Inherited Firearms in Türkiye: Legal Obligations of Heirs

Many Turkish citizens discover that firearms registered in the name of their deceased parents, grandparents, or other relatives have passed to them by inheritance. However, under Turkish law, inherited firearms cannot legally remain in the possession of heirs without completing mandatory licensing procedures.

Failure to take action within the legally prescribed time limits may result in administrative fines, confiscation of the firearm, and even transfer of ownership to the public treasury.

This article explains the legal obligations of heirs under Turkish legislation when a firearm is inherited, the risks of inaction, and the steps that must be taken to avoid penalties.

Applicable Legislation

Firearms inherited through succession are governed primarily by:

• Law No. 6136 on Firearms, Knives and Other Tools (Ateşli Silahlar ve Bıçaklar ile Diğer Aletler Hakkında Kanun)

• Regulation on Firearms, Knives and Other Tools (Ateşli Silahlar ve Bıçaklar ile Diğer Aletler Hakkında Yönetmelik)

• Law No. 2521 on Hunting Rifles and Similar Firearms Used in Hunting and Sports (Avda ve Sporda Kullanılan Tüfekler Hakkında Kanun)

In particular:

• Article 7 of Law No. 6136 regulates possession and licensing requirements

• Article 13 of Law No. 6136 provides administrative and criminal sanctions for unlawful possession

• Article 6 and subsequent provisions of Law No. 2521 regulate licensing obligations for hunting rifles

Legal Status of Firearms Transferred by Inheritance

Firearms inherited through succession do not automatically become lawfully possessed by the heirs upon the death of the registered owner.

Even if the firearm was duly licensed in the name of the deceased:

• The existing license becomes invalid upon death

• The heir cannot legally retain or use the firearm without completing new licensing procedures

• Continued possession without registration may constitute an administrative offence under Article 13 of Law No. 6136

Notification by Law Enforcement Authorities

In many cases, heirs are formally notified by law enforcement authorities through an official Notification and Acknowledgement Document following the death of the registered owner.

Based on:

• Article 13 of the Regulation on Firearms, and

• Article 6 of Law No. 2521,

heirs are typically granted a one month period to:

• Apply for a new license in their own name, or

• Transfer ownership to another eligible person

Failure to comply within this period may trigger administrative sanctions.

Administrative Fines and Confiscation Risk

If an inherited firearm is kept without completing licensing procedures:

• Administrative fines may be imposed pursuant to Law No. 6136

• The firearm may be taken into custody by law enforcement

• Ownership may ultimately be transferred to the public treasury

Where heirs fail to register inherited firearms within the statutory time limit, the firearm may be deemed unlawfully possessed.

Additional penalties may apply if the firearm is discovered during:

• Traffic inspections

• Residence searches

• Criminal investigations

Options Available to Heirs

Heirs inheriting a firearm generally have the following legal options:

• Apply for a firearm license in their own name pursuant to Law No. 6136

• Transfer ownership to another eligible heir

• Sell the firearm through authorized channels

• Surrender the firearm voluntarily to law enforcement authorities

Each option is subject to procedural requirements under Law No. 2521 and its implementing regulation.

Importance of Timely Legal Action

Many individuals postpone these procedures due to:

• Lack of awareness of legal obligations

• Misunderstanding of inheritance rules

• Assumption that inherited firearms may be retained informally

Such assumptions are incorrect and may result in avoidable penalties.

Heirs who receive official notifications should initiate legal procedures promptly in order to:

• Preserve ownership rights

• Avoid administrative fines

• Prevent confiscation under Article 13 of Law No. 6136

Legal Assistance

Individuals who have inherited firearms from deceased relatives such as parents or grandparents should seek legal advice without delay.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we assist clients in:

• Evaluating inheritance related firearm obligations

• Initiating licensing procedures

• Transferring inherited firearms lawfully

• Responding to administrative notifications

• Representing clients in disputes with authorities

Timely legal compliance may prevent both financial penalties and loss of inherited property.

If you have inherited a firearm and received an official notification, you may contact our office for guidance under applicable Turkish legislation.