Get Your Certificate

How to apply for a Firearm Certificate (FAC) or Shotgun Certificate (SGC)

Applying for your first certificate can feel daunting. Understanding what the police need, preparing your paperwork and arranging suitable storage will help the process run more smoothly.

This guide covers England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has a separate system, with shotguns covered by firearm certification. Residents there should follow the Northern Ireland application guidance.

1. Decide which certificate you need

Certificate	What it generally covers
Firearm Certificate — FAC	Section 1 firearms, including most sporting and target rifles, and the ammunition authorised on the certificate.
Shotgun Certificate — SGC	Shotguns meeting the Section 2 legal definition, including most conventional sporting shotguns. Some shotguns require an FAC instead.

For an FAC, you must demonstrate good reason for each firearm requested. This could include target shooting through an approved club or lawful quarry shooting supported by suitable permission or bookings.

The shotgun format differs: you do not have to justify each individual shotgun. However, the police can refuse an application if satisfied that you have no good reason to possess one. For both certificates, public safety is central. Home Office licensing guidance

2. Start with your local police force

Apply to the police force covering your home address. In Scotland, this is Police Scotland.

Visit its firearms licensing page and read the instructions before obtaining documents or paying for a medical report. Use the current application form or online service, and check the fee and supporting information required.

Before starting, create a folder for your application, supporting documents and correspondence. Keeping everything together makes it easier to respond to questions later.

3. Prepare your supporting information

Have the following ready, following your force’s checklist:

• Your personal details, address history and photograph.

• Medical information and the required medical proforma.

• Your referees’ details and their agreement to be contacted.

• Details of your proposed storage.

• For an FAC, the firearms and ammunition requested and evidence supporting your reasons.

For target shooting, ask your club secretary what membership confirmation can be supplied. For quarry shooting, gather written permission or other evidence of your shooting arrangements.

Complete every question honestly. Disclose the information requested about convictions, previous licensing decisions and medical history; do not assume older matters are irrelevant.

4. Arrange the medical information early

Medical information is part of the assessment for both certificates. Follow your police force’s procedure for obtaining a report from your GP or another appropriately qualified doctor with access to your medical records.

A medical condition does not automatically mean refusal. The police assess its relevance to safe possession and make the licensing decision. The doctor provides medical evidence. Statutory licensing guidance

Ask about the medical fee and likely turnaround time before proceeding. Budget for this separately from the police application fee.

5. Choose suitable referees

Both FAC and SGC applications currently require two referees.

They must live in Great Britain, be of good character and have known you personally for at least two years. Family members, registered firearms dealers and specified police-related personnel cannot act as referees. Check the full eligibility rules before nominating anyone. Current referee requirements

Choose people who know you well, ask their permission and check their contact details.

6. Arrange secure storage

Firearms and shotguns must be secured against unauthorised access. A suitable gun cabinet, correctly installed and securely fixed, is the usual arrangement. Cabinets meeting BS 7558 are commonly used.

The police assess the complete arrangement, including the property, cabinet location and access to keys or codes. Section 1 ammunition should have separate secure storage, which may be a separately locked compartment within the cabinet.

If you are unsure where to install a cabinet, discuss your proposal with the licensing department before committing to the work. Home Office firearms security handbook

7. Submit your application and fee

Review the application carefully, attach the required documents and retain a complete copy.

As of September 2026, the standard grant fees in Great Britain are:

Application	Fee
New FAC	£204
New SGC	£200
Coterminous grant of both certificates	£208

Coterminous certificates have aligned expiry dates. Confirm the appropriate application route with your force. Medical reports and storage costs are additional. Home Office fee schedule

8. Home visit

First-time applicants receive a home visit, including an interview and inspection of storage. Expect questions about your circumstances, shooting plans and suitability. Police also normally speak separately with partners and other household members. Home visit requirements

Be open about your experience. Have your supporting documents available, and ask the officer to explain anything you do not understand.

9. Check your certificate when it arrives

Check your personal details and, for an FAC, the authorised firearms, ammunition allowances and conditions before purchasing. Certificates normally last five years. Record the expiry date and plan renewal well ahead of it. GOV.UK certificate guidance

Processing times vary. Ask your force about its current timescale and avoid making plans that depend on a particular approval date.

Having problems with your application?

Steelfoot recommends Firearms Licensing.net if you encounter difficulties with your FAC or SGC application.

Their team offers grant and renewal application support, advice and consultation services, drawing on experience as former police firearms licensing officers. If you are unsure how to answer a question, have received a request you do not understand or need help deciding your next step, contact them to discuss the support available.

Seek advice promptly if you receive a refusal, as appeal deadlines apply. Professional support can help you understand the process and present your circumstances clearly; the final licensing decision remains with the police.

Information checked September 2026. Always use your police force’s current application instructions.