Weapon Release

You have 90 days from the time when a firearm enters the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) custody to request its release.

NOTE: If a release form is not received within the 90 days, firearms may be destroyed per SAPD policy.

Processing

It is SAPD's policy to conduct a thorough background check before releasing a weapon to anyone. Firearms will not be released if any warrants are found.

The release process begins upon receipt of the completed Weapon Release Form and necessary documentation. All submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The processing personal and found firearms may take 30 - 90 days. Ammunition is released separately from firearms per SAPD guidelines.

Request a Weapon Release

NOTE: A separate Weapon Release form is required for each firearm.

Special Cases

Court Order

If your firearm was involved in a criminal case or listed as evidence, it will not be released until the case is adjudicated. Please provide a Court Order if one was issued by the court.

Bill of Sale

If your firearm was part of a private purchase from another individual, without involving a commercial retailer or a third-party seller, you are required to provide a Bill of Sale. If a Bill of Sale is unavailable, please contact SAPD for other options.

Class III item

If your firearm is a Class III item, please include a copy of your Tax Stamp with your submission. Class III item refers to a weapon or device that is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Class III Items include:

• Machine guns (fully automatic firearms)
• Short-barreled rifles (SBRs)
• Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
• Suppressors (silencers)
• Destructive devices (grenades, bombs, or large-caliber weapons over .50 caliber, not including shotguns)
• Any Other Weapon (AOW) – a catch-all category (e.g., disguised guns, pen guns, etc.)