The operating license reissue is the Ministry of Interior (MINGOB) procedure that replaces a current operating license when it is lost, damaged, destroyed, or needs reissuance due to formal changes in the company or individual holder. It mainly applies to activities regulated by DIGECAM (private security, gun stores, pyrotechnics) and other MINGOB offices.
Quick summary: In-person procedure at MINGOB (DIGECAM or the issuing office). Variable cost (Q200-Q500 estimated). Time: 10 to 30 business days. Not available online. The new license keeps the original expiration date.
What a MINGOB Operating License Is
The Ministry of Interior issues operating licenses for regulated activities that go beyond the municipal commercial license. The most common are:
- Private security companies (DIGESSP)
- Gun stores (DIGECAM): sale of weapons and ammunition
- Pyrotechnics: import, manufacture, and sale
- Import and trade of weapons, ammunition, and parts
- Sales of fireworks and similar
- Funeral services and other special activities
The license is nominal and not transferable. It is granted to the legal entity (company, S.A.) or to the individual (registered holder) with a unique number.
When You Need a Reissue
- Loss or theft of the original document
- Damage that prevents reading
- Destruction by fire, flood, or other event
- Corporate name change that requires reissuance
- Merger or transformation of the legal entity
- Material error in printed data not attributable to the holder
Does not apply for: renewal of validity, change of activity type, or relocation to a new address (those are separate procedures).
Requirements
Common documents for the reissue (varies by modality):
- Valid DPI of legal representative or individual holder
- Commercial patent and mercantile registry certification (legal entities)
- Current legal representative appointment
- Previous license: damaged original, photocopy if available, or loss report from MP/PNC
- Police complaint filed (in cases of loss or theft)
- Edict publication in the Diario de Centro America (loss cases) — typically 1 publication
- Police and criminal record certificates, currently valid, of the holder or representative
- Memorial of request addressed to the issuing official
- Proof of payment for fiscal stamps and issuance
- Application form of the office (DIGECAM, DIGESSP, etc.)
If the activity is DIGECAM-regulated, additional requirements may apply: DIGECAM solvency, copy of prior company license, updated corporate books.
Steps
- Identify the office that issued the original license (DIGECAM, DIGESSP or another). Each has its own procedure.
- If the license was lost or stolen: file a police complaint with the Ministry of Public Affairs or PNC and request a copy of the report.
- Publish the edict in the Diario de Centro America (when applicable). Wait until you have the published copy to attach to the file.
- Gather the full documentation per modality.
- Visit the corresponding MINGOB office. The main office is in zona 1, Guatemala City.
- Submit the memorial and file at the counter. You receive a case number.
- Pay fiscal stamps and issuance fee at an authorized bank.
- Wait for resolution between 10 and 30 business days. Some cases take longer if field verification is required.
- Pick up the new license once issued. The expiration date is the same as the original.
Cost & Time
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Estimated total cost | Q200-Q500 (varies by modality) |
| Fiscal stamps | Variable |
| Edict publication | Q150-Q300 (when applicable) |
| License issuance | Fee set by office |
| Time | 10 to 30 business days (up to 60 with publication) |
| Validity | Same as original license (not renewed) |
| Available online | No |
The exact amount is confirmed at the office on the filing day. Keep all receipts on file for your records and future procedures.
How to Apply
This procedure is not available online. You must visit the MINGOB office that issued the original license in person.
Main offices:
- DIGECAM (Directorate General for Control of Weapons and Ammunition): for gun stores, pyrotechnics, and arms trade licenses
- DIGESSP (Directorate General for Private Security Services): for private security firms
- MINGOB headquarters: 6a Avenida y 13 calle, zona 1, Guatemala City
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Companies vs. Individuals
| Aspect | Company | Individual |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Commercial patent + representative appointment | Holder DPI |
| Name on file | Registered corporate name | Holder name |
| Representation | Legal representative with current appointment | The holder |
| Changes | Any corporate change requires reissue | Only name change or marital status of holder |
| Cost | Generally higher (stamps + publication) | Lower in simple cases |
Practical Tips
- File the loss report immediately — the gap between the report and the MINGOB filing is reviewed administratively.
- Keep a digital copy of the license from the day it is issued. Useful as reference for any reissue.
- Do not operate without the new license if the activity requires it — penalties for operating without a license are steep.
- Check validity before reissuing — if it is within 6 months of expiration, it may be wiser to renew.
- Note the case number and follow-up dates. The MINGOB site does not always show progress online.
Related Procedures
- Commercial Patent Guatemala
- Company Registration
- Police Records
- Criminal Records
- Driver Registry Name Change