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Firearms licensing: Firearms certificates
Grant of a Firearm Certificate
Firearm certificates are the means of control and licensing for those weapons which are neither prohibited, nor Section 2 shotguns.
A firearm certificate differs from a shotgun certificate on a number of points. Firstly, it will only allow you to possess those weapons which have been authorised by the police. Secondly, it will only allow you to use those weapons for a specific purpose, and on occasions, at a specific place.
Before issuing a firearm certificate, the Chief Officer of Police must be satisfied that the applicant can be permitted to have firearms and ammunition in his possession without danger to public safety or to the peace.
Applying for the grant of a firearm certificate
Applications for the grant of a firearm certificate must be made to the Chief
Officer of Police, for the area in which you reside. They must be made on prescribed Form 101, as shown above which should be obtainable from your local police station.
In any difficulty you should contact your local Firearms Licensing Office.
All of the questions in Part A of this form, which deal with personal details, are identical to those that appear on a shotgun certificate application form, and guidance can be found under that category.
Part B refers to details of weapons and ammunition. In the case of a grant, questions 17 and 18 should normally be answered as "none".
Q19: Please be sure to complete all four columns in respect of each weapon requested, particularly as to "reason" in column 3, and "where you intend to use it" in column 4. "Reason " is probably the most misunderstood single item relating to firearms. Remember you must provide good reason for each and every weapon you request. For more information see our separate category on Good Reason.
Q20: Bear in mind the "overall total" of ammunition you are requesting. You must be able to safely store this amount separately from your firearms. Ensure you have requested ammunition for each of he calibre weapons requested, except those that are muzzle-loading. It is normal to request to be allowed to possess a slightly larger amount than you are allowed to purchase. This will then allow you to "top up" your ammunition before completely running out.
Q21: You should request the amount of ammunition, within reason, that you require to purchase or acquire at any one time. It should be noted that expanding ammunition will not normally be allowed for target shooting.
Part C concerns the storage of your firearms and ammunition. In most circumstances this will be at the applicant's home address, but it is possible to store elsewhere, for instance at your club.
Part D refers to any other certificates which you currently hold, or have held in the past.
