As the UK’s leading gun marketplace, we thought it was only fitting to teach you the basics, and in this case, how to apply for your shotgun license. The information below will provide you with the knowledge to understand and successfully apply for your shotgun certificate. Allowing you to shoot clay targets and game across the United Kingdom’s glorious countryside.
First and foremost, you must download and complete the application form that is provided to you by the Police.UK website. The document can easily be completed as a printed hard copy or digitally, and which can be sent off as soon as the criteria have been met.
Please see the application for the grant or renewal of a firearm and/ or shotgun certificate below.
Alternatively, if this document is not suitable for your access please email:
alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk along with the format you need.
In this form, you will be asked about the following:
- Which license it is you wish to apply for?
- If a grant or renewal is required.
- Personal details for example name, age, gender, address, etc.
- Personal & medical declaration i.e., your GP and their details.
- Of any known offenses or convictions.
- Home addresses in the previous years
You will also be required to apply for a medical proforma which is completed by your doctor this has to be completed and received before being sent off with your application.
A referee and tier details will also be needed in order for your application to be considered.
Once the application has been completed you will be needed to forward the documents to your local Police Force Firearms Department, this can be found on their website, along with the fee which is currently £88.
After having received your application, they will begin various background checks before a formal interview will be held between you and the FEO (Firearms Enquiry Officer). During this process, you may find they will want to communicate with anyone else that you share accommodation with or who is over the age of 18. This is simply to ensure that no one has any objection to your grant.
The FEO will later come to interview and return to inspect security arrangements that are also required before the grant. This will include a gun safe and any other suggestions they may give you. You may find upon this visit, they will ask you to sign your future license immediately.
This process will vary from one Police Force area to another, and therefore we recommend checking their website for more details.
Your license will be valid for up to 5 years unless revoked during this period. The renewal process remains very similar to the above and we recommend applying for your renewal 2 months before the renewal date, just to get the ball rolling. If your existing license runs out before your new license is granted you will be required to transfer or surrender your shotguns to a license holder, Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) until the new license is granted.
Again, please note that not all Police Forcers are the same and they review/change their processes from time to time. The above is a guide only.
FAQ’s
Am I likely to be granted a shotgun license?
It is advised to state the circumstances as dictated by the Law.
If you have previously been sentenced to imprisonment, detention, or corrective training for a period of 3 years or more, you are permanently prohibited from having any firearms as well as ammunition in your possession. What this means is for life and includes all firearms including air weapons.
If you have previously been sentenced to imprisonment, detention, or corrective training for a period of over 3 months however, less than 3 years you are prohibited from owning or handling firearms and ammunition for at least 5 years from the release date.
You must declare all convictions including motoring and anything else that you have been convicted of, even if abroad when applying for your license.
Regardless of your past history, this does not mean the Police Force will refuse your application unless it is deemed appropriate.
What should I expect when the FEO comes to interview me?
No experience will be the same, as stated before, each Police Force will carry out interviews as they see fit.
Obviously, they will ask you the basics such as why are you applying for your license. What knowledge do you have about shotguns etc? This will cover the safety and security understanding too, so it is important to consider this also.
It is likely that you will be asked questions about your past history and therefore, you may want to consider that they will know the answers to these questions before you answer.
What security measures do I/ should I put in place?
Again, different Police forces will have certain requirements that will differ depending on what property you live in. They will take into consideration things like a detached house, or living in a built-up area as this could be of higher risk.
However, you will need a gun safe installed and built to British Standard 7558, or if your firearms are being stored at another license holder’s address as well as a gunrooms storage facility this should also be stated.
A cabinet should be secured to an internal brick wall, which should also be attached firmly to an outside or supporting wall, as well as being out of sight. If the safe is placed in a garage or other outside building it is generally not permitted.
As a license holder, you are required to do the following:
- Keep your guns in the safe at all times unless they’re in use.
- Be the only person with access to the safe.
- Keep the keys to the safe with you.
Additionally, if you are forced to leave your car with the firearms in the boot, you should take a part of your gun with you, for example, the stock or fore-end. Failing this your license could be revoked.
You should always take reasonable care to make sure your gun can not fall into the wrong hands in any circumstances.
Insurance
As a license holder, you are also obliged to carry insurance. This could be arranged through brokers or through companies such as BASC or the CPSA.
Leave a Reply