Last Updated: 28.09.2026
Getting a gun licence in the UK involves a strict police licensing process designed to determine whether a person can legally and safely possess firearms or shotguns. In most of Great Britain, the two main authorisations are a Firearm Certificate (FAC) and a Shotgun Certificate (SGC).
Applicants must provide personal information, referees and relevant medical information. Police can conduct background and suitability checks and may arrange a home visit before deciding whether to grant a certificate.
The rules continue to develop. Licensing fees increased from 4 June 2026, while further amendments to firearms application forms and certificates are due to take effect from 29 September 2026.
Firearm Certificate Vs Shotgun Certificate:
A Firearm Certificate and Shotgun Certificate are not interchangeable.
A Firearm Certificate normally covers firearms that fall within section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968. Applicants generally need to demonstrate a good reason for possessing each firearm covered by the certificate.
A Shotgun Certificate covers qualifying shotguns.
The legal test is different, although police must still be satisfied that the applicant can possess a shotgun without danger to public safety or the peace and that there is no reason to believe the applicant is prohibited from possessing one.
Certificates are generally valid for five years.
Scotland also operates a separate Air Weapon Certificate system covering many air weapons that would not ordinarily require a Firearm Certificate elsewhere in Great Britain.
How Have UK Gun Licence Rules Changed Over the Years to Improve Public Safety?
UK firearms law has developed through several stages, often following concerns about public safety and changes in how firearms are regulated.
The Firearms Act 1968 brought together much of the existing legislation governing firearms in Great Britain. Further legislation subsequently tightened controls on particular firearms, possession and licensing.
Changes following the 1996 Dunblane school shooting resulted in much tighter restrictions on handguns through legislation introduced in 1997.
More recent reforms have concentrated heavily on licensing suitability, medical information, domestic abuse considerations, security and police decision-making.
The Firearms Act 2023 also introduced further controls in areas such as miniature rifle ranges and possession of ammunition components with intent to manufacture ammunition without authorisation.
Licensing procedures continued changing in 2025 and 2026. Current rules include stronger application requirements and updated police guidance. Licensing fees also increased on 4 June 2026.
Further Firearms Amendment Rules were made on 23 September 2026 and are due to come into force on 29 September 2026, replacing application and certificate forms.
Applications using the previous form can continue to be accepted where they are received by police on or before 29 October 2026.
How Has the Government Tightened Rules Around Carrying and Transporting Firearms?
Holding a firearm or shotgun certificate does not provide unrestricted authority to carry a firearm wherever the certificate holder chooses.
Under section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968, it is an offence without lawful authority or reasonable excuse to have certain firearms in a public place.
The provision covers a loaded shotgun, an air weapon whether loaded or not, other firearms accompanied by suitable ammunition, and imitation firearms.
Police also have statutory powers to intervene where they have reasonable grounds to suspect a person possesses a firearm in a public place. These can include requiring the firearm or ammunition to be handed over for examination and, where legal conditions are met, searching the person or vehicle.
Certificate holders therefore need to ensure that possessing or transporting a firearm away from its normal place of storage is lawful and consistent with the purpose for which it is being carried.
Carrying a firearm with criminal intent and trespassing while carrying a firearm are separate offences under the Firearms Act.
Who Can Apply for a Gun Licence in the UK?
Police consider each application individually.
An applicant must not be legally prohibited from possessing firearms and must satisfy the applicable statutory test.
For a Firearm Certificate, police consider whether the applicant is fit to be entrusted with a firearm, whether there is a good reason for possessing the firearm and whether possession would create a danger to essential public safety or the peace.
For Shotgun Certificates, police must also consider public safety, legal prohibitions and whether there is a good reason for possession.
Factors that may be examined can include:
- Criminal History
- Relevant Police Intelligence
- Medical Information
- Domestic Abuse Or Violence Concerns
- Alcohol Or Drug Misuse Where Relevant
- Information From Referees
- Household Circumstances
- Previous Firearms Licensing History
- Other Information Relevant To Public Safety
Having one particular issue in a person’s history does not necessarily determine the outcome by itself. Police consider the circumstances and applicable legal test when making the licensing decision.
What Counts as a Good Reason for Owning a Firearm?
An applicant seeking a Firearm Certificate normally needs to demonstrate a legitimate reason for the firearm concerned.
Depending on the circumstances, recognised purposes can include:
- Target Shooting
- Pest Or Vermin Control
- Deer Management
- Professional Or Occupational Use
- Collecting
- Research
- Other Legitimate Sporting Purposes
The applicant may need supporting information showing that the stated reason is genuine.
For example, someone intending to shoot on private land may need to provide information connected with the land and permission to use it. A target shooter may need information relating to an approved shooting club.
Simply wanting to own a firearm does not automatically establish the good reason required for a Firearm Certificate.
What Documents And Information Do You Need To Apply?
The exact information required depends on the type of application and the police force handling it.
Applicants should normally be prepared to provide information concerning:
- Personal Details
- Current And Previous Addresses Where Required
- Photograph
- Two Referees
- Relevant Medical Information
- Previous Convictions Or Other Relevant Matters
- Reason For Requiring The Firearm
- Shooting Club Information Where Applicable
- Land Information Where Applicable
- Existing Certificate Information For Renewals
- Information Required About Proposed Building Security Arrangements
Providing complete and accurate information is important. False or misleading information can create serious licensing problems and may affect whether police consider the applicant suitable.
Who Can Be A Referee For A Firearm Or Shotgun Certificate?
Current application requirements use two referees for firearm and shotgun certificate applications.
Applicants should select referees who satisfy the current eligibility requirements and who know them sufficiently well to provide meaningful information about their character and suitability.
Police may contact referees during the investigation.
Referees should therefore be prepared to confirm relevant information about the applicant rather than simply allowing their name to appear on the application.
Applicants should check the current application requirements issued by their police force because the prescribed application forms and procedures can change.
How Do You Apply For A Gun Licence In The UK Step By Step?
The licensing process generally follows several stages.
Step 1: Identify The Correct Certificate
Determine whether the firearm requires a Firearm Certificate, Shotgun Certificate or another form of authorisation.
Step 2: Prepare The Required Information
Gather personal details, referee information, medical details and evidence supporting the reason for possessing the firearm.
Step 3: Complete The Application
Applications are made through the relevant police firearms licensing authority.
Step 4: Provide Medical And Referee Information
Police may obtain relevant medical information and contact the referees supplied.
Step 5: Pay The Application Fee
The appropriate licensing fee must be paid.
Step 6: Police Conduct Suitability Checks
Police review relevant information to decide whether the statutory licensing requirements are satisfied.
Step 7: Attend A Home Interview Where Required
A Firearms Enquiry Officer may visit the applicant to discuss the application and security arrangements.
Step 8: Police Make A Decision
The certificate may be granted, refused or delayed while further information is obtained.
Step 9: Follow Certificate Conditions
Once granted, the holder must comply with the conditions appearing on the certificate and applicable firearms law.
What Medical And Background Checks Do Police Carry Out?
Medical and background assessments are important parts of modern firearms licensing.
Police may consider relevant mental health information where it could affect whether a person can safely possess a firearm. The licensing decision remains a police responsibility rather than being decided by the applicant’s GP alone.
A firearms marker can also be placed on medical records after a certificate is granted or renewed so relevant concerns arising later can potentially be brought to police attention.
Background enquiries can include information relating to:
- Criminal Records
- Police Intelligence
- Violence
- Domestic Abuse
- Relevant Medical Circumstances
- Alcohol Or Substance Misuse
- Referees
- Household Circumstances
- Open-Source Information Where Appropriate
- Other Information Relevant To Public Safety
The statutory guidance emphasises a risk-based assessment rather than treating a single characteristic as automatically deciding every application.
What Happens During A Firearms Enquiry Officer Home Visit?
A Firearms Enquiry Officer may visit an applicant as part of the licensing assessment.
The visit allows the officer to discuss matters connected with the application and assess whether further enquiries are necessary.
Subjects that may arise include:
- The Applicant’s Intended Use Of The Firearm
- Information Provided On The Application
- Security Arrangements
- Household Circumstances
- Any Issues Identified During Checks
- The Applicant’s Understanding Of Their Responsibilities
The purpose is not simply to inspect a property. The officer is gathering information that may help the chief officer of police decide whether the statutory requirements for granting the certificate have been met.
Does Living With Other People Affect A Gun Licence Application?
Living with a partner, relatives or housemates does not automatically prevent a person from receiving a firearm or shotgun certificate.
However, household circumstances can be relevant to the police risk assessment.
Police may consider whether another person could obtain unauthorised access to firearms and whether any information concerning people connected with the household creates a public safety concern.
Applicants may therefore be asked about people living at or regularly accessing the property.
The central issue is whether firearms can be possessed securely and whether granting the certificate would be consistent with public safety.
What Are The Gun Storage Requirements In The UK?
Certificate holders must take appropriate precautions to prevent firearms and ammunition from being accessed by unauthorised people.
Security requirements can depend on factors such as the firearms held, the property and the risks associated with the particular circumstances.
Suitable firearm cabinets are commonly used for domestic storage, although the overall legal and licensing assessment is based on effective security rather than simply owning a particular cabinet.
Police may examine proposed arrangements as part of the application process.
Certificate holders should also consider who can obtain access to keys or other means of opening secure storage.
Where police consider existing arrangements inadequate, further security measures may be required before an application can be approved or continued possession regarded as satisfactory.
How Much Does A Gun Licence Cost In The UK In 2026?
New licensing fees came into force on 4 June 2026.
| Certificate Or Application | 2026 Fee |
| Firearm Certificate Grant | £204 |
| Firearm Certificate Renewal | £135 |
| Shotgun Certificate Grant | £200 |
| Shotgun Certificate Renewal | £130 |
| Coterminous Grant | £208 |
| Coterminous Renewal | £160 |
| Firearm Certificate Variation | £48 |
| Replacement Of Lost Or Destroyed Certificate | £9 |
The new rates apply to relevant applications received by police on or after 4 June 2026.
A coterminous application allows firearm and shotgun certificates to expire at the same time.
How Long Does A Gun Licence Application Take?
There is no single processing time that applies to every police force and every application.
The time required can depend on:
- Police Licensing Workload
- Completeness Of The Application
- Medical Information
- Referee Responses
- Background Enquiries
- Home Visit Availability
- Complexity Of The Applicant’s Circumstances
- Need For Further Information
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on a general UK-wide estimate.
Submitting complete and accurate information can reduce avoidable delays, but it does not guarantee that an application will be processed within a particular period.
How Long Does A Firearm Or Shotgun Certificate Last?
Firearm and shotgun certificates are normally valid for five years.
The holder must continue meeting the relevant legal requirements throughout that period.
A certificate can contain conditions governing matters connected with possession and use. These conditions must be followed.
Receiving a five-year certificate therefore does not guarantee that the person will retain it for the entire five years if circumstances change and police subsequently determine that the statutory requirements are no longer satisfied.
When Should You Renew A Firearm Or Shotgun Certificate?
Certificate holders should apply for renewal before their existing certificate expires.
Police forces set practical submission arrangements, so holders should check the renewal window operated by their licensing force.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has advised that most forces accept renewal applications up to four months before expiry.
Applying early enough is important because renewals may involve updated medical information, suitability checks and other enquiries.
Certificate holders should not assume that simply submitting an application allows them to possess firearms indefinitely after the certificate’s expiry.
The legal position depends on the applicable renewal provisions and whether the required conditions for any statutory extension are satisfied.
What Actions Can Cause A Gun Licence To Be Cancelled Or Revoked?
Police can revoke a firearm or shotgun certificate where the legal requirements for continued possession are no longer satisfied.
For example, revocation may arise where police conclude that the holder can no longer safely or lawfully possess firearms.
Potential concerns can include:
- Serious Criminal Conduct
- Violence Or Threatening Behaviour
- Domestic Abuse Concerns
- Unsafe Or Inadequate Firearm Security
- Relevant Alcohol Or Drug Misuse
- Providing False Or Misleading Information
- Breaching Certificate Conditions
- Conduct Creating A Public Safety Concern
- Becoming Legally Prohibited From Possessing Firearms
- Significant Changes In Circumstances Relevant To Suitability
For shotgun certificates, the Firearms Act allows revocation where the chief officer is satisfied that the holder is prohibited from possessing a shotgun or cannot be permitted to possess one without danger to public safety or the peace.
For the year ending March 2026 in England and Wales, Home Office statistics recorded 546 firearm certificate revocations and 1,453 shotgun certificate revocations.
Revocation is based on the circumstances of the individual case rather than an automatic checklist.
Can You Appeal A Firearm Licence Refusal Or Revocation?
A person whose firearm or shotgun certificate application is refused, or whose existing certificate is revoked, may have a statutory right of appeal.
The appropriate court depends on the jurisdiction.
In England and Wales, relevant appeals are generally made to the Crown Court.
In Scotland, the corresponding appeal process operates through the sheriff.
Strict procedural and time requirements can apply, so anyone considering an appeal should check the applicable legislation and current court procedure.
An appeal does not automatically mean that the police decision will be overturned. The court considers the evidence and applicable legal requirements.
Are Gun Licence Rules The Same Across The UK?
No. Although people commonly search for a “UK gun licence”, firearms licensing is not completely identical throughout all four UK nations.
England And Wales
The Firearms Act 1968, as amended, provides the main framework governing firearm and shotgun certificates.
Applications are handled by the applicant’s local police firearms licensing authority.
Scotland
Scotland also uses Firearm Certificates and Shotgun Certificates under the wider Great Britain firearms framework.
However, Scotland additionally has an Air Weapon Certificate system under the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.
An Air Weapon Certificate can authorise a holder to use, possess, purchase and acquire air weapons covered by the Scottish system.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland operates a separate firearms licensing system from Great Britain.
Firearms licensing is administered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland under Northern Ireland-specific firearms legislation.
Someone seeking a firearm in Northern Ireland should therefore follow the Northern Ireland process rather than assuming that the England, Wales or Scotland procedure applies.
Conclusion
Getting a gun licence in the UK in 2026 requires much more than completing an application form.
Police consider the type of firearm, the applicant’s reason for possessing it, medical information, referees, background information, security arrangements and wider public safety considerations.
The system has become progressively more structured, with tighter suitability assessments, updated application requirements and continuing changes to firearms legislation and guidance.
Applicants also need to understand that receiving a certificate creates continuing responsibilities.
Unsafe flexible storage, serious misconduct, relevant changes in circumstances or other public safety concerns can lead to police reviewing or revoking a certificate.
Because rules differ in some areas of the UK and procedures continue to change, applicants should use the current requirements issued by the police authority responsible for their area.
FAQs
Can You Own A Gun Legally In The UK?
Yes. Certain firearms and shotguns can be legally possessed where the person has the appropriate certificate or another lawful authority and complies with the applicable conditions.
How Much Is A Gun Licence In The UK In 2026?
From 4 June 2026, a new Firearm Certificate costs £204 and a new Shotgun Certificate costs £200. Renewals cost £135 and £130 respectively.
Do You Need Two Referees For A Shotgun Certificate?
Current application requirements use two referees for firearm and shotgun certificate applications. Applicants should ensure their referees meet the applicable eligibility rules.
Can You Get A Gun Licence With A Criminal Record?
A criminal record does not have one identical effect in every case. Certain convictions can legally prohibit firearm possession, while police also consider criminal history when assessing suitability and public safety.
Can You Get A Gun Licence If You Have A Medical Condition?
A medical condition does not automatically mean that every application will be refused. Police assess relevant medical information alongside the person’s wider circumstances and public safety considerations.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Gun Licence In The UK?
There is no single national processing time. The period can vary according to the police force, medical enquiries, referee responses, application complexity and the need for additional checks.
How Long Does A Firearm Certificate Last?
Firearm and shotgun certificates are generally valid for five years, although they may be revoked earlier if the holder no longer satisfies the relevant legal requirements.
Can Police Revoke A Gun Licence Before It Expires?
Yes. Police can revoke a certificate where the statutory grounds for revocation are met, including relevant circumstances involving legal prohibition or public safety.
