Section 7 permit: what is it and when would you need one?

The Gov.UK website give a good explanation of a Section 7 permit, saying: “In the event that the application for renewal cannot be determined before the extended certificate expires, police forces may continue to issue a temporary permit to the applicant under section 7 of the Firearms Act 1968 authorising their continued possession of firearms and ammunition to which the expired certificate applies. Section 7 permits issued in these circumstances can allow for the continued possession of the firearms and ammunition that are specified on the applicant’s expired certificate but not the acquisition or purchase of additional firearms or ammunition.” (Read more here.)

Times you might need a Section 7 permit.

• Section 7 of the Firearms Act 1968 enables a chief officer of police to issue a permit to a person authorising them to possess a firearm or ammunition to which Section 1 of the Act applies, or a shotgun, in any special case where it may not be necessary or desirable to issue a certificate. This is generally known am
• In the event of your death your executor should apply to the police for a Section 7 permit which will enable him or her to possess the guns for a short period whilst arrangements are made to sell them. The alternative would be for the executor to lodge the guns with a registered firearms dealer who may also be prepared to sell them on commission. (It’s worth putting a note with the will explaining this and also, in a sealed envelope, how to get access to the gun cabinet.)
• You can’t apply for a Section 7 permit in advance since it has both a start date and an end date and would normally only be valid for a few weeks or at best months.
• Section 7 of the Firearms Act 1968 enables a chief officer of police to issue a permit to a person authorising them to possess a firearm or ammunition to which Section 1 of the Act applies, or a shotgun, in any special case where it may not be necessary or desirable to issue a certificate.