DIGECAM First Firearm Carry License Guatemala 2026: Requirements, Exam, Q400

The first firearm carry license is the document issued by DIGECAM (Direccion General de Control de Armas y Municiones, the firearms control directorate under the Ministry of National Defense) that authorizes a Guatemalan citizen to legally carry a civilian-use firearm. The official issuance fee is Q400, and the applicant must pass a psychological aptitude exam, complete a theory-plus-practical course, and submit clean criminal and police background checks. The license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration.

Quick summary: Mandatory in-person procedure (it cannot be completed 100% online). Issuance Q400 plus exam costs Q500-1,000. Time: 30-60 business days. Validity: 2 years. Requires an approved psych exam, an approved training course, and current background checks. People with convictions for violent crimes, domestic violence, or drug trafficking do not qualify.

What Is the Carry License Under Guatemalan Law?

Under Decreto 15-2009 (Firearms and Munitions Law — LAM), no Guatemalan citizen may carry a firearm in public without a current DIGECAM-issued license. This license certifies that the holder:

• Meets the age requirement (25 or older for the first license under recent reforms)
• Passed a psychological evaluation specific to firearm carry
• Completed an approved theory plus practical course covering legal framework, safe handling, and shooting technique
• Has no criminal or police record that would disqualify them
• Is registered in DIGECAM’s biometric system with current fingerprints and photo

The license is personal and non-transferable. It only covers firearms registered to the holder via a DIGECAM possession registration. Carrying a firearm that is NOT registered in your name — even if you hold a valid license — is still a crime.

Who Can Apply for the First License

Eligible:

• Guatemalan citizens 25 or older with a valid DPI
• No criminal record for intentional offenses
• No police record showing complaints for violence
• No active court orders (substitute measures, prohibitions, restraining orders)
• No psychiatric diagnosis incompatible with carrying a firearm (per the approved evaluator)
• Resident in Guatemala — the procedure does not apply to people living abroad (the DIGECAM license is only valid on Guatemalan territory)

Not eligible:

• People with active convictions for homicide, murder, femicide, rape, aggravated robbery, drug trafficking, organized crime
• People with active protective measures for domestic or psychological violence
• People with open criminal proceedings for an intentional offense
• People whose psychiatric evaluation flags them as a risk

Requirements

Personal documents

• Valid DPI (original plus 2 photocopies of front and back)
• 2 cedula-size photos (color, white background, recent)
• Antecedentes Penales issued in the last 6 months
• Antecedentes Policiacos issued in the last 6 months
• NIT proof (needed for the procedure invoice — see how to get a NIT)

Procedure-specific documents

• Psychological aptitude certificate from a center or psychologist approved by DIGECAM. The official list is at digecam.mil.gt under “Centros Acreditados”. Cost roughly Q200-400.
• Theory plus practical course certificate from a DIGECAM-authorized range or academy. The course runs 16-24 hours and covers legal framework, safe handling, maintenance, storage, first aid, and live-fire practice. Cost Q300-600.
• Q400 payment receipt from an authorized bank (BANRURAL, Banco Industrial, G&T Continental, others).

Additional items

• Current address proof (recent utility bill)
• Employment or income proof showing your source of income
• In some cases DIGECAM asks for personal references (a form signed by 2 adult witnesses with their own DPI)

Step by Step

Stage 1 — Pull background checks (1-2 weeks)

1. Get the criminal and police background checks online or in person. Both are valid for 6 months, so do NOT pull them too early. Start this step only when you are ready to push through the rest of the process.

2. Make sure your DPI is current. If it expires within 6 months, renew the DPI first — DIGECAM rejects the procedure if your DPI expires before the license you would receive.

Stage 2 — Psychological exam (1-2 weeks)

3. Pull the list of approved evaluators at digecam.mil.gt → “Centros Acreditados”. Call or message the nearest center and book an appointment. Do NOT use a psychologist outside the list — the exam will be rejected.

4. Take the exam. It runs 1-3 hours and includes psychometric batteries (MMPI, 16PF, or others), a clinical interview, and impulse-control tests. The center issues an “Apto” or “No Apto” report within 2-7 business days.

5. Receive your psychological aptitude certificate, signed and stamped. Valid for 6 months for DIGECAM submission.

Stage 3 — Theory plus practical course (1-2 weeks)

6. Enroll at an authorized range or academy. Academies publish course calendars every 1-2 weeks. The full course runs 16-24 hours over 2-3 days.

7. Pass the final exam. It includes a written test (legal framework, safety rules) and a practical test (firearm handling, shooting stance, target accuracy). You need 70% minimum on each.

8. Receive your official certificate. The range gives you a diploma with the stamp, signature, and DIGECAM accreditation number.

Stage 4 — Pay and book DIGECAM appointment (1-3 weeks)

9. Pay the Q400 fee at an authorized bank. Keep the original receipt and make 2 photocopies.

10. Book your appointment online at digecam.mil.gt/citas. Select “Primera Licencia de Portacion” and choose a location (Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, Escuintla, or other delegations).

11. Show up to your appointment with all documents in order:

• Original DPI plus copies
• Original criminal and police background checks
• Original psych certificate
• Original course certificate
• Original payment receipt
• Photos

12. Biometric capture. DIGECAM takes fingerprints from all 10 fingers, a formal photograph, and digital signature.

Stage 5 — Vetting and delivery (10-30 business days)

13. DIGECAM reviews your file and queries PNC, the Public Ministry, and the Judicial Branch databases to confirm you have no open cases or active restrictions.

14. If everything checks out, you are summoned for delivery. You will get an email or phone notification. Pickup is in person, at the same location where you applied.

15. Pick up your physical license. It is a plastic card with your photo, personal data, issue date, expiration date (2 years out), and a verification QR code.

Cost and Time

Timeline drivers: how fast you can book a psych exam, course availability at ranges, the DIGECAM location (Guatemala City has more queue than regional offices), and the completeness of your paperwork.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Kill the Application

• Doing the psych exam with a non-approved professional — automatic rejection, you must repeat and pay again. Always check the official list before paying.
• Pulling background checks more than 6 months before your appointment — DIGECAM rejects them as expired. Pull them 2-4 weeks before your appointment, not earlier.
• Taking the course at a non-accredited range because “it’s cheaper” — the certificate has no value at DIGECAM. Ask for the range’s accreditation number and verify it at digecam.mil.gt before paying.
• Failing to disclose a past criminal case assuming it will not show — DIGECAM cross-checks with PNC, MP, and OJ. If you are caught hiding something, on top of rejection you can face an Art. 322 ideological falsehood charge.
• Having an active restraining order or protection measure for domestic violence — DIGECAM verifies this and rejects automatically. If you have active measures, do not start the process until they are lifted.
• Not bringing the original DPI to the appointment — only originals are accepted, no photocopies or old cedulas. No DPI = no processing.
• Showing up late. DIGECAM has a 15-minute grace period. After that you must reschedule, and the next opening can be 2-3 weeks out.

Legal Duties of the License Holder

Holding a license does NOT give you a free pass. The Firearms and Munitions Law (Decreto 15-2009) imposes ongoing duties for the entire time you hold the license:

Safe storage (Art. 65 LAM)

• The firearm must be stored unloaded, in a secure location out of reach of minors and unauthorized third parties.
• Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm, ideally in a different box or compartment.
• Owning a safe or gun safe is the recommended practice — not just legally prudent, but it cuts the risk of theft (the main pipeline by which firearms end up with organized crime).
• If a minor accesses the firearm, there is an accidental discharge, or a third party uses it to commit a crime, the holder can be criminally liable for negligence.

Prohibited carry locations (Art. 95 LAM)

Even with a valid license, you may NOT carry a firearm — loaded or not — in:

• Schools, colleges, universities and any educational center
• Hospitals, clinics, sanatoriums and public or private health facilities
• Bars, nightclubs, cantinas and venues that sell alcoholic drinks
• Banks, money exchanges and financial agencies (except uniformed security from an authorized firm)
• Government buildings (Ministries, Congress, Courts, municipalities)
• Churches, chapels, temples during religious services
• Public sporting events (stadiums, sports palaces)
• Marches, demonstrations, and public gatherings
• Nightlife venues and events where alcohol is the main feature

Violation = 1 to 3 years imprisonment plus a Q5,000-25,000 fine plus seizure of the firearm plus license suspension (Art. 95 LAM).

Prohibition on use under the influence (Art. 80 LAM)

It is illegal to carry or use a firearm under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or psychoactive medication. The PNC can request a breathalyzer or toxicology test if there is suspicion. A positive result = immediate seizure of the firearm plus criminal prosecution.

Timely renewal

The license is valid for 2 years. You must renew it before expiration (DIGECAM allows you to renew from 60 days before expiry). An expired license automatically converts your carrying into a crime (Art. 122 LAM).

Mandatory reports

• Change of address: notify DIGECAM within 30 days.
• Stolen or lost firearm: report to the PNC and notify DIGECAM within 24 hours.
• Stolen or lost license: report and request replacement.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Many of these offenses are non-bailable — they do not allow substitute measures or release on bail.

Related Procedures

• MINDEF / DIGECAM hub: Defense and DIGECAM procedures
• Renewal (every 2 years): DIGECAM Carry License Renewal
• Register a purchased firearm: Possession Registration with Purchase Contract
• If your firearm is stolen: Report a Stolen or Lost Firearm
• If your license is stolen: Replace a Stolen or Lost License
• Import a firearm purchased abroad: Individual Firearm Import License
• Background check prerequisite: Antecedentes Penales (PNC)
• Background check prerequisite: Antecedentes Policiacos (PNC)
• Renew your DPI (if close to expiring): Guatemala DPI ID

Official Links

• DIGECAM procedures portal
• Book a DIGECAM appointment
• DIGECAM fee schedule
• Legal framework — DIGECAM
• Approved centers (psychologists and ranges)
• Firearms and Munitions Law — Decreto 15-2009 (Congress)
• Official DIGECAM email: correodigecam@digecam.mil.gt