In South Africa, getting a firearm license needs strict checks and reviews, which is a long process. No matter if you apply for your first firearm license or apply for a firearm license renewal, you need thorough understanding and careful preparation. Every step is a key point to compliance and legality. In this comprehensive guide to firearm licenses in South Africa, we will share all the information, including the application, renewal, cost, etc. If you are planning to get a firearm license, read this article.
South Africa firearms license application
Everyone has the right to get their firearms. However, all civilians are regulated by the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 to their background checks, eligibility, capability, and other factors to own guns. A person who wants to get his/her firearm needs to get the firearm license first, whether for self-defense, hunting, or sports shooting. Follow these steps to apply for a firearm license in South Africa.
Step 1. Meet the requirements
Make sure you are eligible to get a firearm license.
- You are South African citizen/permanent citizen
- At least 21 years old
- Clean criminal background
- Emotionally stable and has no violent tendencies
- No drag addiction.
- Have not been declared to hold firearm license in last 5 years
- Have a valid reason to hold the weapon.
Step 2. Getting firearm competency training and certificate
The first step to get a firearm license is not directly to apply for the firearm license. You need to get the certificate first to prove that you have the ability to use the weapon.
Completed the necessary competency training course from a training provider that is accredited by the PFTC (South African Professional Firearm Trainers Council)/ SASSETA(Safety and Security Training Authority). You need to choose the firearm type, learn how to use the weapon and know the conditions under which you are permitted to use it. After you pass the test, you will get the PFTC Statement of Results certificate.
Required documents:
- SAPS 517 form with a full set of your fingerprints.
- Two copies of ID papers.
- Two copies of passport photos
- Copy of your training certificate.
- Competency application form
- Proof of residency
- Testimonial from friends and/or family
- Proof of payment.
Step 3. Apply for the firearm license
After you get the SAPS competency certificate, you are ready to apply for the firearm license. If you are planning to apply for a firearm for self-defense, download the SAPS crime stats for your area. You need to submit the documents to the nearest designated firearms officer (DFO) for them to verify, and note that no one can submit these documents on your behalf.
Required documents:
- You need to fill out the SAPS 271.
- Two copies of ID papers.
- Obtained competency certificate.
- Proficiency training certificate.
- Proof of residency (e.g., electricity bill not older than 3 months).
- Two copies of passport photos.
- Dedicated status certificate (e.g., as a hunter or sportsman).
- Copies of credit card (both front and back) that are certificated.
- Your firearm with proof of purchase.
- Letter of character from (e.g. from your family, friends, colleagues).
- Specifications of the firearm and state the firearm purpose of use.
- Proof of payment.
Required documents for firearms license renewal
So, after you get your firearm license, when should you renew it? The firearm license is valid for 2-10 years, which depends on the specific firearm type. You should renew your firearm license within the prescribed period of time according to the Firearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA) and the Firearms Regulations of 2004 to ensure that you still comply with the provisions. First, you should prepare some Required documents:
- Competency certificate (front and back).
- ID papers.
- Proof of residency/ permanent residence permit if you are not a South African.
- Four passport photos that are not older than 3 months.
- Your character letter (signed by your family, friends, or colleagues).
- The original license.
- Other supporting papers.
- Renewed competency certificate.
Firearms license renewal
Your firearm license will still be valid until your application’s decision comes out. So you can feel relief from using it. Please note that you should renew the firearms license 90 days in advance. Here are the steps.
Step 1. Renew your competency certificate
- Visit a nearby DFO at the police station in your area.
- Complete the SAPS 517 (g) form for a renewal of competency certificate.
- Submit the form along with all the necessary documents to the DFO.
- The DFO will collect your whole set of fingerprints, just like the first-time application.
Step 2. Renew your firearm license
- Complete the SAPS 518 (a) form at the DFO place.
- Submit all the necessary documents to the DFO.
- You will receive SAPS 523 (a) remittance advice. Pay the bill. You can get the Z263 receipt as proof of payment.
- Give the receipt to the DFO, and then you can get the SAPS 523, the signed acknowledgment of receipt, Which is proof of your firearm license renewal application.
SAPS firearms license tracking
If you want to check your SAPS firearm license status, you can visit the SAPS official page. Go to the page and browse the “Firearm Services and Information” section. In this section, you can get everything that you need to check your license status by providing the necessary details without contacting the SAPS office directly. Here are the steps.
- Go to the government website https://www.saps.gov.za/.
- On the top bar, click on the Service tab.
- In the FLASH section, choose the Firearm Services and Information option.
- Choose the Enquiry on firearm application status.
- Fill out your detailed information as requested. Reference Number, ID number, etc.
- Submit the checking application.
How much does it cost to renew a gun license?
Curious about the expenses involved in renewing your firearm license in South Africa? Check this session for more details.
First time application:
- Competence Certificate: R70,00
- Firearm license: R140,00
Renewal:
- Competence Certificate: R70,00
- Firearm license: R140,00
How long does it take to renew a gun license?
There is no specified time for the official of when your firearm license will be approved. The time depends on many factors, such as the workload of the police station, the efficiency of the officer, etc.
Your firearm license will be sent to the DFO once it is approved. After you sign the SAPS 86 form, you can get it.
FAQ
How long is a firearms license valid for?
The validity of the firearm license is at least 2 years to up to 10 years from the date of issue. The time depends on the different types of the license/permit. Here are the specific details.
| License type | Period of validity |
| Firearm for self-defense | Five years |
| Restricted firearm for self-defense | Two years |
| Firearm for occasional hunting and/or sport-shooting | Ten years |
| Firearm for dedicated hunting and/or dedicated sport-shooting | Ten years |
| Firearm in a private collection | Ten years |
| Firearm, in a public collection | Ten years |
| Firearm for business purposes: Business in hunting | Five years |
| Firearm for business purposes: Other business purposes | Two years |
| Firearm for business purposes: For use in theatrical, film and TVproductions | Two years |
| Firearm for business purposes: As a security business | Two years |
| Firearm for business purposes: For training purposes | Two years |
| Firearm for business purposes: As a game rancher | Two years |
What happens if my firearm license has expired?
If you fail to renew your firearm license in time, there are severe situations you may face:
Illegal possession: Once your firearm license has expired, you cannot hold the weapons legally that are demonstrated by the license.
Offense in South Africa: Holding a gun without a valid firearm license is an offense in South Africa. If you are found with an invalid firearm license to hold a gun, you may face legal penalties, such as finement, confiscation of the gun, or worse, imprisonment.
So, it is very important that you renew your firearm license in time to comply with the provisions.
Is the green firearm license still valid in South Africa?
The green firearm license in South Africa has been phased out since 2015. The processes involved transitioning from the old green licenses to the new, digitized Firearms Control Act (FCA) system controlled white licenses.
Since the longest validity for the firearm license is 10 years, so, in 2025, that means all the green firearm licenses should have complete renewal to white licenses. If you hold the green firearm license, go to the SAPS to renew yours to white license in time.
Conclusion
To get a firearm license in South Africa, you need to have a thorough understanding of it and comply with the provisions throughout the process. This article has provided you with all the information, from the required documents to the processes and costs. Remember, renewing the firearm license is essential to avoid unnecessary legality problems and ensure you always comply with the provisions.