The holder of a valid firearms license or a permit authorizing transportation may simultaneously carry up to six common firearms. To carry more than six, a specific authorization must be obtained in advance from the Police Headquarters.
The limit applies to transportation, not the total number of weapons a person can legally possess. Anyone who owns more than six weapons can therefore transfer them in separate trips, subject to the conditions established by their license, or request authorization to transport a larger quantity in a single trip.
Which titles allow transportation?
Transport may be carried out, within the limits established, by the holder of:
- rifle license for hunting purposes;
- rifle license for the practice of clay pigeon shooting;
- gun license for personal defense;
- identification card issued to members of the National Shooting Sections, commonly called the “green card”, within the limits indicated in the document;
- specific transport license or authorization issued by the competent authority.
The license must be valid and allow transportation to the intended destination and purpose. An expired license does not allow continued free transportation of weapons, even if they may remain legally held at the designated location.
How is the six-gun limit calculated?
The limit refers to complete common firearms carried simultaneously by the same person . Generally speaking, the following are included in the count:
- hunting rifles;
- rifles;
- sporting weapons;
- common pistols and revolvers;
- compressed air weapons with energy exceeding the limit set for those on free sale;
- common weapons held in collections, when their transport is authorised.
The distinction between hunting, sporting, and common weapons does not allow for the addition of separate limits. For example, three hunting rifles, two sporting rifles, and a pistol constitute a total of six weapons.
Does the limit apply to each person or each vehicle?
The limit is linked to the personal title that authorizes the transport and not simply to the capacity of the vehicle.
The presence of two people with gun permits in the same car does not automatically allow twelve weapons to be loaded without further checks. It must be possible to identify who is carrying and has access to each weapon; each person must possess an appropriate license and be able to demonstrate the legitimate origin of the weapons entrusted to them.
When several people intend to transport a total number of more than six weapons in the same vehicle, it is prudent to ask the Police Headquarters for instructions beforehand, especially if all the weapons belong to a single person.
What do you need to carry more than six weapons?
To make a single transfer of more than six people, you must contact the Police Headquarters in advance and request the authorization required for the specific transport.
In the application it may be necessary to indicate:
- number and characteristics of weapons;
- make, model, caliber and serial number;
- place of departure and destination;
- expected day or period;
- reason for the transfer;
- means used;
- measures taken for safety;
- any subjects participating in the transport.
Documentation and issuance times may vary. The request must therefore be submitted well in advance, and transportation must not begin until the necessary authorization has been obtained.
Are port and transport the same thing?
No. When carrying a firearm, it is available to the individual in conditions that allow for its immediate use. When transporting a firearm, however, it is transferred from one location to another as an inert object and does not need to be immediately usable.
During transport, weapons must be:
- completely discharged;
- placed in suitable cases, suitcases or containers;
- not immediately available;
- preferably separate from ammunition;
- stored in such a way as to prevent access by unauthorized persons.
For disassembled weapons, it's prudent to separate an essential part when this can be done safely and without damaging the weapon. However, there's no general rule requiring complete disassembly of every transported weapon.
Is the ammunition within the six limit?
No. The limit of six applies to common firearms and not to the number of packages or cartridges carried.
Ammunition is subject to its own limitations and regulations. It may only be transported if legally held, in the permitted quantity, and in secure conditions. It is advisable to store it in its original packaging or in suitable containers, separate from firearms and protected from impact, heat, and unauthorized access.
The fact that you can carry six weapons does not allow you to exceed the possession or transport limits established for cartridges and gunpowder.
Do essential parts count as complete weapons?
A barrel, bolt, slide, or other essential component carried separately does not automatically constitute a complete firearm to be counted as one of the six.
However, the essential components remain subject to weapons regulations regarding purchase, registration, origin, and transportation. Furthermore, if the transported components allow for the assembly of additional complete weapons, the situation must be assessed concretely and cannot be used to circumvent the restriction.
Are magazines counted?
Magazines are not complete weapons and are not normally counted toward the six-gun limit. However, they must be stored and transported in accordance with their specific regulations.
Specifically, magazines holding more than 10 rounds for long guns or more than 20 rounds for handguns are subject to special requirements and the obligation to declare them. It is advisable to keep them empty and separate from other firearms during transport.
Are air guns included in the limit?
Compressed air or gas weapons with kinetic energy greater than 7,5 joules , classified as common firearms, generally fall within the count.
Compressed air tools with an energy output not exceeding 7,5 joules, regularly classified as freely available, are subject to different regulations. However, they must be transported unloaded, stored, and for a valid reason, as required by applicable legislation.
Do ancient weapons count?
Antique, artistic, or rare weapons of historical importance are subject to special regulations. Their transportation should not be automatically governed by the rules for common modern weapons.
Before transferring multiple specimens from a collection, taking them to an exhibition, handing them over to a restorer, or moving them to a new location, it is necessary to verify the title held and the instructions from the Police Headquarters.
Can a collector carry six guns from the collection?
The collector's license allows the possession of the indicated weapons, but does not in itself constitute a general license to carry or transport them.
Any collector intending to move weapons for display, maintenance, appraisal, sale, or to change location must possess a transport permit or obtain authorization from the competent authority.
The presence of a weapon in the collector's license does not therefore mean that it can be freely taken to the range or transferred without documentation.
Is it necessary to bring the weapons registration document with you?
A copy of the report isn't always a legal requirement to physically carry with you when traveling. However, it's strongly recommended that you carry it, especially when transporting multiple weapons or recently purchased weapons.
During transport it is advisable to have:
- identity card;
- valid gun license or transportation authorization;
- copy of the detention report;
- any declaration of transfer or purchase invoice;
- destination documentation, when applicable;
- European Firearms Pass and required authorizations for international travel.
Can you leave guns in your car?
Weapons must not be left unattended in the vehicle except for strictly unavoidable needs and taking all necessary precautions.
A car is not a standard place of detention. A brief stop during a trip does not automatically transform transportation into detention, but the owner remains responsible for custody.
It is necessary to avoid unnecessary stops, not leave weapons visible, lock the vehicle, and prevent other people from accessing the cases. Prolonged parking, especially at night, may be incompatible with the required diligence.
Is it necessary to have a justification for transport?
The transport must be connected to a lawful and concretely identifiable purpose , such as:
- go to the shooting range or shooting range;
- participate in a competition;
- reach the place where hunting is permitted;
- hand the weapon over to a gunsmith;
- carry out a regular sale or transfer;
- transfer the weapons to the new place of detention;
- participate in an authorized exhibition;
- hand over the weapons to the authorities or send them for scrapping.
The route, times and any stops must be reasonably compatible with the stated reason.
What happens during a plane or ship journey?
The general limit does not eliminate the rules established by the carrier, airport authority, shipping company or states crossed.
For air travel, it is generally necessary to notify the airline in advance of the presence of firearms, hand them over unloaded in a rigid container, and follow the check-in procedures. Firearms and ammunition cannot be transported in carry-on baggage.
For travel abroad, a European Firearms Pass, authorization from the destination country, customs documents, and additional temporary export permits may be required.
A practical example
A shooter must bring four pistols and two sporting rifles to the range. If he or she has a valid license, he or she can carry them simultaneously, as there are six weapons in total. They must be kept unloaded, locked in their cases, and not immediately ready for use.
If you wish to add a seventh weapon, you should not rely solely on your gun license to transport it. You can leave the seventh weapon where it is held and make another trip, or you can request authorization from the Police Headquarters in advance to transport all the weapons together.
Essential regulatory references
- Royal Decree of 18 June 1931, n. 773 – TULPS, in particular articles 31, 34 and 42;
- Royal Decree of 6 May 1940, n. 635 – Regulations for the implementation of the TULPS, in particular articles 50 et seq.;
- Law 18 April 1975, n. 110;
- Decree of the Minister of the Interior of 14 April 1982 – Transportation of common firearms;
- Ministerial Decree 9 August 2001, n. 362, for compressed air or gas tools of modest offensive capacity;
- Law 11 February 1992, n. 157, for transport connected to hunting activities;
- Directive (EU) 2021/555 and national legislation applicable to transfers within the European Union.
This information sheet is for informational purposes only and does not replace the consultation of current regulations. The number of transportable firearms and the transport methods may depend on the license held, the category of firearms, the purpose of the trip, and any border crossings. Before transporting more than six firearms, collectible firearms, or firearms abroad, you must first obtain guidance and, where applicable, authorization from the competent Police Headquarters.
