Applying for a shotgun certificate isn't as complicated as you might think. Here's a straightforward guide.

We’ll help you through the process of getting a shotgun certificate (or what some people call a shotgun licence). The tips below cover:

How to apply and where

The amount of time you may have to wait for a certificate

What you will have to pay

Action to take if your application is rejected.

What the police will expect of you.

The security you will need to have in place

How to renew your shotgun certificate (more below on this)

Who should get a shotgun certificate?

If you own a shotgun then you need to have a valid shotgun licence. Plus which, if you’re buying a shotgun and are new to the sport then you need to be applying for your certificate now, long before you get the gun. (All shooters complain about how long certificates take to come through. Months in many cases.) You also need a shotgun licence to buy ammunition.

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. Find your local police force here. Different police forces have different procedures. Some allow you to apply online.

Applying for your first shotgun certificate is straightforward and will cost you £79.50. Only one form needs to be completed. Email and SMS alerts will keep applicants up to date.

Shotgun certificates and young Shots

UK law changed for the under 18’s on 12 December 2019. Although there is no minimum age to get a shotgun certificate (14 for a firearms certificate) legislation now says that arrangements must be made for a person aged 18 or over to take responsibility for the secure storage of the firearms and ammunition held on a young Shot’s certificate. The person aged 18 or over must be the certificate holder’s parent or guardian or another individual who has a shotgun certificate or firearms licence. If the parent or guardian does not have a firearms certificate it may satisfy the police if arrangements are made for the firearm to be kept in a lockable cabinet with two separate locks, where one key holder is a certificate holder and which can only be opened when both key holders are present.

Applying for your shotgun licence

We suggest printing off two forms. You can use one for a practice run and then complete the other in full.

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. 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. You will then have to give details of where your gun is to be stored. (See ‘law and Young Shots’ above for under-18 applicants.) 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. With your shotgun licence application you must also provide one passport sized photograph of yourself. You then return the completed form to the firearms licensing unit of your local police, together with the fee. Remember to send your application by recorded delivery which allows you to track it (and prove it was posted).

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.

When 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 in place and has been inspected by the visiting officer, the certificate can be posted to you. Otherwise your licence will be hand delivered by a police officer once he is satisfied your security has been installed correctly.

If you’re renewing your certificate

Some forces are offering early renewal of shotgun certificates.This is to even out the workload between the three normal years and the two slack years of the renewal cycle. You don’t have to accept offers of early renewal. You may be able to apply for a shotgun renewal online, depending on your local force.

You can download a firearm/shotgun certificate renewal form here.

On the renewal form you must give details of any convictions. This includes motoring offences (including speeding offences), bindovers, formal written cautions and convictions in and outside Great Britain. However parking offences and fixed penalty notices do not need to be declared.

It may speed up your renewal application if you include a photocopy of your existing certificates. If you possess a shotgun or rifle it is advisable to belong to one of the shooting organisations (like BASC). They offer good specialist advice and can put you in touch with an expert in firearms law should you have any problems renewing your shotgun certificate.

Keep your original certificates with you whilst waiting to receive the renewals. You will need them to buy ammunition and prove lawful possession of your guns.

Use a digital photograph if you are applying online. Paper applications must be accompanied by one passport quality photograph.

If your certificate expires before you receive a valid replacement, you should ask for a temporary permit, issued under Section 7 of the Firearms Act 1968. It should be granted in the event of an administrative delay.

Always post your renewal applications by recorded delivery to prove that you have done so and ensure safe arrival.

You will need to supply the address of your GP practice.

It is better to mention an illness than leave it off the form. Those who actively seek help to manage their condition are likely to be looked on more positively. If the doctor’s report shows the applicant is taking the correct medication and that there are no serious issues then a certificate should be granted or renewed. Ticking the ‘yes’ box WILL lead to a letter being written to your GP seeking more information. What to do if your shotgun certificate application is refused

In this instance, contact a shooting body, such as the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) or the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) who will be able to advise you.

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

Both shotgun and firearms certificates last for five years but have important differences. Remember that you cannot keep a shotgun on a firearm certificate. 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.

Some frequently asked questions about shotgun certificates