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Apply for or renew a firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate. Whether you’re a firearm owner, firearm dealer, shooting club member or planning to travel with firearms, answer a few quick questions and we’ll guide you to the right form and everything you need to complete it.
Renew a current firearm certificate and apply for a new shotgun certificate
You can apply online or by post.
Whichever one you choose you will need to have read the guidance notes before making your application.
It costs £90.
Please note: If you apply online your payment will also be an online payment, we can't accept cheques with an online application.
It can take 12 weeks to grant a new certificate.
This is dependent on the application being complete. If the FAL team have to contact you to follow up on anything then your application could take longer to process.
Your contact details, including:
Health and medical information:
Details about any offences or written cautions (including speeding but not parking offences or fixed penalty notices):
Details about the firearm(s), shotgun(s) and ammunition you own and intend to acquire:
The details of two referees you've known for more than two years, including:
Please note: referees can't be a member of your family, a serving police officer or staff, or a registered firearms dealer.
Photo:
Payment:
Overseas applicants:
Step 1: Complete the online version of the form.
Step 2: Upload your GP proforma and your photo as part of the online application.
Step 3: Make your payment online.
Step 4: Email a copy of your existing certificate; including Table 2, to the firearms team.
The form will take about 20 minutes to complete and you won't be able to save your application as you go, so it will need to be done in one sitting.
Click the 'Start' button below to start your online application.
Step 1: Download the firearm certificate application form (Form 201) and the GP proforma.
Step 2: Print and complete the forms.
Step 3: Attach one passport-style photo (45mm high x 35mm wide) to your 201 form.
Step 4: Make out a cheque or postal order for £90 payable to OPCC Staffordshire. We can’t accept cash.
Step 5: Post your completed forms and cheque to:
Firearms & Explosives Licensing Unit
Staffordshire & West Midlands Police
Weston Road
Stafford
ST18 0YY
We'll get in touch as quickly as possible if we have any questions about your application or need to ask for more information.