How to Get a Firearms Permit in Uruguay: Personal Experience Obtaining THATA

This article is for people who want to keep a firearm at home or practise practical shooting. It is a personal account of completing the paperwork, buying a firearm and practising the sport. The information is practical in nature and is not legal guidance.

Can you own a firearm?

In Uruguay, civilians may lawfully own firearms. Many people do not know this, but the law permits it.

Based on practical experience, the following are permitted:

• pistols
• non-automatic smoothbore firearms
• certain manually operated carbines

Semi-automatic and automatic carbines are prohibited.

First step: THATA

THATA is the official permit to own a firearm. The easiest way to obtain it is through a shooting range or shooting club.

The process usually takes two or three hours and includes:

• a lecture
• an appointment with a psychologist and simple tests
• several shots with a pistol
• completing the paperwork

The approximate cost is from $200 to $300.

Language and application process

The process is most often conducted in Spanish. English-language groups are rare, so there is little point in waiting for one.

It is easier to take someone with you who speaks Spanish and can interpret. Tiro de Punta is comfortable with that approach.

What documents are needed

The following are usually required for the application:

• a copy of your cédula (a cédula en trámite is sometimes accepted)
• a UTE or Antel bill, or another document showing the address
• an income certificate
• a 2.5 by 2.5 photograph
• the online request number for a criminal-record certificate

You do not have to wait for the certificate itself; providing the request number is enough.

Waiting and collection

After the course, the range sends the documents to the public authorities. The waiting period ranges from several weeks to several months.

When the THATA is ready, you must collect it from the local government office. In Maldonado, the building is next to the main police station. The permit is valid for 5 years.

Buying a firearm

The THATA permit gives you the right to buy a firearm from a shop or private individual. You cannot collect the purchase immediately.

The process is as follows:

1. The documents are signed.
2. The money and firearm remain with the seller or shop.
3. The transaction is sent for registration.

Registration can also take from several weeks to several months.

Guía de Posesión de Arma

After the transaction is registered, you receive a second card: Guía de Posesión de Arma.

It states:

• the make and model of the firearm
• the serial number
• the owner's name

The Guía is valid for 10 years. From that moment, you become the lawful owner of that specific firearm.

Ammunition and reloading

To buy ammunition, you need a cédula, THATA and Guía. Large quantities may not be sold to a person without a sports licence.

For active shooting, reloading is more economical. A price comparison for 9 mm:

• a new round: 25–50 pesos
• reloading: about 17 pesos

Even through a certified reloading specialist, it works out 30 or 40 percent cheaper.

Important restrictions

It is important to remember: ownership is not the same as carrying. THATA and Guía entitle you to:

• own a firearm
• keep it at home
• transport it unloaded from one point to another

These documents do not entitle you to carry a concealed firearm. A carry permit is obtained separately.

Sport and IPSC

In Uruguay, you can practise practical shooting, join the federation and take part in competitions. The federation's official website: ipsc.org.uy.

This makes it possible to officially travel with your firearm to competitions in other countries, for example, Argentina.

And, through this article, I invite everyone who is interested to join practical shooting in Uruguay: training, competitions, IPSC.

For details, send a private message to Pavel Poddubny.

Range contacts: Tiro Punta tiropunta.com Tiro Montevideo: Instagram