts about the types of hunting weapon licenses, requirements, validity, and steps to have everything in order.

In 2026, the types of hunting weapon licenses that matter to hunters are D (big game rifles) and E (shotguns and sport shooting weapons). They require a psychophysical examination, theoretical-practical tests, and proper storage; their general validity is usually five years.

Ready to go out into the mountains with everything? Renew your case, optics, and accessories at the hunting store.

Types of weapon licenses in Spain: 2026 overview

To give you an idea, these are the most common license groups, focusing on hunting weapon license types:

A: military professional use (not applicable to hunting).
B: handgun for personal security (exceptional regime).
C: private security.
D: long-barreled rifled weapons for big game hunting (your rifle).
E: hunting shotguns and sport shooting weapons (small game and sport modalities).
F: federated sport shooting with short/long weapons on a range/gallery.

As you can see, among the types of hunting weapon licenses, the ones you will actually use are D and E. This distinction simplifies the decision: rifle (D) or shotgun and other small game weapons (E).

According to the Guardia Civil, both permits require valid psychophysical aptitudes, proficiency tests, accreditation of the activity, and secure storage of the weapon and ammunition.

Different types of weapon licenses in Spain for hunting: D vs E

The choice is simpler than it seems: think about 80% of your hunting days. That answer almost always decides between hunting weapon license types D and E.

Hunting weapon license type D (big game)

If your season revolves around big game drives, stalks, or waits with a rifled rifle, this is your lane.

What it covers

Long-barreled rifled weapons of category 2.ª.2 (common big game rifles).
Limit of weapons covered by license set by regulations (with specific storage requirements in a gun cabinet).

Frequent requirements

Be of legal age and reside in Spain.
Valid psychophysical aptitude certificate.
Pass proficiency tests (theoretical on the Weapons Regulation and practical on a range/gallery).
Accredit dedication to hunting (autonomous hunting license).
Provide administrative documentation (DNI, criminal record certificates, and fees).
Storage in a homologated gun cabinet/safe (mandatory for rifles).

Validity and endorsements

General validity 5 years.
After a certain age, periodic endorsement (e.g., every 3 years >67) through examination or complementary tests.

This entire block summarizes what the Guardia Civil itself details in its official procedure for the D license (requirements, validity, tests, and storage).

When to choose it

If your priority is big game hunting with a rifle and you need precision, power, and range.
If your team practices waits or stalks and you want to be legally covered with the appropriate types of hunting weapon licenses.

Practical advice
Think about the logistics: with D, the gun cabinet is not an extra, it's part of the system. Calculate space, anchoring, and ammunition separation to comply without stress.

Weapon license for hunting type E (shotguns and sport shooting)

When your schedule is driven hunting, small game, federated pest control, or clay shooting, the natural fit is E.

What it covers

Hunting shotguns (category 3.ª) and sport shooting weapons (includes certain weapons of 7.ª.2 and 7.ª.3).
Total limit of weapons per license (overall limit defined by regulations for this license).

Frequent requirements

Legal age and residence in Spain.
Psychophysical certificate.
Proficiency tests (theoretical + practical).
Accredit hunting or sport activity (autonomous or federative license).
Administrative documentation and fees.

Validity and endorsements

Validity 5 years with the possibility of periodic endorsements after a certain age.

Storage and transport

Store weapons and ammunition separately and under lock and key at home, or deposit them in authorized facilities.

The Guardia Civil covers this entire framework (what E covers, tests, validity, and storage) in its E license sheet and its general information on weapon control.

When to choose it

If you primarily hunt small game with a shotgun or combine hunting with trap/skeet.
If you move through hunting grounds where quick shooting and swinging are everything.

Pro tip
If you're torn between D and E, think about which weapon you'll carry 80% of your hunting days. That data usually tips the scale between the types of hunting weapon licenses.

Common requirements and process: from paper to field

Here's the distilled step-by-step so you don't get lost. It's valid for both types of hunting weapon licenses (adjust D or E forms according to your case):

Psychotechnical examination at an authorized center.
Training and study: Weapons Regulation, safety, handling, conservation.
Theoretical test (multiple choice) and, after passing it, practical test at an authorized gallery/range.
Documentation: DNI, certificates (criminal record and VioGén), justification of activity (hunting/federative license), fees (model 790), photos, etc.
Submission to the Guardia Civil Weapons Intervention of your domicile (or online processing when applicable).
Resolution and collection of your license.
Storage: define your system from day 1 (gun cabinet in D; separate under lock and key in E).

Renewals without surprises

Monitor 5-year expiration.
If the season catches you, there is a temporary use authorization while you process (according to the Intervention's conditions).
Endorsements by age: organize them in advance so you don't miss out in the middle of the hunting season.

This entire flow (tests, documentation, validity, and endorsements) is standardized by the Guardia Civil and its procedures for D and E.

Current data to make informed decisions

To contextualize, according to the Ministry of the Interior, in 2026 it is advisable to look at official data. According to the 2023 Statistical Yearbook of the Ministry of the Interior (published and updated in 2024), there are ≈1.44 million weapon licenses and authorizations in Spain, and about 4% correspond to women. This confirms a large and regulated collective, with periodic controls and constant renewals.

If you are new, these figures give you an idea of the ecosystem and why the types of hunting weapon licenses are so regulated: legal certainty, standardization, and traceability.

Typical mistakes to avoid when choosing a license

Confusing weapon and license. The weapon you plan to use dictates the license, not the other way around. In the types of hunting weapon licenses, the rifle pushes towards D; the shotgun, towards E.
Leaving storage for last. In D, the gun cabinet is part of the package. In E, always keep the weapon and ammunition separate and under lock and key.
Forgetting the calendar. Five years fly by. Set reminders for expiration and endorsements so you don't slow down the season.
Not accrediting activity. Have your autonomous hunting license or your federative shooting license ready before starting the process.

Practical shopping guide by license (equip your season)

If you go with D (big game): reliable scope (clear turrets and reticle), ammunition appropriate for the species, lightweight bipod, rifle sling, and dry bag. Hunting weapon license types that include rifles demand precision; equip yourself accordingly.
If you go with E (shotgun): interchangeable chokes, cartridges adapted to your modality, glasses and hearing protection, rigid case, and cartridge belt. In hunting weapon license types oriented to small game, comfort and shot repetition make the difference.

Missing key pieces? Discover offers and ready-to-go sets for the field at the hunting store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for a big game rifle?

For a rifled rifle, the appropriate license among hunting weapon types is D. It requires a homologated gun cabinet, proficiency tests, and up-to-date documentation.

What if I only use a shotgun?

The E license is the natural choice for shotguns and certain sport shooting weapons. Keep the weapon and ammunition separate and under lock and key.

What is the validity of D and E licenses?

Both are generally issued for 5 years. After a certain age, you will need to get them endorsed periodically (e.g., every 3 years >67). Plan it so you don't miss hunting days.

How many weapons can my license cover?

The D license limits the number of rifles covered by the license; the E license sets an overall limit for the weapons it covers. Consult the updated details when processing at your Weapons Intervention office.

Can I submit everything online?

Part of the processing and renewals can be done through the Electronic Headquarters, although your Intervention office will indicate the exact steps.

Conclusion: Go out into the mountains with everything in order

Choosing the right type of hunting weapon license is more than just a formality: it's what allows you to enjoy the season safely, without surprises, and with your mind on what matters. If you're going for a rifle, a D license. If your life is about shotguns, an E license. And in both cases, psychometric evaluation, tests, paperwork, and custody as required by regulations.

Next step? Check your gear, get what you're missing, and pack your bag.