How to Get a Collector's License in Malta: A Beginner's Guide

Ever wondered whether you could legally own that WWII gun you've seen in the movie 'Saving private Ryan'? Or start collecting historic firearms yourself? In Malta, you can — but you'll need a collector's license first.

If you've never dealt with gun licensing before, the process can seem intimidating. This guide walks you through everything in plain language: what a collector's license is, which type you need, and exactly how to get one.

What Is a Collector's License?

A collector's license is a license issued under Malta's Arms Act (Chapter 480). It lets you legally own firearms as collection pieces, items you will be allowed to keep because of their history, rarity, or craftsmanship.

A common misconception is that a collector's license is only for antiques gathering dust in a display case. Not so. Firearms on a collector's license can actually be fired — the exception being automatic firearms held under the CL-A Special, which may only be kept, never shot.

It's also not an either/or choice: you can hold both a collector's license and a Target Shooter License at the same time. Many enthusiasts in Malta do exactly that — collecting on one license while actively shooting at the range on the other. This is great if you want to build a collection of a particular type or era of firearms and want to experience what it's like to shoot these historical pieces (provided you can find the ammo available as certain older calibers are hard to find nowadays).

The Three Types of Collector's License

Malta has three collector's licenses, and it helps to know from the start which one applies to you.

Collector License A (CL-A) — the standard

This is the license most new collectors apply for. It lets you legally buy, own, and build a collection of firearms with historical, cultural, or educational value. There's no fixed limit on how many firearms you can collect, as long as you store them securely and keep proper records.

And here's something many people don't realize: a collector's license isn't limited to old guns. Bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, revolvers and pistols can all be added to a collector's license regardless of their year of manufacture. A modern semi-automatic pistol can sit in your collection right alongside a century-old service rifle.

If you're reading this guide because you want to start collecting, the CL-A is almost certainly the license you need.

Collector License A Special (CL-AS) — for pre-1946 automatic firearms

Some firearms — mainly automatic firearms manufactured before 1946 — fall under a stricter category of Maltese law. To own these, you need the Collector License A Special.

For military history enthusiasts, this is where collecting gets exciting. Under the CL-A Special, you can legally own some of the most iconic firearms of the Second World War: the German MP40, the Soviet PPSh-41, the British Sten gun, and even heavy machine guns like the Browning M2 .50 cal, as long as the firearm was manufactured before 1946.

One important condition: automatic firearms under the CL-A Special can only be kept, not fired. These are preservation pieces — you can own them, maintain them, and display them, but they never leave the collection for the range. There is however one exception. Should you join a re-enactment group, you may have the gun modified to fire blanks by installing what is called a blank-firing-attachment (BFA) and do so during a re-enactment.

And here's the key rule for getting there: you must hold a standard CL-A for at least two years before you can apply for the CL-A Special. There's no shortcut. The law wants to see that you've been a responsible collector before trusting you with these rarer, more heavily regulated pieces. During your interview with the police to aquire this license, you will also need to display a keep knowledge and interest in these firearms.

Collector License B (CL-B) — for inherited firearms

What happens if a relative passes away and leaves you a firearm, but you don't hold any license? That's what the Collector License B is for. Formerly known as a "to keep" license, it lets you legally hold on to an inherited firearm.

The important limitation: a CL-B only covers what you inherited. You cannot use it to buy new firearms and you also cannot use this license to fire any firearmsyou inherited. If you'd rather not keep the firearm, the CL-B also gives you the legal footing to sell or transfer it properly.

Collecting or Shooting: Why not both?

Want to collect firearms and shoot at the range? Good news — you can apply for the Collector License A and the Target Shooter License at the same time. There's no need to choose one path or complete one before starting the other.

The only thing you can't fast-track is the "Special" tier. Whether it's the CL-A Special (for pre-1946 automatic firearms) or the TSL-A Special, you'll need to hold your standard license for two years before you can apply. Start both standard licenses together, and two years later both Special routes open up at once.

Wait — Do You Even Need a License?

Not always. Two categories of firearms don't require a license in Malta:

• Antique firearms made before 1900

• Deactivated firearms (permanently converted so they can no longer fire)

You still must declare these to the authorities so they're on record — but you won't need to go through the licensing process to keep them.

How to Get Your Collector License A: Step by Step

Here's the full journey, from complete beginner to licensed collector.

Step 1: Join a recognized collectors' association

This is mandatory, you cannot apply on your own. Malta's licensing system requires you to be a member of a recognized association, such as AACTS (Association of Arms Collectors and Target Shooters) or AMACS (Association of Maltese Arms Collectors & Shooters). To join an association and to eventually apply to the Police for your license test, you will need to provide a medical certificate stating that you are both physically and mentally fit to handle and own firearms.

This isn't just a box to tick. Your association trains you, guides you through the process, and issues the letter of recommendation the police require with your application. You'll also gain access to a community of experienced collectors — invaluable when you're starting out.

Step 2: Complete the firearms safety course

Your association will put you through a firearms safety course, typically held over three evenings or during a weekend. It covers safe handling of firearms and your legal rights and responsibilities as a license holder. Courses are typically available in both English and Maltese.

At the end, you'll sit a one-on-one test. Pass it, and you'll receive your letters of recommendation — a key requirement for your application.

Step 3: Gather your documents

Before applying, you'll need:

• Police Conduct Certificate — proof of a clean record

• Passport photo — for identification

• Medical certificate — confirming you're physically and mentally fit to hold a firearms license

Step 4: Prepare your collection proposal

You'll need to write a short proposal describing what you intend to collect — the types of firearms, how you plan to acquire them, and, most importantly, how you'll store them securely. Secure storage is one of the things the authorities take most seriously, so put thought into this. The most common solution is a rifle safe with a separate compartment for ammunition.

Step 5: Submit your application and meet the Weapons Board

Submit everything to the Malta Police Arms Licensing Unit. You'll then be called for an interview and test with the Weapons Board — a panel that assesses your knowledge of firearm safety, the Arms Act, and the firearms you intend to collect.

Don't panic: if you've completed your safety course and know your subject, this is nothing to fear. It's the Weapons Board that handles the final approval — once you pass their assessment and your background checks clear, your license is granted.

Step 6: Receive your license and renew it annually

If you pass the test, you will receive a letter in the mail advising you that your license is ready to be paid and collected at your local police station. Your collector's license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Your club membership and insurance will need to be renewed before you can renew your license. Renewals open at the start of each year. Do not let your license expire because an expired license means your collection is no longer legally held.

How Much Does It Cost, and How Long Does It Take?

Cost: Expect around €120 - €150 to cover association membership, the safety course, and related fees — a modest investment for what you get in training and legal standing.
Time: From submitting your letters of recommendation, the review process typically takes two months but there have been instances were it has taken up to six months.

Your Responsibilities as a Licensed Collector

Getting the license is the start, not the end. As a licensed collector you must:

• Store your firearms securely at all times, in line with the storage plan you submitted

• Keep a detailed inventory of your collection — descriptions, serial numbers, and the historical significance of each piece

• Renew your club membership, insurance and license every year without fail

• Follow the law on transfers — buying or selling firearms must always go through the proper legal channels

Break these rules and you risk fines or losing your license entirely. Follow them, and you're not just protected legally — a well-documented, well-kept collection is also worth more.

Keep in mind that as a licensed firearm owner, the police have the right to spontaneously search your property to ensure your firearms are kept in accordance with the law.

Final Thoughts

A collector's license is your gateway to legally owning and preserving pieces of history. The process; join an association, complete the course, pass the Weapons Board — is thorough but very achievable, and thousands of Maltese collectors have gone through it before you.

Beyond the paperwork, you're joining a community dedicated to keeping Malta's firearms heritage alive for future generations. If you've been thinking about starting a collection, the first step is simple: reach out to a recognized association and begin your journey.