Firearm, shotgun and explosives certificates

How do I apply?

You can apply by post.

You'll need to have read the guidance notes before making your application.

How much does it cost?

It costs £90.

How long does it take?

It can take up to six weeks to grant a new certificate.

You'll need the following to complete your application

Your contact details, including:

• email address
• phone number
• work contact details (if not unemployed or retired)
• previous addresses if you haven’t lived at your current address for more than five years 

Health and medical information:

• details of any relevant conditions you have which need to be disclosed (you’ll find a list of those in the guidance notes)
• your GP or practice address, postcode and phone number
• previous GP or practice information if you haven’t been registered with your current GP or practice for ten years or more
• if, during the last ten years, there have been times when you haven’t been registered with a GP or practice in the UK, we’ll need to know about this and will ask why this was and if there is any information you can give us about this, for example if you’re in the armed services and were posted abroad
• your completed GP proforma - you'll need to download this and have your GP fill it in. Then send it to us with your application

Details about any offences or written cautions (including speeding but not parking offences or fixed penalty notices):

• details of the offence, including the date (month and year)

Details about the firearm(s), shotgun(s) and ammunition you own and intend to acquire:

• calibre, type and reason for having the firearm(s)
• calibre and quantity of ammunition
• security arrangements - how and where the firearm(s) and shotgun(s) will be stored, whether the arrangements are shared (and, if they are, the details of who they are shared with)

The details of two referees you've known for more than two years, including:

• their date and place of birth
• their occupation
• contact details

Please note: referees can't be a member of your family, a serving police officer or staff, or a registered firearms dealer. Background checks will be completed on all applicants and referees, this may include multi agency checks. By submitting your application you are consenting to other agencies sharing your information with the police.

Photo:

• one passport-style photo which is no larger than 1MB in size and is a .jpg/.jpeg

Overseas applicants:

• if you're not a UK national you'll need to supply a criminal record check from your country of origin with your application. You'll need to pay for this. Find out how to get a criminal record check.

Application process 

Step 1: Download the firearm certificate application form (Form 201) and the GP proforma.

Step 2: Print and complete the forms. 

Step 3: Attach one passport-style photo (45mm high x 35mm wide). 

Step 4: Make out a cheque or postal order for £90 payable to the City of London Police Authority. We can't accept cash.

Step 5: Post your completed form and cheque or postal order to:

City of London (Police Licensing)
Guildhall
PO Box 270
London
EC2P 2EJ

What happens after I apply?

We'll get in touch as quickly as possible if we have any questions about your application or need to ask for more information.

Otherwise, we'll contact you within six weeks.