Find out how to apply for a shotgun licence, plus more information on waiting times, fees and the appeals process
Shotgun certificates and firearms licences
This is one of the most popular sections on Shooting UK. Because we bring you all the information you need on how to get a shotgun certificate and/or a firearms licence.
If you’re new to shooting, the process is explained clearly, from how to get the right forms, how to apply, the details you will need to give and how long you can expect the whole process to take.
We have also covered the latest laws on shotgun certificates and the latest news. What happens if you let your certificate lapse and what you should do with your guns. What happens if the shotgun certificate holder dies. How many guns you can hold on a single certificate. Plus warnings on how you can lose your licence.
Health conditions affecting your suitability are also covered comprehensively, as is GP involvement with the process and shooting organisations that can help you if you have an issue.
Useful tips on getting your firearms certificate
Thinking about getting your firearms certificate? If you already have a shotgun certificate, it makes sense to apply for what is known as a “coterminous” certificate. This basically means that you will have one end date for both your shotgun and rifle licences. These are popular with both police forces…
FAQs about shotgun certificate applications
Q. How much does a shotgun certificate cost and how long does it run for? A. A certificate is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed if you wish to continue to possess shotguns. A new certificate costs £79.50 and renewal is £49. Q. How old do…
How long will it take you to get your shotgun and firearms certificates?
As in our last report, the City of London offers the shortest waiting times for receiving a new (or renewal of a shotgun certificate). Apply there and you can expect results in nine days, although previously it took five and three days respectively. The tables below were created by the…
New extension brought in for firearm and shotgun certificate renewals
Shooters can now receive an eight-week extension to firearm and shotgun certificate renewals under certain circumstances, in a move that it is hoped will reduce the existing backlog in renewals. The new extension, brought in through the Policing and Crime Act 2017, will allow licensing departments to take extra time…
Licensing fees under review
The Home Office is exploring an increase in licensing fees for firearms. The minister responsible for firearms licensing, Nick Hurd MP, recently confirmed in a written answer to a Parliamentary question that fees are currently being reviewed. This would be another blow to the wallet for shooters, coming just a…
IS firearms licensing a public service?
David Jamieson, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, wants a fee increase so police are not “subsidising gun ownership” I am pleased to see that BASC’s Bill Harriman is suitably critical of the inefficiencies of Mr Jamieson’s force in not doing the job within the agreed fee framework. But there…
Police boss wants to increase firearms and shotgun certificate fees
In another blow to the shooting community, a senior police official has called on the Government to increase the fees charged to applicants for firearms and shotgun certificates. David Jamieson, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for West Midlands Police, said he wants to make sure that forces are not “subsidising…
Government ‘betrayal’ on GP fees for new licences
Proposals to make every gun owner pay a fee to their GP when applying for a shotgun or firearm certificate have been declared as a betrayal by Government. Following a recent meeting with Nick Hurd, the minister responsible for firearm licensing, BASC understands the government plans to abandon the system…
What happens if you admit to health problems on your shotgun licence renewal?
Shotgun licence renewal: What happens if you admit to having health problems when renewing a gun licence? David Frost finds out.
15 things to know about renewing your shotgun certificate
Get your renewal application in at least 12 weeks before your certificate is due to expire. Do not wait for a police reminder letter (you may not receive one anyway, depending on where you live). You can download a firearm/shotgun certificate renewal form here. On the renewal form you must…
Depression: what it means for gun owners
Anybody can suffer from depression. It is an illness that does not discriminate. Anyone who thinks they are suffering should seek professional help as depression can often be treated by a sympathetic and well-informed GP. Depression and gun ownership There is no statutory duty to notify the police that you are…
Are police forces making life more difficult for shotgun licence applicants?
We either stand together or get picked off one-by-one. The relevance of this for shooters was highlighted by P. Cree writing recently, detailing how he had told fellow shoot members that BASC advised that nobody should pay “illegal” medical fees, only for three members to admit that they had indeed…
Worried about my shotgun certificate renewal
I am applying for a new shotgun licence and when the policeman came to visit he did not even bother to look at my gun safe. Before he left, he said he had to take my old licence with him. When I said I needed it, he said he would…
This is why you’ll probably get your shotgun licence faster in future
New application forms for shotgun certificates and firearms licences will ask whether an applicant has ever been diagnosed or treated for a relevant medical condition, removing ambiguity around the current wording. The changes will apply in England, Scotland and Wales and come into effect on 31 December 2017, though old…
These changes to shotgun licence forms will make things clearer
The Home Office has announced that the new shotgun licence forms will ask whether an applicant has ever been diagnosed or treated for a relevant medical condition to remove ambiguity around the current wording. The new forms – which will apply in England, Scotland and Wales – come into effect…
What exactly goes on in a police firearms licensing department?
With about 23,000 certificate holders, Hampshire is a middling size force as far as firearms licensing is concerned. Its performance in recent years has left much to be desired. At one stage things were so poor that the force made an apology on Radio Solent. That’s the down side. The…
How to get into shooting
If you are looking to get into shooting of any kind, this easy guide will give you plenty of hints and tips
Can I lose my firearms licence because I drink over the recommended weekly limit?
Q: I have applied for the renewal of my licences and have been told by my firearms enquiry officer (FEO) that because I drink more than the Government weekly limit, he will refuse to renew the licences because I am intemperate. I go to the local pub three days a…
This is why more than 23,000 new shotgun licences have been issued in the past year
The number of people enjoying shooting is growing, with more than 23,000 new shotgun certificates issued by police forces in England and Wales in the past year. There were 23,718 new applications between 2016 and 2017, of which 98 per cent (23,128) were granted and two per cent (590) were…