There are two certificates, and which you need depends on the gun. A shotgun certificate (SGC) covers ordinary shotguns, the smooth-bored guns used for game, clays and rough shooting. A firearm certificate (FAC) covers rifles and other firearms, and it asks a little more of you, because you have to show a good reason for each rifle, such as deer stalking or vermin control. Many people who both game shoot and stalk hold both, and you can arrange for them to run out on the same date to save on fees, known as coterminous certificates.
You normally need to be over eighteen to hold a certificate in your own right, and to be someone the police consider a fit person to possess a gun, with somewhere secure to keep it. For a firearm certificate you also need a good reason for each rifle. For a shotgun certificate you do not have to justify each gun, but you do need to be a fit person with secure storage. Younger people are not shut out: under-eighteens can shoot under supervision and can hold a certificate with certain restrictions, so if there is a young shot in the family, do ask.
Applications are now made online, which is quicker and simpler than the old paper route. The easiest way to start is through the GOV.UK service, which points you to your own police force and their application system:
Apply for a shotgun or firearm certificate on GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/find-licences/shotgun-and-firearm-certificates
You complete the application on your force's online system, upload your passport-style photographs, give your referees' details, and pay the fee online by card. The days of posting a paper form and a cheque are behind us. If you would genuinely prefer a paper form, most forces will still post one out on request, but online is now the standard and by far the fastest way.
Whichever way you apply, have these ready. Recent passport-style photographs. Referees who know you well, generally one for a shotgun certificate and two for a firearm certificate, who have known you for at least two years and are not a member of your family, a serving police officer or a registered firearms dealer. Your GP's details, as a medical check is now part of every application and the police will contact your surgery, which may make a small charge. And somewhere secure to store guns, which is worth sorting early. We are happy to advise on the right cabinet.
The police assess whether you are a fit person to hold a certificate, in the interests of public safety and the peace. They will look at any history that bears on that, and your referees are asked to vouch for your character. Being open and honest matters: you should declare any offences, including motoring matters and convictions from outside the UK, even ones that are spent. Withholding something is far more damaging than the thing itself.
Before a certificate is granted you need somewhere safe to keep your guns, normally a proper gun cabinet made to the British Standard and bolted securely to a solid wall, kept out of sight. Ammunition should be stored separately in a locked container. Larger collections may need additional measures such as an alarm.
On keys and access, the sensible rule is simple: only certificate holders should have access to where guns are kept. If more than one person in the household holds certificates, the arrangements need to suit everyone's certificates. If you are ever unsure how best to set this up, ask your firearms enquiry officer, they would far rather help you get it right than find it wrong.
A Firearms Enquiry Officer will usually come out to check your security and have a chat. There is nothing to be nervous about, it is a straightforward and generally friendly part of the process, and a good chance to ask anything you are unsure of.
The official aim is around eight weeks, though in practice many forces take longer, so apply in good time and do not leave it to the last minute, especially with a season in mind. Once granted, a certificate lasts five years. After that it is a matter of keeping on top of renewal, and applying in good time again.
If you are coming up to renewal, see our friendly reminder on keeping your certificate up to date, which sets out the steps and sensible timescales.
Fees are set nationally and change from time to time, so rather than quote a figure that dates, check the current cost for a grant or renewal on the GOV.UK page linked above, or with your own force. Budget too for your cabinet and any small charge your GP makes for the medical.
On a firearm certificate you can apply to vary it at any time, to add a new rifle or free up a slot. A straight one-for-one swap usually carries no charge, while adding a firearm normally does. As ever, a good reason is needed for anything new.
Your certificate will set out how much ammunition you may buy and hold for each calibre. The amounts are agreed with your force and take account of how you shoot and how easily you can get supplies, so if your needs change it is worth discussing at renewal.
Black powder is a specialist area with its own requirements, including an explosives certificate and safe, limited storage. If you shoot muzzle-loaders, or are thinking of starting, come and talk to us and we will point you the right way.
Written down it can sound like a lot, but each step is simple enough on its own, and thousands of people go through it every year. If you are applying for the first time or renewing, do come and talk to us. We can help you choose the right cabinet, talk you through what your force will want to see, and point you to the correct online application for your area.
Please note: this is general guidance offered in good faith and is not legal advice. It applies to England and Wales only. Rules and fees can change and vary a little between police forces, so always check the current details with your own force.
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