Firearms Licensing

You need to apply to your local police force who will have a firearm administration section.

Before a firearm certificate is granted or renewed, the Chief Officer of Police is required to be satisfied that:

• The applicant is fit to be entrusted with a firearm to which Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968 applies and is not a person prohibited by that Act (e.g. by age or previous conviction) from possessing such a firearm,
• The applicant has a good reason for having in their possession, or for purchasing or acquiring the firearm and ammunition in respect of which the application is made,
• That in all circumstances the applicant can be permitted to have the firearm or ammunition in their possession without danger to the public safety or to the peace.

Along with the application form, you will have to provide, one recent passport sized photo of a true likeness, and details of two persons who are prepared to provide a reference to the application in the case of a firearms certificate and one person in the case of an application for a shotgun certificate. A referee must not be a member of the applicant's family, a serving police officer or police employee or a registered firearm dealer. A referee should be of good character and the reference should be freely given and not on payment of any fee.

You need to complete the personal health and medical declaration part of the application form. This includes you providing details of your GP and signing the form granting the police permission to obtain factual details of any medical history in relation to your suitability to possess a firearm and/or shotgun.

The application form also requires you to disclose if you have been convicted or received a written caution.

No shotgun certificate will be granted or renewed if the Chief Officer of Police:

• Has reason to believe that the applicant is prohibited by this Act from possessing a shot gun; or
• Is satisfied that the applicant does not have a good reason for possessing, purchasing or acquiring one.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.

The firearms and ammunition to which the certificate relates must be stored securely at all times to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, access to the firearms or ammunition by an unauthorised person.

The Home Office have issued guidance with recommends that firearms should be stored in a locked gun cabinet or other similarly secure container. In some cases if you don't have a gun cabinet, it may be acceptable to remove the firing mechanism from the firearm and store it in a secure container, for example, a safe. In these cases you should then lock away the rest of the firearm. A securely built gunroom or cellar with a steel door that locks can also be an acceptable form of storage. Section 1 ammunition can be stored in a separate secure compartment within a gun cabinet or in its own secure container.

The security of your firearm will depend not only on how the firearms are stored, but also on the overall security of the property where the firearms are kept. Guidance on the security requirements can be obtained from your local firearms licensing department.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.

Firearm Certificates/Shotgun Certificates can be refused on the following grounds, if the Chief Officer of Police is satisfied that the applicant cannot fulfil the criteria for the grant or renewal of a certificate (see question Q233).

A firearm certificate may be fully revoked by the Chief Officer of Police for the area in which the holder resides if they have reason to believe:

• That the holder is of intemperate habits or unsound mind or is otherwise unfit to be entrusted with such a firearm; or
• That the holder can no longer be permitted to have the firearm or ammunition to which the certificate relates in their possession without danger to the public safety or to the peace; or
• That the holder is prohibited by this Act from possessing a firearm to which section 1 of the Firearms Act applies; or
• That the holder no longer has a good reason for having in their possession, or for purchasing or acquiring, the firearm or ammunition which they are authorised by virtue of the certificate to have in his possession or to purchase or acquire; or
• That the holder has failed to comply with a notice requiring them to deliver up the certificate to them within 21 days from the date of the notice for the purpose of amending the conditions under which the certificate is held.

A firearm certificate may be partially revoked only if the Chief Officer of Police is satisfied that the holder no longer has a good reason for having in his possession or for purchasing or acquiring, the firearm or ammunition to which the partial revocation relates.

A shotgun certificate may be revoked by the Chief Officer of Police for the area in which the holder resides if they are satisfied that the holder is prohibited by this Act from possessing a shotgun or cannot be permitted to possess a shot gun without danger to the public safety or to the peace.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around, you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.

Costs of various certificates are,

• Grant of Firearms certificate - £88
• Grant of Shot gun certificate - £79.50
• Renewal of Firearms certificate - £62
• Renewal of Shot gun certificate - £49
• Replacement of a certificate lost or destroyed - £4
• Firearm and shotgun co-terminous grants - £90
• Firearm and shotgun co-terminous renewal - £65
• Variation - £20
• Explosive certificate, in some cases it is currently free but there are types of explosive certificates where a fee is payable, check with your forces explosive officer/firearms licensing department for more details.
• Visitors' permit (1-5 people) - £20 per person
• Visitors' group permit (6 or more people) - £100 for the group

You must immediately notify the relevant police force of any change of address. There will be details of the exact person/department to notify within the papers received concerning the certificate.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.

A firearm or shotgun certificate normally last for five years from the date it is issued or renewed.

There are two types of Explosive Certificates:

Acquire Only: allows a person to corporate body to obtain explosives which are used straight away and are not kept overnight.

Acquire and Keep: allows a person or corporate body to obtain explosives and keep them in an approved storage place.

These certificates last for a maximum of five years, in line with shotgun/firearm certificates.

It depends on the total custodial sentence that the person has received.

• If the person has been sentenced to a total of 3 years or more in prison , corrective training or youth custody/detention they are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition of any kind for life.
• If a person has been sentenced (including a suspended sentence) to more than 3 months but less than 3 years imprisonment, youth custody/detention or a secure training order, they are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition of any kind for a period of five years from the date of their release.
• Anyone released on licence under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition whilst holding the licence.
• Anyone who is subject to a recognizance to keep the peace or to be of good behaviour or is subject to a community order which prohibits the possession of a firearm shall not have a firearm or ammunition in their possession during that time.

An antique firearm is not defined in the law but guidelines from the Home Office suggest the following may be considered as antique:

• A muzzle loading firearm of original manufacture (not a modern made replica or reproduction).
• Any breech-loading firearm using a rim-fire cartridge exceeding .23 (but not 9mm).
• A breech-loading firearm of original manufacture, using an ignition system other than rim-fire or centre (e.g. flintlock or percussion).
• A breech loading centre fire firearm originally chambered for cartridges, which are now obsolete AND retaining that original chambering.

Evidence of antique status may include an indication of date of manufacture, details of technical obsolescence, a lack of commercial availability or suitable ammunition, or a written opinion by an accredited expert.

There is a further requirement that any 'antique firearm' is kept purely as a curiosity or ornament not to be fired and for which no ammunition is authorised. If there is any indication that a firearm is to be used (not held purely as a curiosity or ornament), it should not be regarded as an antique and normal certification procedures would apply. The intent to fire an antique weapon, even with blank ammunition or charge (i.e. historical enactment) would take it beyond the term of being held as a curiosity or ornament.

Similarly, if modern ready-made ammunition can be readily acquired and used the weapon may not be considered as an antique (this is a Home Office guidance to help the police, a court will make the final decision if necessary).

If a person wishes to shoot any antique firearm or shotgun it must be shown on their certificate and properly recorded with the police. However, each case should be dealt with on its merits and advice on individual weapons can be sought from the relevant force's firearm department.

The holder of a visitor's shotgun permit may, without holding a shotgun certificate, have shotguns in their possession and purchase or acquire shotguns. See Q318 for how to obtain a visitor's permit.

Legislation also provides that a person who has not been in Great Britain for more than thirty days in the preceding twelve months may purchase a firearm from a registered firearms dealer for export, without holding a firearm or shotgun certificate or visitor's permit. The exemption does not extend to the actual possession of the firearm and the dealer must arrange for the export of the weapon without it first coming into the purchaser's possession. The thirty days limit is an aggregate and does not have to be continuous. The purchase of a firearm for export without a certificate from a person other than a registered firearms dealer is not permitted.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.

Home Office approved rifle and muzzle loading pistol clubs are allowed a number of 'guest days' per year when persons known to the club may be allowed to try the sport under the supervision and guidance of experienced shooters. Visitors to such clubs on non guest dates may not shoot at the club until such time where they have been accepted as a probationary or full member.

A person wishing to try Clay Pigeon shooting may try the sport at any club who are in possession of a valid Exemption Permit issued by their local police.

A person may also use a shotgun or rifle on private premises in certain circumstances. A person without a licence may borrow a rifle or shotgun from another person on private premises as long as:

• the weapon is being borrowed for either hunting animals or shooting game or vermin, or, for shooting at artificial targets;
• the lender is at least 18 years old, holds a relevant certificate, and either has the right to allow others to enter the premises for the purpose of shooting animals, game or vermin, or, is authorised in writing by such a person to lend weapons on the premises;
• the borrower's possession of the weapon complies with any conditions set out in the lender's certificate;
• during the time the weapon is borrowed, the borrower is in the presence of the lender or another person aged 18 or over who holds a relevant certificate; and
• in the case of rifles, the borrower is aged 17 or over.

A shotgun is not subject to section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968, but will require a shotgun certificate, if it is a smooth-bore gun (not being an air gun) which:

• has a barrel of 24 inches or more in length;
• does not have a barrel with a bore that exceeds 2 inches in diameter;
• does not have a magazine or has a detachable magazine that is incapable of holding more than 2 cartridges; and
• is not a revolver gun.

Shotguns of either a self-loading or pump-action style, with a barrel less than 24 inches in length or are less than 40 inches in length overall, and have a fixed magazine that can hold 2 or more cartridges, are classed as shotguns to which section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968 refers and are subject to the restriction of a firearms certificate.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.

Each application is dealt with on its own merits so it is not possible to give a specific time scale. In some instances it can take up to 4 months depending on any medical issues, convictions etc. This will vary from force to force so you should make any further enquiries with the Firearms Department within your local police force; you can do this via the non-emergency 101 number.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.

You must notify the firearm administration section of the police force that issued the certificate without delay of any change of address. There will be details of the exact person or department to notify within the papers received concerning the certificate.

If the change of address means that the firearm will be kept outside of the original force area then they will be able to advise you of the process with regards to obtaining a certificate from the police force in which you now reside.

Variation to the firearm certificate must be authorised before a firearm can be purchased or sold. The authority given will state the quantity, the type e.g. Rifle, Muzzle Loading Pistol etc and the calibre of the firearm authorised along with the amount of ammunition you will be permitted to acquire.

The person selling the firearm e.g. a firearm dealer or a firearm certificate holder will check the authority on the certificate and if correct will enter the details of the firearm on Table 2 on the reverse of the certificate.

This will show:

• the date of the sale or transfer,
• the name and address of the person selling or transferring the firearm,
• the quantity,
• calibre,
• type,
• identification number of the firearm, and
• the seller's authority e.g. dealer registration number or firearm certificate number.

The seller is required to notify the Police for the area in which the holder resides, and the force who issued the firearm certificate.

With the exception of the need to obtain a prior authorisation, the same procedure is necessary for the sale or transfer of a shotgun.

A firearm permit may be issued to a person to allow them to temporarily possess firearms and shotguns. A permit cannot be issued to authorise the purchase or acquisition of firearms or ammunition.

There are different types of permit to allow for various situations in which a person may need to temporarily possess a firearm or shotgun. For example:

• A permit to allow an auctioneer to sell by auction, expose for sale by auction, or have their possession for sale by auction, the firearms, ammunitions, shotguns and / or air weapons specified in the permit until the date of expiry shown on the permit.
• A permit to authorise the temporary possession of firearms or ammunition by a relative of the executor of a deceased person or the receiver or liquidator of a bankrupt.

Permits are issued by the firearms licensing unit of a police force in circumstances when it would not be appropriate to issue a firearm or shotgun certificate, or to register a person as a firearms dealer. In considering an application for a permit, the police will conduct basic background checks on police systems to ensure the suitability of the applicant if it does not involve an existing certificate holder.

A permit may also be issued to visitors (non-residents) to allow them to bring firearms and shotguns into the United Kingdom.

Please note that all calls to police involving firearms are treated as if it is a genuine firearm so be aware that if you do wave an imitation firearm around you could find yourself surrounded by firearms officers pointing real weapons at you.