To get a firearm licence, you must first get a competency certificate.

To apply for the competency certificate, an applicant needs to complete the application form (SAPS 517) and submit it to the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at their nearest police station. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has prepared detailed instructions on how to complete the application form for a competency certificate.

• Complete the relevant firearm course at an accredited Training Provider
• Get a competency certificate
• Apply for a firearm licence at the nearest police station.

The competency certificate is a new aspect of firearm licensing in South Africa. This training must be completed at an accredited training provider (Pro-Arm Firearm Training Academy)

To get a competency certificate, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 21 years old, unless there are compelling reasons requiring the applicant to get a competency certificate or firearm licence.
• Must be a South African citizen or permanent residence permit holder.
• Must pass a thorough background check.
• Must be mentally stable and fit.
• Must not be addicted to any intoxicating or narcotic substances.
• Must not have a criminal record inside or outside of South Africa.
• Must know how to use a firearm (the applicant must have successfully completed a training course at an accredited training institution).
• TWO (2) Colour Passport Photos
• TWO (2) Certified Copies of ID
• TWO (2) Certified Copies of Proficiency (Training) Certificate
• ONE (1) Certified Copy of Statement of Results (SOR)
• Character References I.E. if Married it must be your spouse, if not it must be a family member bearing the same surname as you the applicant, second reference a friend/colleague and the third reference must be your neighbour and must be completed as follows:
• Surname
• Full names
• Identity number
• Physical address
• Contact Number
• R 77.00 Payment
• If you are employed as a security officer, A letter from your employer is required confirming your employment
• PSIRA Certificate or Grade Certificates if available.
• Proof of residence I.E. Utility Bill, Letter from Flat Supervisor or Landlord. (Please note letter from the councillor is not accepted)

For more Information and Enquiries please contact the 24HR Toll Free Line: 012 353 6111

NB: Office working Hours for accepting applications are from 07:30 to 12:00 Weekdays.

Applications are to be completed in black ink.

With your firearm licence application form, attach the following certified copies of:

• SAP 271 Application Form.
• TWO (2) Colour PASSPORT Photos.
• THREE (3) Certified Copies of ID.
• TWO (2) Certified Copies of Spouse’s ID.
• TWO (2) Certified Copies of Competency Certificate.
• SAP 350(a) (2 Copies – 1 Original & 1 Copy)
• Detailed Motivation Letter
• TWO Coloured photos of safe (1 Open & 1 Closed)
• Finger Prints
• One Hundred and Sixty One Rands (R 161.00)

If you have obtained your competency certificate, you can apply for a firearm licence corresponding to the type of firearm competency you have obtained:

• Handgun
• Rifle
• Shotgun
• Hand Machine Carbine

The police will :

• Issue remittance advice (SAPS 523(a)) to the applicant and refer the applicant to the relevant financial office.·
• Issue the acknowledgement of the receipt (SAPS 523) of the application to the applicant.
• Conduct background enquiries and a safe inspection.

All firearms licences must be renewed every:

• Five years for business purposes.
• Two years for self-defence.
• Ten years for hunting or sports-related shooting.

The Act limits the number of firearms for which you can get a licence, depending on your needs:

• Firearm for self-defence: one handgun or shotgun which is not fully or semi-automatic.
• Up to four firearms for occasional hunters or sports shooters (but only one handgun and no fully or semi-automatic rifles and shotguns).
• No limit for dedicated hunters and sport shooters, but you must prove that you are a dedicated member of a hunting or sports organisation, and must show a need for additional firearms.
• No limit for people who use firearms for business purposes (eg security companies, firearm instructors or game hunters), but strict conditions apply.

The period for the renewal of existing firearm licences under the previous act expired on 30 June 2009. If you did not renew in time, your existing licence remains valid until the court makes a final ruling on the interim court order. There is no RENEWAL PROCESS anymore. A NEW course has to be completed.

If you need further information, you can contact the appointed Designated Firearms Officer at your nearest police station. Alternatively, you can contact the Firearms Call Centre during office hours at 012 353 6111.

You can also visit the SAPS website for all legislation, instructions and forms relating to firearm licences to date.