Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA)

Yes, Civilians are allowed to own and use firearms; but to do so, you must obtain a possession permit / Licenses issues by the Liberia National Commission on Arms. Those who can not show profit of busy training on firearms handling and usages will be subjected to competent training by the National Police.

 A permit allowed a person who is a civilian to legally acquired and own a civilian firearm within the territorial limits of the republic of Liberia. While a Possession License grants the own of a civilian firearm the authority of operates or use said firearms consistence with the Law and regulation of the Law of the Commission.

No, a Civilian can only qualify to own and use firearms for either of the following purpose: Hunting for livelihood, Game hunting for sport or recreation and for Tradition ceremony; as well as for personnel protection under (Special Security Needs) Category.

The law specified two types of firearms that are allowed for civilian use as follow:

1.  Shoulder- Fire Single- or Double-barrel Rifle use for hunting, tradition ceremony and sport / recreation;
2. 9 x 19mm pistol authorized for Special Security Needs in the firearms and ammunition Control act of 2022.

 Special Security Need is the condition of exemption under the Law to grant certain categories of civilian persons or institutions the dispensation to possess and use firearms due to their particular status, service or role in the society. Those specified under this category are:

1. Legislators
2. Chief Justice and Associated Justices of the Supreme Court
3. Judges
4. Heads of Ministries, Agencies, Commissions, Public Corporations and their Deputies
5. Diplomatic Missions
6. Concession Companies
7. Large Businesses
8. Eminent Citizens

1. Must be a Liberian or a legal resident, 18 years of age and above
2. Has not been convicted of any criminal offense including domestic violence or on parole
3. Not be in custody, care or supervision of a mental institution or facility and is a unsound mind.
4. Must not be addicted to, nor be a habitual any controlled drugs or substance, or custody or care or under the supervision medical or mental facility for such condition.
5. Not generally known to have engage intemperate conduct or to have com human rights abuses.
6. Has submitted to a background check by the Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency.

First, express your interest through a application letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission. You will them be given an application to fill in, including information about the process and steps involved and list of requirements to accompany application.

You can register your firearm at the head quarter of the Liberia National Commission Arms located on the Grounds of the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.

The fees for obtaining a possession permit and License for civilian firearms vary depending on the type of civilian firearm and the purpose for use. Upon submitting a formal letter of application, the commission will share with you the requirements including the schedule of the fees. All fees for permits and licenses shall be paid in the Commission’s designated bank account.

A permit is renewable every (2) years while a license Is renewable annually.

The arms commission does not sell firearms upon obtaining a possession permit from the commission, you will have to buy your firearm from a vender certified by the commission.

For the purpose of the ongoing civilian firearm registration, the president of Liberia has issued an Executive Order which grants amnesty to all civilians currently in possession of firearms in violation of the law. The Executive order runs for a period one year beginning from date of its issuance (February 24, 2025).

No, only one firearm can be registered by a person who is eligible to possess firearm.

No, the firearms law prohibits Private Security Firms from Possessing firearms.

if you are caught with an unregistered firearm beyond February 24, 2026 (one year after the Executive Order was issued), you will be arrested by the Police and sent to court for prosecution. The law makes illegal possession of firearms a felonious crime which is punishable by a jail term.