Firearm, shotgun and explosives certificates

Firearms certificate application forms are provided by the Home Office. We're aware that they may not meet accessibility standards and may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you need the information in a different format, such as accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact [email protected] to request an alternative version.

How much does it cost?

It costs £200.

How do I apply?

You can apply online.

You'll need to have read the guidance notes before making your application. 

How long does it take?

Due to the high demand of all types of applications, we're currently taking up to 24 months to process new applications and grant a certificate.

Applications needed for employment or professional reasons will be prioritised. Please make sure you mention this in the “Occupation” and the “Anything else you want to tell us” fields on your form.

We apologise for this delay. We're currently recruiting staff to improve this situation.

You'll need the following to complete your application:

Your contact details, including:

• email address
• phone number
• work contact details (if not unemployed or retired)
• previous addresses if you haven’t lived at your current address for more than five years
• a completed occupancy list of who lives at your current address
  
  

Health and medical information:

• details of any relevant conditions you have which need to be disclosed (you’ll find a list of those in the guidance notes)
• your GP or practice address, postcode and phone number
• any previous GP or practice information (within the last 10 years)
• if there have been times when you haven’t been registered with a GP or practice in the UK, we’ll need to know about this and will ask why this was and if there is any information you can give us about this, for example, if you’re in the armed services and were posted abroad
• your completed GP proforma - you'll need to download this and have your GP fill it in. Then upload it as part of your online application
  
  

Details of any previous offences:

• details of the offence, including the date (month and year)

Please read the guidance notes for details of all conviction or offence types we need to know about.

Details about the shotgun(s) and ammunition you intend to acquire:

• security arrangements - how and where the shotgun(s) will be stored, whether the arrangements are shared (and, if they are, the details of who they are shared with)
  
  

The details of two referees you've known for at least the last two years, including:

• their date and place of birth
• their occupation
• contact details

Please note: referees can't be a member of your family, a serving police officer or staff, or a registered firearms dealer.

You must also have shared the guidance for referees with them.

Photo:

• one passport-style photo which is no larger than 1MB in size and is a .jpg/.jpeg
  
  

Payment:

• credit or debit card details to make your online payment

Please note: if you are unable to make an online payment please tell us using our contact us form before making your application. It may be possible to arrange a postal application.

Overseas applicants:

• if you're not a UK national you'll need to supply a criminal record check from your country of origin with your application. You'll need to pay for this. Find out how to get a criminal record check.We'll contact you to discuss this as part of your application.

Application steps 

Step 1: Complete our online 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 your completed home occupancy list 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.

What happens after I apply?

We'll get in touch as quickly as possible if we have any questions about your application or need to ask for more information.