Applying For A Gun License In Belize: A Step-By-Step Guide

Gun ownership in Belize is a privilege, not a right. The process of obtaining a gun license in Belize is complex and stringent, with the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board being the only entity authorised to issue gun permits. To be eligible for a gun license, one must be a citizen or permanent resident of Belize, be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, pass a background check, complete a firearm safety course, and provide a valid reason for needing a firearm. The types of gun licenses available include Special Protection, Gun Repair, Sport Hunter, Farmer, Shooting Range, Shooting Club, Firearm Safety Instructor, Heirloom Firearm, and Company Gun Licenses. The application process involves submitting an application to the Firearms Licensing Board, which reviews and decides on granting the license. If approved, the applicant must pay the required fees and register their firearm with the Belize Police Department.

Who can apply for a gun license in Belize?

Gun ownership in Belize is restrictive and difficult to navigate. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit. If you are a permanent resident or have acquired citizenship, gun ownership is possible. A thorough background check is conducted and the waiting period can be as long as six months.

To apply for a gun license in Belize, you must be 16 years of age or older. You must not have been convicted of a violent crime within three years of application, and you must be deemed fit to have a license by the Commissioner of Police. You must be able to prove why you need a gun, and you must not have lost a previous gun permit. If you want a firearm deemed too dangerous by the Commissioner of Police, your application will be denied.

For immigrants, one of the easier ways to obtain a gun license is to be a farmer. A gentleman farmer qualifies. Once farmer status is gained, the faster it is for local police to recommend a firearm license. This is essential for a farmer to protect his livestock and also to find food through hunting. A Farmer Gun License is the cheapest by far BZ $5. per annum for citizens, and BZ $25. for non-citizens. Another benefit of a Farmer Gun License is that the license holder does not need to be certified as competent to handle a firearm.

The gun licenses available in Belize are Special Protection License, Gun Repair License, Sport Hunter License, Farmer Gun License, Shooting Range License, Shooting Range License, Shooting Club License, Firearm Safety Instructor License, Heirloom Firearm License, and Company Gun License.

What are the requirements to obtain a gun license in Belize?

Gun ownership laws in Belize are restrictive and difficult to navigate. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue a gun permit. The requirements to obtain a gun license in Belize are as follows:

• The applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of Belize.
• The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
• The applicant must have no criminal record and pass a background check conducted by the Belize Police Department.
• The applicant must complete a firearm safety course and demonstrate competence with firearms.
• The applicant must provide a valid reason for needing a firearm, such as self-defence, hunting, or farming.
• The applicant must submit an application to the Firearms Licensing Board, which will review and decide on the application.
• If the application is approved, the applicant must pay the required fees and register their firearm with the Belize Police Department.

It is important to note that gun laws in Belize are strict, and penalties for violations can be severe. The entire process of obtaining a gun license can be lengthy and complex, and there are specific types of firearms and ammunition that are prohibited for civilian use.

What are the different types of gun licenses available in Belize?

Gun ownership in Belize is restrictive and difficult to navigate. The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits. The types of gun licenses available in Belize include:

• Special Protection License: The hardest to obtain, with very few awarded by the Police Commissioner.
• Gun Repair License: For those who repair guns.
• Sport Hunter License: The only type of license that allows the use of .22 and .223 semi-automatic rifles.
• Farmer Gun License: One of the easier ways for immigrants to obtain a gun license. It is the cheapest option, at BZ $5 per annum for citizens and BZ $25 for non-citizens.
• Shooting Range License: For those who shoot at a range.
• Shooting Club License: For members of a shooting club.
• Firearm Safety Instructor License: For those who teach firearm safety.
• Heirloom Firearm License: For those who have inherited a firearm.
• Company Gun License: For companies that require the use of firearms.
• Gun Dealer License: For those who sell guns.

What is the process of applying for a gun license in Belize?

The process of applying for a gun license in Belize involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed overview of the process:

Firstly, it is important to note that as of 2024, the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is the only entity authorised to issue gun permits in Belize. The country has strict gun laws and a comprehensive framework to regulate gun ownership. To initiate the application process, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Belize, be at least 21 years old, have no criminal record, and pass a background check conducted by the Belize Police Department. A thorough background check is conducted, and the waiting period can be up to six months.

In addition to the above, applicants are required to complete a firearm safety course to ensure they understand the safe handling and usage of firearms. They must also provide a valid reason for needing a firearm. Self-defence, hunting, and farming are among the acceptable reasons for gun ownership in Belize.

Once the above requirements are met, individuals must submit an application to the Firearms Licensing Board. The Board reviews the application and makes a decision on whether to grant a license. If the application is approved, the applicant must pay the required fees and register their firearm with the Belize Police Department. The fees vary depending on the type of license and the status of the applicant (citizen or non-citizen). For example, the Special Protection License costs $225 for citizens and $1500 for non-citizens. It is important to note that gun licenses in Belize are specific to the firearm, and it is a punishable offence to possess a different gun from the one listed on the permit.

Belize has strict laws regarding gun ownership, and non-compliance can result in severe penalties. These laws include restrictions on the type of firearms and ammunition permitted. For instance, the maximum calibre allowed is 9mm, and possession of prohibited firearms, such as those above .38 magnum or .45 calibre, is illegal. Additionally, individuals are only allowed to purchase 200 rounds of ammunition per year, and possession of even a single round above the quota is considered a firearm offence.

It is important to emphasise that gun laws and regulations in Belize are subject to change, and individuals should refer to the most up-to-date information provided by official government sources when applying for a gun license.

What are the penalties for violating gun laws in Belize?

Belize has strict gun laws, and violating them can result in severe penalties. Here are some key points regarding the penalties for violating gun laws in Belize:

• Failure to Renew Gun License: If an individual fails to renew their gun license before their birthday, they can be detained by the authorities and incarcerated without bail for one month. This is a significant change from the previous practice under British rule, where a friendly reminder would be sent.
• Possession of Firearm While Intoxicated: It is unlawful to be in possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol above the prescribed limit. Violation of this law can result in prompt arrest and incarceration without immediate bail. To secure bail, one must hire a lawyer and apply to the High Court, making the process expensive and time-consuming.
• Excess Ammunition: Possessing even one round of ammunition in excess of the allowed quota (100 rounds) or having the wrong caliber can lead to immediate imprisonment without bail for one month. Gun license holders are permitted to purchase 200 rounds of ammunition per year, and an application is required if more is needed.
• Unregistered Firearms: Bringing unlicensed firearms into Belize is illegal. The penalty for possessing a firearm without a legal permit can result in jail time for each bullet and gun.
• Firearm Modifications: Belize's gun laws prohibit any modifications to firearms. This includes custom grips, laser pointers, re-rifling, engraving, or plating the firearm. Violation of this law can result in legal repercussions.
• Firearm Safety Certificate: All first-time applicants for a gun license in Belize must submit a certificate of competence from a Firearm Safety Instructor. Failure to provide this certificate can result in the rejection of the application.
• Age Restriction: Minors under the age of 16 are not permitted to own or possess firearms in Belize.
• Violent Criminal Record: Individuals with a history of violent crime within three years of their application are unlikely to be granted a gun license.
• Deemed Unfit by Police Commissioner: If the Police Commissioner deems an individual unfit to possess a firearm, their application for a gun license will be denied.
• Lost or Stolen Firearms: In Belize, losing a firearm or having it stolen can result in the loss of one's gun license and the right to own a firearm in the future.
• Prohibited Firearms: Certain types of firearms are prohibited in Belize, including rifles above 7.62 calibre, revolvers above .44 calibre, and sawed-off shotguns. Possessing these prohibited firearms can lead to legal repercussions.

Frequently asked questions