To own a shotgun in Great Britain you need a shotgun certificate (SGC). To own a rifle, a pistol allowed under Section 1, or an air rifle over 12 ft-lb, you need a firearm certificate (FAC). Both are issued by your local police force, and the process is similar. This guide takes you through it step by step.
This guide is general information for England, Wales and Scotland, not legal advice. Forms, fees and guidance change, so always check your police force’s firearms licensing pages and GOV.UK. Northern Ireland has its own system, covered below.
Shotgun certificate or FAC: which do you need?
Shotgun certificate (SGC)
An SGC covers “Section 2” shotguns. In simple terms, that is a smooth-bore gun with a barrel of at least 24 inches and either no magazine or a magazine that holds no more than two cartridges (so no more than three in the gun). Most over and unders, side by sides and many semi-autos with restricted magazines are Section 2.
With an SGC you don’t have to give a reason for each gun, and you can hold as many shotguns as you can store securely. The police must grant a certificate unless there is a reason to think you would be a danger to public safety or to the peace, or you are prohibited from having guns.
Firearm certificate (FAC)
An FAC covers Section 1 firearms. That includes rifles (rimfire and centrefire), shotguns with larger magazines, air rifles over 12 ft-lb and air pistols over 6 ft-lb. For an FAC you must show a good reason for each gun and for the ammunition. The certificate lists each gun or “slot” with its calibre, and conditions about where and how you can use it.
Good reasons include target shooting at a club where you are a member, pest control or deer management on land where you have permission, and some collecting. If you later want another rifle, you apply for a variation to add a slot.
Who can apply
- You can apply from age 14 for an FAC and there is no lower age limit for an SGC, but young people can’t buy or hire guns or ammunition until they are 18, and there are other restrictions on use.
- You must live in Great Britain (visitors use a visitor’s permit instead).
- You must not be a prohibited person. Anyone who has been sentenced to three years or more in prison is banned for life. Anyone sentenced to between three months and three years is banned for five years from their release.
- The police will check your criminal record, intelligence records and medical history.
Step by step
1. Get the form
In England and Wales, new applications for both an SGC and an FAC use the same form, called Form 201. Many police forces now let you apply online through their website. In Scotland you apply to Police Scotland.
2. Choose your referees
You need referees who have known you for at least two years and who can comment on your character. An SGC application needs one referee and an FAC application needs two. Referees should not be members of your family. Your police force’s guidance lists who else can’t act as a referee.
3. Get your medical information
The police will ask your GP for information about your medical history, especially mental health, conditions affecting your judgement, and drug or alcohol problems. Most GPs charge a fee for this. Having a medical condition doesn’t automatically stop you getting a certificate, but you must be honest.
4. Pay the fee and send photos
The fee is set by the Home Office. Check GOV.UK or your police force for the current amount. You will also need recent passport-style photos.
5. Get your security ready
You must store guns securely. For most people that means a steel gun cabinet bolted to a solid wall or floor, out of sight, built to the British Standard for gun cabinets (BS 7558). Ammunition for Section 1 firearms may need to be stored separately. Your force’s firearms team can advise on what they expect. Don’t buy a gun until the cabinet is fitted.
6. The home visit
A firearms enquiry officer (FEO) will usually visit your home. They will look at your security, talk to you about why you want the certificate, and check your experience and understanding of safe shooting. For an FAC, they will want to know where you will shoot, so have club membership details or written land permission ready.
7. The decision
The time it takes varies a lot between forces, from a few weeks to several months. Certificates usually last five years, and you will need to renew before yours runs out.
Once you have your certificate
- Buying a gun: show your certificate to the seller. The transfer must be done face to face or through a registered firearms dealer (RFD), and the police must be told within 7 days. The seller also records the sale on your certificate.
- Selling a gun: check the buyer’s certificate covers the gun before handing it over, and tell the police within 7 days.
- Moving house: tell the police without delay.
- Lost or stolen guns: report them to the police at once.
- Medical changes: tell the police about relevant changes to your health.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, all firearms, including shotguns and most air guns, need a firearm certificate from the PSNI. There is no separate shotgun certificate. Contact the PSNI firearms and explosives branch for forms and guidance.
Common questions
How long does it take to get a shotgun certificate?
It depends on your police force. Some take a few weeks, others several months. Applying with everything ready speeds things up.
Can I be refused?
Yes. For an SGC, refusal must be based on public safety or a legal ban. For an FAC, you can also be refused if you can’t show a good reason. You can appeal a refusal.
Do I need a certificate for an air rifle?
Not in England and Wales if it is under 12 ft-lb. Scotland and Northern Ireland are different. Read our guide to air rifle law.
What is the difference between Section 1 and Section 2?
Section 2 covers most shotguns, held on an SGC. Section 1 covers rifles and other firearms, held on an FAC. Read more in the difference between Section 1 and Section 2 firearms.
Find a shotgun or rifle
Once you have your certificate, browse used shotguns for sale and used rifles for sale.
