IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025 came into effect on Tuesday 05 August 2025 and introduces a new F201 Application form for firearms and shotguns with a new medical proforma and Annex A: Information and checklist for referees.
The medical form and Annex can be downloaded below.
Applications for shotgun certificates will require details of two referees to be supplied, there is a transition period up and including 05 September 2025, during this period we will accept applications made on either the previous or current application form and we will accept just one referee, however we do encourage you to supply two.
Any application made after 05 September 2025 must use the new forms and supply two referees.
Firearm and Shotgun Grant and Renewal applications
Please use this secure web form to submit your application.
As your application progresses along the application stage we will contact you to arrange a visit / inspection.
We are unable to give a timescale, however we aim to contact you as soon as you reach the appropriate stage.
Following the publication of changes to the Home Office Statutory Guidance in Nov 2021 for the granting and renewal of certificates, applicants are now required, at their own expense, to obtain a GP report as part of this new application process.
Please DO NOT apply for a Grant or Renewal of a Firearm or Shotgun certificate if you do not either have your GP Report in hand or have confirmation from your GP that the form has been completed and submitted directly to the Firearms Licensing Unit. Please ensure your report covers at least the last 10 years, all boxes are completed, it has been stamped by the surgery and is signed. Your Application will be rejected if we do not have a complete, signed and stamped GP Report.
Application -
Application for a Variation to a Firearm certificate
Application for a Variation to a Firearm certificate
Please download, print and complete the below form, you will need to enclose your current firearm certificate with the completed form. Currently variations can only be completed via postal applications. At question 13 enter all the firearms you wish to acquire including any unused variations from a previous request. Unused authorities are not automatically carried forward unless you request this.
If you are applying to increase the number of firearms you hold (including sound moderators) the fee is £47.00. A card payment can be made and the Firearms Licensing department will contact you directly for payment when dealing with your application.
UK Visitors permits
This form should be used to apply for a shotgun and/or firearm visitor permit. A sponsor on behalf of the visitor should complete the application. The sponsor does not need to be a certificate holder. The completed application form should be forwarded to the police force area under which the sponsor resides. A fee is payable, for more details please see our FAQ section around Travelling with a gun.
If the visitor is resident in an EU country, their original (a photocopy is acceptable) European Firearms Pass will be needed with the application form. If the visitor is resident in a country which is not registered as part of the EU, another form of supporting documentation will be required such as a firearm certificate or hunting certificate. As a last option a letter from the visitor’s local police authority will be required stating that the police are happy for the visitor to use firearms/shotguns whilst in this country.
Section 11(6) Authority – clay pigeon exemption
Use this form if you are organising a clay pigeon shooting event where non-certificate holders may be participating. The attached form is for your convenience only and is not an official form.
Privacy Notice
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