How to get your shotgun certificate

Do you need to get a shotgun certificate? Whether it's your

first time or whether you're renewing, here's what you need to know.

Here’s our useful guide to help you get a shotgun certificate. We tell you.

• How to apply
• How long your certificate may take to process
• What you should expect to pay
• What to do if your application is rejected.

Who needs to get a shotgun certificate?

If you own a shotgun you need a certificate. And if you’re planning on buying a shotgun you need to plan ahead. You won’t be able to buy ammunition for your gun without the certificate either.

Don’t wait to receive a reminder letter before applying for a certificate renewal. You may not receive one anyway. Allow at least three months before your certificate expires because it could take that long to get the new one through.

How to get a shotgun certificate

You can apply for a shotgun certificate here by downloading the application form or get an application form from the shotgun licensing unit of your local police force.

Applying for your first gun certificate is straightforward and will cost you £79.50 (or £49 for a renewal). Only one form needs to be completed. Email and SMS alerts will keep applicants up to date.

A shotgun certificate is valid for five years.

It’s a good idea to print off two forms. Use one for practice and then complete the other in full.

1. In order to issue a shotgun certificate, the police need to be satisfied that the applicant can possess a shotgun without danger to the public safety or the peace. Part of this involves checking if the applicant has any previous convictions, which means that you must accurately complete Part C of the form.
2. There are also specific health questions that you must answer in Part B. You must declare any physical or mental health condition that may affect your ability to possess and use a firearm or shotgun safely. These include epilepsy, stroke, stress-related illness, depression, alcoholism, heart disease, cancer. Details of a GP’s involvement in the shotgun application process are given here.
3. You will then have to give details of where your gun is to be stored.
4. The next important bit of the form has to filled in by a counter signatory who has known you personally for at least two years. Such a person cannot be a relative, a serving policeman or police civilian employee, or a registered firearms dealer and should have a responsible and honest reputation.
5. With your shotgun licence application you must also provide four passport-sized photographs of yourself, one of which must be signed on the back by your counter signatory. You then return the completed form to the firearms licensing unit of your local police, together with the fee (£79.50 for a new licence, £49 for a renewal at the time of writing).
6. Remember to send your application by recorded delivery which allows you to track it (and prove it was posted).
7. Do not return any expiring shotgun certificates with your new application. This is crucial as you will need them to buy ammunition and prove lawful possession of your guns.

What happens next to my shotgun certificate application?

If your application passes the first stage, you will get a visit from a police officer at your home. They will talk to you about your reasons to get a shotgun certificate and the proposed safety arrangements you have made. Make sure you have a secure gun cabinet in place which can be inspected and make sure it adheres to all safety regulations. This will speed up your certificate application.

• If you are asked why you wish to own a shotgun, all you need say is you wish to take part in shooting sports.
• If the police officer is satisfied, they will report this to the Chief Office of Police and your shotgun licence will be granted.
• If your security was installed and the officer inspected it on his visit, the certificate can be posted to you. If your security has not been installed, your licence will be hand delivered by a police officer who will hand you your certificate once he is satisfied your security has been installed correctly.

And if you’re renewing your certificate

To repeat, do not send your existing certificate off with your renewal application. You need to keep it safely as long as it remains valid, because you will need to prove that you are in lawful possession of ammunition and shotguns.

What to do if your shotgun certificate application is refused

Should the Chief Officer of Police turn down your application, you will be informed, in writing, giving the reasons why and of your right of appeal against the decision.

BASC and the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) will be able to advise on the next steps to take.

What’s the difference between a shotgun certificate and a firearms certificate?

A shotgun licence is different from a firearms certificate although both last for five years. If your gun is not classed as a shotgun then you’ll need to apply for a firearms certificate. It’s important to note that you can’t carry a shotgun on a firearms licence. Whilst technically called a Shot Gun Certificate (SGC), most people refer to it as a shotgun certificate or shotgun licence.

The rules are different in Northern Ireland, where you will need a firearms certificate to possess a shotgun.

We also highly recommend that you join a top shooting related organisation such as the BASC https://basc.org.uk/ which will back you regarding all aspects of shooting sports aswell as give you shooting insurance as part of the membership.