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Expired Firearm License in South Africa: Your 2026 Action Plan

Finding out your firearm license has expired can be a heart-stopping moment. Under the Firearms Control Act, once a license expires, you are technically in unlawful possession of a firearm—a criminal offence that carries serious weight.

 

Good news for South African gun owners: you can finally fix an expired license without the legal headache. There’s no deadline to apply and no penalty for doing so, but getting it done now is the smartest way to protect your rights. 


However, thanks to the landmark Fidelity Security Services ruling and subsequent SAPS directives, there is now a clear legal path to remedy the situation without necessarily surrendering your firearm for destruction.


Stop! What NOT to Do

    • Do not use it: Carrying or using a firearm with an expired license is illegal. Lock it in your safe and leave it there.

    • Do not buy ammunition: You cannot legally purchase ammo with an expired license.

    • Do not panic-surrender: You are no longer required to hand over your firearm to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for destruction simply because the license lapsed.
 

Check Your Competency First

You cannot apply for a new license if your Competency Certificate has also expired. You’ll need to head down to your local police station to see your Designated Firearms Officer (DFO).

    • If your competency is expired (or will expire soon), you must first submit a SAPS 517(g) application to renew it.

    • You must have a valid competency at the time you submit your new firearm license application.
 

The “Fresh Application” Process

Because the license has already expired, you cannot “renew” it. Instead, you must apply for a brand-new license for that same firearm. Once your SAPS Competency has been renewed you can lodge the new firearm license application for your expired license.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

You’ll need to head down to your local police station to see your Designated Firearms Officer (DFO).

 

1.Prepare the Pack: Complete the SAPS 271 form (Application for a New License). You will sign as both the “current owner” and the “applicant”.

2.Write a Strong Motivation: Since this is a new application for a previously licensed firearm, your motivation must be thorough. The SAPS is looking at this with fresh eyes. Your motivation needs to be solid. Whether it’s for self-defense or sport, explain why you need this specific firearm.

3.Physical Inspection: Take the firearm to your Designated Firearms Officer (DFO). They will verify the serial number and markings and issue a report.

4.Keep Your Firearm: After the inspection, you are allowed to take the firearm back home and store it in your safe while the application is processed.

5.Pay the Fees: You will need to pay the prescribed fee at the police station. Keep your receipt—it is your proof of attempt to regularise your possession.

 

A Note on “Green” Licenses

If you still hold an old Green License (issued under the 1969 Act) and never converted to the white card, these are currently still considered valid due to a 2009 High Court interim order. However, migrating to the new system is highly recommended to avoid future legal headaches.


Frequently Asked Questions: Expired Licenses

1.Can I be arrested for having an expired license?

Technically, yes, because you are in “unlawful possession”. However, the Fidelity Security Services ruling created a directive allowing you to regularise your possession by applying for a new license. As long as you are actively taking steps to fix the situation—like preparing your application—prosecution is highly unlikely. 

 

2.Do I have to hand my gun over to the police?

No. You must take the firearm to your Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) for a physical inspection (serial number verification), but you are generally allowed to take it back home and store it in your safe while you wait for the new license to be approved. 

 

3. What happens if my Competency Certificate has also expired?
You cannot apply for a new firearm license without a valid competency. If yours has lapsed, you must first submit a SAPS 517(g) application to renew your competency before your new firearm application. 


4.Can I still use my gun at the range while the new application is pending?
Absolutely not. Until that new white card is in your hand, you cannot carry, shoot, or buy ammunition for that firearm. It must stay locked in your SAPS-approved safe. 


5. What is the difference between a “renewal” and a “new application”?
A renewal (SAPS 518a) is for licenses that haven’t expired yet (you must apply 90 days before they do). A new application (SAPS 271) is required once the license has already hit its expiry date, as the old license is legally “dead”. 


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