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If you want to own a firearm or shotgun, you need to apply for a certificate.
You'll need to:
If you already have a certificate, but it has expired, you must apply for a new certificate.
You can also use this application process to renew an existing certificate.
The characteristics of a gun, not its name, define the certificate.
Gun type | Characteristics | Firearm certificate | Shotgun certificate |
Firearm | Rifled barrel, firing ammunition |
✓ | |
Shotgun or musket | Smooth bore, firing cartridges or blanks |
✓ | |
Multi-shot shotgun | Capable of holding more than three cartridges | ✓ | |
Air rifle | Kinetic energy in excess of 12ft/lbs | ✓ |
There are some circumstances in which you can shoot without a certificate.
There are age restrictions for firearm and shotgun certificates. Please check these before starting your application.
You can apply for a certificate five years after your release date if:
You cannot apply for a certificate if:
Before you start your application, there are some things you'll need to prepare in advance:
You’ll need to provide a passport-style photo of yourself.
Your photo must:
You must:
A digital photo must be used for online applications.
Your digital photo must:
We'll ask you for details of two referees (or one person if applying for a shotgun certificate).
You'll need to provide their
Please note, there are rules around who can act as your referee. Read the application guidance notes.
Your contact details, including:
For information on how we handle data, read our application guidance notes.
You'll need to provide the following information:
If you're applying for a firearms certificate, we'll ask you for:
We'll ask you for details of any offences or written cautions, including the date (month and year).
Offences include speeding offences, but not parking offences or fixed penalty notices.
For more information, read the application guidance notes.
We'll ask you for details of anyone who could have access to where you'll store your firearm or shotgun. For example, housemates or relatives.
You'll need to provide their:
We'll ask you for the details of any private land or registered club where you'll be using your firearm.
Private land
You'll need to provide:
Shooting club
You'll need to provide:
If you’re renewing, you’ll need to provide a full copy of your current certificate(s), including table one and two.
Use our application service to get started. It will tell you how to apply, how much you'll need to pay and how long it will take to get a certificate.
If you've submitted your application online, you can download a copy for your own records.
We'll carry out background checks. This includes contacting referees and, if relevant, your GP.
We'll also assess your suitability to receive a certificate. As part of the assessment, a firearms enquiry officer (FEO) will interview you at your home address.
Once we've reached a decision on your application, we'll contact you to let you know the outcome.