Here is a friendly reminder worth a moment of your time. Your shotgun or firearm certificate lasts five years, and because that is such a long stretch, it is easy to lose track of when yours is actually due. A few simple habits take all the worry out of it.
Update: new licensing rules came into force on 29 September 2026, including a new application form and a duty to tell the police about relevant medical conditions. A shotgun certificate also now needs two referees, the same as a firearm certificate. Read what changed, or see our firearm certificates guide.
Fees since 4 June 2026: a shotgun certificate costs £200 to grant and £130 to renew; a firearm certificate costs £204 to grant and £135 to renew. Source: Home Office Circular 001/2026 (GOV.UK).
Note your expiry date somewhere you will see it. A calendar, your phone, or a note by the cabinet. If it is in front of you, it will not creep up on you.
Apply to renew in good time. Ideally four to six months ahead. Many police forces are busy, so the earlier you get your application in, the smoother it tends to go.
Keep your details up to date. Tell your licensing department if you move house or change any of your details, so there are no hold-ups when renewal comes round.
Store your guns securely, always. Safe, correct storage is part of holding a certificate, and it is the first thing that keeps everything above board.
Why renewing early helps
Renewing in good time simply takes the stress out of it. There is no last-minute scramble, no worry about your certificate lapsing, and everything stays properly in order. It is a small bit of admin that saves a lot of bother later.
So, worth a quick check: when is yours due for renewal? If you are ever unsure about anything to do with your certificate, your local firearms licensing team will be glad to help, and you are always welcome to ask us too.
Apply for or renew a shotgun or firearm certificate (GOV.UK): https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/shotgun-and-firearm-certificates
BASC, certificate renewals: https://basc.org.uk/firearms/certificate-renewals/
Licensing guidance, forms for applying for approvals under the law: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/firearms-licensing-police-guidance
General guidance: see the useful links above for the official sources.
