Quick summary: Guatemala’s Departmental Government authorizes individuals and legal entities to run raffles and drawings open to the public. Free (Q0), 5 business days, in person. The filing is based on Decreto 1610 (Regulations for Lotteries, Raffles and Games) and applies to schools, churches, associations, committees, companies and individuals organizing raffles for profit or charity.

What the Raffle and Drawing Authorization Is

It is the official permit that the Departmental Government grants to individuals and legal entities so they can run raffles and drawings authorized for the public, in accordance with the Raffles and Drawings Law and its regulation.

Without this authorization, organizing a public raffle (selling tickets, advertising prizes, holding the drawing) is illegal in Guatemala. The authorization legalizes the event, protects the organizer against complaints and lets winners claim the prize with legal backing.

  • Issued by: Departmental Government of the location where the raffle takes place
  • Output: Resolution authorizing raffles and drawings
  • Filing fee: Q0 (free)
  • Timeline: 5 business days
  • Channel: in person

Requirements

Per the official form published by the Departmental Government, the applicant must submit:

For an individual

  • Valid DPI (Guatemalan ID)
  • Authorization form completed and signed
  • Event description: type of raffle, prizes, drawing date, location, number of tickets to issue, ticket price
  • Prize list with estimated value and origin (donated, purchased)
  • Sample ticket that will be printed and sold
  • Drawing mechanics (winner-selection system, notary presence if applicable)

In addition to the items above:

  • Public deed of incorporation (association, company, committee)
  • Trade permit or resolution confirming legal status
  • Current legal representative appointment
  • Legal representative’s DPI
  • Entity NIT — verify it with the CUI/NIT lookup

Post-event requirements

After the drawing, the organizer typically files:

  • Drawing minutes signed by a notary or witnesses
  • Winner identification
  • Prize delivery proof
  • Sold and unsold ticket report

Steps to Obtain the Authorization

  1. Download and complete the Raffle and Drawing Authorization form from the official page: gobernacionzacapa.gob.gt/rifas-y-sorteos/ (the standard form serves as a reference for other departments).
  2. Gather supporting documents listed in the form (DPI, event description, sample ticket, prize list, legal-entity documents if applicable).
  3. Submit the application with supporting documents to the Departmental Government of the department where the raffle will take place.
  4. Wait for the resolution — official timeline is 5 business days from full submission.
  5. Receive the authorization resolution signed by the Departmental Government. The resolution must be available for inspection at the drawing site.
  6. File post-event requirements after the drawing: minutes, winner identification and prize delivery proof.

Tip: If the raffle spans multiple departments (e.g., tickets sold in several places but a single drawing), check with the Departmental Government where the drawing will be held about whether you need extra notification to the other departmental governments.

Cost and Time

ItemValue
Filing feeQ0 (free)
Official timeline5 business days
ChannelIn person (Departmental Government)
OutputAuthorization resolution
ValidityFor the authorized event

The filing is free. The organizer pays accessory costs: fiscal stamps in some departments, notary fees for the drawing minutes (Q500-Q2,000 depending on the case), ticket printing and advertising.

Prizes above certain thresholds may trigger ISR withholding by the organizer per Article 5 literal k) of the ISR Law.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official page: gobernacionzacapa.gob.gt/rifas-y-sorteos/
  2. Download the form and the requirements list
  3. Fill in the form with full event and organizer details
  4. Gather supporting documents (DPI, prize list, sample ticket)
  5. Submit the file in person to the Departmental Government for the drawing location
  6. Wait for the resolution (5 business days)
  7. Keep a copy of the resolution at the event and file post-event requirements after the drawing

If your event involves recurring drawings or more structured games of chance (lotteries, casinos, commercial bingos), a different regime applies and you should consult the Departmental Government directly before filing.

Last verified: May 2026. Cost and timeline per the official catalog at tramites.gob.gt (service 2762). The Zacapa form serves as a reference template; each Departmental Government may request additional department-specific documents.