Grant of a Shotgun Certificate
Shotgun certificates are the mechanism of licensing for those smooth bore guns that do not require firearm certificates. A shotgun certificate differs from a firearm certificate in that it authorises the holder to have in his/her possession, or to acquire, shotguns without the need of approval in respect of each individual gun. Section 3(2) of the Firearms Amendment Act 1988 amends Section 28 of the 1968 Act to require that the certificate must specify the description of the shotguns to which it relates, including serial numbers, if applicable.
Although a shotgun certificate is not required to possess cartridges used with Section 2 shotguns, you will need a shotgun certificate to purchase those cartridges.
Applying for the grant of a shotgun certificate
Applications for the grant of a shotgun certificate must be made to the Chief Officer of Police, for the area in which you reside. They must be made on the prescribed Form 103, which is available from your local police station, the Firearms Licensing Office or by the available facilities of this website.
By virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975, an applicant is not permitted to withhold information concerning a previous conviction, however old or minor, on the grounds that it is 'spent'. This also includes convictions outside of Great Britain.
If you have any difficulties or queries when completing the form, please contact your local Firearms Licensing Office.
Most of the questions on this form are straightforward, but a few have caused confusion with some applicants.
Part A includes questions 1-16 and relate to personal details
Q4: "Other names" - Married women should include their maiden name. If you have changed your name by deed poll, then you must include your previous name here also.
Q6: Always include your full post code and home telephone number. Please note that this must be your permanent place of residence; club, business, hotels or other temporary addresses cannot be accepted.
Q12: Always include a day time telephone number so we can contact you if there is a query. It could prevent a lengthy delay.
Q14: This question often raises problems and causes delay. Please read the notes on the back of the application form relating to this question. Remember you must declare all convictions, no matter how trivial or how long ago they occurred. This even includes traffic convictions and offences committed outside the UK.
Q16: Under the Firearms Rules 1998 it is now a requirement for applicants to give permission for the police to approach their G.P. for factual details of an applicant's medical history, should it be deemed necessary.
Part B refers to storage and weapons
Q17: Relates to where an applicant intends to store shotguns. Although normally at your home address, it is possible to store your shotguns with another shotgun certificate holder provided that the storage capacity agreed with the issuing authority is not exceeded. Remember that where shotguns are being stored with another shotgun certificate holder, the police authority that issued both certificates should be made aware of this arrangement.
Part C
Concerns details of previous or presently held certificates, and if you are the current holder of a firearm certificate, provides the opportunity to acquire a coterminous shotgun certificate.
Part D deals with countersignatures
A countersignatory is someone who is going to endorse your application. They must provide a daytime telephone number, as we may need to speak to them, and doing so may prevent an unnecessary delay.
Countersignatures are an important part of the vetting system. For suitability see the section on Countersignatures.
Part E (on the reverse of Form 103)
The declaration the applicant must sign and date. If the applicant is under 17 years old, the declaration must be countersigned by a parent or legal guardian. See also Age Restrictions.
In all cases your application must be accompanied by four photographs. You should also enclose the appropriate fee.
You may deliver your application to your local police station or preferably, post your application directly to Firearms Licensing Section, Community Justice Department at Police Headquarters.
Once your completed application is received, necessary checks will take place and you shall be contacted by the Firearm Enquiry Officer covering your area. He/she will arrange a mutually agreeable appointment to visit your home address to discuss your application and give advice on the necessary security.
If during enquiries it appears that your security measures require upgrading, then your application may be allowed "in principle only", until the measures are fully implemented. Once you have installed the required security you should contact your Enquiry Officer to arrange for him to re-inspect it. His/her report will be directed to the Firearms Licensing Office, where your application will be given a final assessment. On approval, the granted certificate will be sent to you directly, usually by post.
Should your application be refused, then the reason will be fully explained to you. Your fee and photographs will be returned. You are entitled to appeal to a Crown Court Judge if you feel that the refusal was unjustified.
A Chief Officer of Police must not grant a certificate to any person he has reason to believe to be:
- Prohibited by the Act from possessing a shotgun; or
- Is satisfied that the applicant does not have a good reason for possessing. Purchasing or acquiring one.
If the grant is not so precluded, the Chief Officer of Police has to be satisfied that the applicant:
- Can be permitted to have the firearm or ammunition without danger to public safety or to the peace.
Countersignatories
Countersignatures are an important part of the vetting system. For suitability see the section on Countersignatures.
Photographs
It is a requirement that all applications for grants and renewals of shotgun and firearm certificates are accompanied by four identical photographs of the applicant.
More information on supplying photographs.
