A big concern for shooters last year was police forces demanding that firearm certificate applications were independently medically verified, according to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). This demand is not in line with Home Office advice. Bill Harriman, BASC’s director of firearms described the situation as: “the…
Shotgun certificates and firearms certificates
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 certificate.
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 certificate.
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.
Should you take up early renewal of your shotgun certificate? (And 14 other things to know about renewing it)
Q: My local force has offered me early renewal of my shotgun certificate. I am told other forces are doing the same. Should I take up the offer? A: Some forces are doing this to even out the workload between the three normal years and the two slack years of…
Why the Home Office consultation on firearms licensing is a muddle
Firearms licensing has never been satisfactory, but it became an even bigger mess in April 2016 when the Home Office introduced new medical requirements. These were agreed between the Home Office, British Medical Association, shooting organisations and the police. The BMA broke ranks almost immediately and some police forces were…
How to get your shotgun certificate
Find out how to apply for a shotgun licence, plus more information on waiting times, fees and the appeals process
Should the firearms enquiry officer have taken a picture of my gun locker?
Q) I believe a police officer has the power to stop and search, but do police community support offi cers, RSPCA officers and gamekeepers have similar powers where potential firearms offences or wildlife crimes are concerned? N. WILLIAM By email
Will I lose my shotgun certificate because I’ve had a formal police caution?
Shotgun licence: Two weeks ago I was arrested and given a formal caution for an offence I did not commit.
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 do I add guns to a firearms certificate?
Q: I have held a shotgun certificate for 40 years, initially for roughshooting, but in recent years, mainly for skeet and DTL. Two years ago I decided that I would like to add FAC to my shooting disciplines and joined my local shooting club as an airgun member, being added to…
How do we list guns as ‘shared’ on our shotgun licences?
My wife and I share a gun cabinet and I’ve been told my shotguns should appear as 'shared' on my wife’s shotgun licence and hers shown similarly on mine.
What’s the law on inheriting a shotgun?
Some months after my father passed away the police told my mother that because his shotgun certificate had lapsed she should hand his gun to the local gun shop.
Will I have problems obtaining a firearms certificate?
I am soon to retire and would like to apply for a firearms certificate to take up shooting with a .17HMR for both targets and vermin.
Can I leave a shotgun at my holiday home?
Q: I have a shotgun licence, registered in London, and a number of shotguns kept at that registered address. I also have a holiday home, which has a clay ground nearby. Rather than keep transporting a gun to the holiday house I am keen to install a cabinet and leave…
Do I have to pay my GP when I renew my firearm and shotgun certificates?
Q: While applying to renew my firearms and shotgun certificates, I was asked by my GP practice to pay a £15 charge to release my records to the police. It was my understanding that if the police ask for this information they were to pay for any costs, and that…
I’ve just received a reminder to renew my shotgun certificate – what should I do next?
I’ve just received my shotgun certificate renewal reminder. Is there a deadline by which time I have to get it back to the police?
How certain police forces are putting obstacles in the way of getting a firearms licence
Sometimes you wonder who makes the law. Is it Parliament or is it the police? Your MP thinks it’s him but in some cases if your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) doesn’t like what Parliament has decided he makes his own law. I thought it was the responsibility of the…
Shotgun licence delayed? Don’t stand for it!
Delays on the part of police in issuing shotgun certificates, renewals and variations are unacceptable and should not be tolerated by gun owners.
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…
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…