How to Renew Your Firearm Licence

When Should You Renew Your Firearm Licence?

The Firearms Control Act requires a firearm licence renewal application to be submitted at least 90 days before the licence expires.

As a practical approach, firearm owners should not wait until the last few weeks. Starting the process well in advance gives you time to gather your supporting documents, prepare your motivation and address any problems with your competency certificate or documentation.

If a renewal application is submitted within the prescribed period, the existing licence remains valid while the renewal application is being decided.

Step 1: Check Your Licence and Competency Certificate

Before starting your application, check:

• The expiry date of your firearm licence.
• The section under which the firearm is licensed.
• The firearm details, including make, model, calibre and serial number.
• Whether your relevant competency certificate is valid.
• Whether your personal details and address are still correct.

A renewal application is subject to the applicant continuing to comply with the requirements applicable to the licence.

If your address or other information has changed, this should also be dealt with appropriately rather than simply carrying the old information into your renewal application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

SAPS requires documentation to accompany a firearm licence renewal application. The exact supporting documents required can depend on the circumstances of the application and the type of licence being renewed.

SAPS lists documents such as:

• Official identity document.
• Original firearm licence, permit or authorisation.
• Relevant competency certificate.
• Recent passport-size colour photographs.
• Supporting documentation relevant to the application.

For applications involving sport shooting or hunting, it is also important to prepare evidence that supports the continued need for the firearm and the activity for which it is licensed. This may include membership or association documentation, dedicated status documentation where applicable, evidence of participation, hunting records and other relevant documents.

Step 3: Prepare Your Renewal Motivation

One of the most important parts of a firearm licence renewal application is explaining why you still require the firearm.

A renewal is not simply a request to keep the firearm because you have owned it for several years. Your motivation should explain your continued need for the firearm and demonstrate that the firearm remains suitable for its intended purpose.

Your motivation should be consistent with the section under which the firearm is licensed.

Section 13 – Self-Defence

For a firearm licensed for self-defence, the motivation should explain the applicant's continued need for the firearm in the context of their circumstances.

The application should address relevant risks, the applicant's daily circumstances and why other reasonable measures may not adequately address the identified risks.

Section 15 – Occasional Sport or Hunting

For an occasional sport or hunting firearm, the motivation should demonstrate the applicant's continued participation in the relevant activity and explain why the particular firearm remains appropriate.

Section 16 – Dedicated Sport or Dedicated Hunting

For a firearm licensed under dedicated status, the application should demonstrate the continued need for the firearm in relation to the applicant's dedicated sporting or hunting activities.

Where applicable, evidence of dedicated status and participation should support the application.

Step 4: Complete the Correct SAPS Forms

The correct SAPS application form must be completed for the renewal.

SAPS provides its firearm-related application forms through its official website. The SAPS forms page currently lists SAPS 517(e) as the application for renewal of licence(s) in terms of the previous Act.

Because firearm legislation and administrative requirements can change, applicants should always confirm that they are using the current form and current requirements before submitting an application.

Step 5: Submit the Application to the DFO

The renewal application must be delivered to the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) responsible for the area where you ordinarily reside, or where your business is situated where applicable.

The DFO will process the application and complete the required administrative procedures, which may include taking fingerprints where a competency application is involved and issuing the relevant payment documentation.

SAPS states that applicants receive an acknowledgement of receipt after submitting the renewal application. Keep this document safely as proof that your application was submitted.

Step 6: Keep Proof of Your Application

Once you have submitted your renewal application, keep copies of:

• The completed application.
• Your motivation.
• Supporting documents.
• Proof of payment.
• The SAPS acknowledgement of receipt.
• Any correspondence relating to the application.

This documentation can be important if you need to follow up on the progress of the application.

What Happens After You Apply?

Your application is considered by the relevant authorities to determine whether you continue to meet the requirements for the licence.

The Firearms Control Act specifically provides that a renewal may not be granted unless the applicant demonstrates continued compliance with the requirements for the licence.

If your renewal application was submitted within the prescribed period, the Act provides that the existing licence remains valid until the application has been decided.

Final Checklist

Before visiting your DFO, make sure you have:

• Checked the firearm licence expiry date.
• Confirmed the correct licence section and purpose.
• Checked your competency certificate.
• Confirmed that your personal information is correct.
• Completed the appropriate SAPS application form.
• Prepared your renewal motivation.
• Gathered relevant supporting documents.
• Prepared the required photographs and identification documents.
• Made copies of your application and supporting documents.
• Submitted the application to the correct DFO.
• Kept your proof of payment.
• Kept your signed acknowledgement of receipt.