Apply for a hunting licence in Niedersachsen

Responsible authority

Untere Jagdbehörde (district (Landkreis) or independent city (kreisfreie Stadt))

The responsible Untere Jagdbehörde depends on where you live.

Step by step to a hunting licence

1. Find and register with a hunting school: Look for a hunting school registered and recognised by the Landesjägerverband Niedersachsen (LJV), as in Niedersachsen only participants are admitted who are entered for the exam by such a school. Direct registration for the exam is not possible.
2. Complete hunting training: Complete the hunting course at the chosen hunting school, which covers all five exam subject areas as well as hunting shooting. The duration of training varies depending on the provider.
3. Exam registration via the hunting school: The hunting school registers you for the Jägerprüfung with the responsible Untere Jagdbehörde. Have all required documents (ID documents, if applicable certificate of good conduct, training certificates) ready.
4. Take the Jägerprüfung: Take the Jägerprüfung in three parts: hunting shooting, written exam (multiple choice) and oral practical exam before a commission chaired by the Kreisjägermeister.
5. Apply for a hunting licence: After passing the exam, apply for the hunting licence to be issued by the responsible Untere Jagdbehörde: online via the Niedersachsen Serviceportal, by post or in person. Submit all required documents (Jägerprüfungszeugnis, proof of insurance, certificate of good conduct, passport photos, ID card).
6. Receive your hunting licence: After the authority has checked your application, you will receive your hunting licence; in many cases personal collection is required or possible.

Required documents

Initial application

• ID card or passport as a copy or photo
• Application for a hunting licence
• Jägerprüfungszeugnis
• Proof of completed hunting third-party liability insurance (insurance policy)
• Police certificate of good conduct
• 2 passport photos (with name and date of birth on the back)
• Certificate of enrolment (only if studying forestry)
• Employer’s certificate (only if employed in the forestry service)

If moving from another federal state

• Identity card or passport as a copy or photo
• Application for a Jagdschein
• Previous Jagdschein
• Proof of completed hunting third-party liability insurance
• Police certificate of good conduct
• Hunter exam certificate
• If applicable, proof of previous registered addresses over the last 10 Jahre

Application methods

First application

• Online: available
• In person: Personal attendance or collection after approval is required in many cases or optionally possible; exact information on the pages of the competent Untere Jagdbehörde.
• Post: Submit the fully completed application with documents by post (recommended, for example, by Landkreis Celle and Landkreis Gifhorn). Passport photos and the Jagdschein must be submitted by post.

Renewal

• Online: available
• In person: Personal attendance or collection after approval is possible in many cases; making an appointment with the competent Untere Jagdbehörde recommended.
• Post: Submit the fully completed renewal application with documents by post; the Jagdschein booklet and passport photos must be submitted by post.

If lost

• In person (required): In the event of loss or theft, the competent Untere Jagdbehörde must be informed; after checking, it will issue a replacement.
• Post: An application for a replacement may be submitted by post where applicable; ask the competent Untere Jagdbehörde for details.

If moving in

• Online: available
• In person: Personal attendance at the competent Untere Jagdbehörde of the new place of residence possible.
• Post: The application with complete documents can be submitted by post.

Online application

Processing time

Varies depending on the authority

Frequently asked questions

What special rule applies when registering for the hunter examination in Niedersachsen?

In Niedersachsen, only examination candidates who are registered by hunting schools recorded and recognised by the Landesjägerverband (LJV) are admitted to the hunter examination. Direct registration yourself is not possible.

What happens if the Jagdschein is not renewed in time?

A Jagdschein that is not renewed in time can mean that the firearms-law requirement no longer applies, which in the worst case can lead to confiscation of the weapons and loss of hunting rights. The Landesjägerschaft therefore recommends applying early before the end of the hunting year (31 March).

Is the hunter examination valid nationwide?

Yes. A hunter examination passed in one federal state is recognised in all other federal states.