1.1 Is owning a firearm a right in South Africa? No, firearm ownership is considered a privilege, not a right, under the law.
1.2 How old do I have to be to get a firearm license? Generally, you must be at least 21 years old. However, a person under 21 can apply if they can prove a special need (e.g., dedicated sport shooting/hunting status) and have parental consent.
1.3 What disqualifies me from getting a license? You will likely be disqualified if you have a criminal record (especially within the last five years), a history of violence or substance abuse, or have been served with a protection order.
1.4 Do I need a separate license for every firearm? Yes, a separate license is required for every individual firearm you possess.
1.5 What is the difference between “Proficiency” and “Competency”? Proficiency is the certificate issued by the private training academy after you pass their tests. Competency is the official certificate issued by the SAPS after reviewing your application, background check, and training results.
1.6 How long does the process take? The SAPS has up to 120 working days to process an application, but processing times can vary depending on the local Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) and the Central Firearms Register (CFR) workload.
1.7 When do I need to renew my license and competency? Renewal applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the expiry date.
1.8 How long is a license valid for? Validity periods depend on the license type: Self-defence (Section 13): 5 years for a handgun or shotgun. Occasional Hunting/Sport Shooting (Section 15): 10 years. Dedicated Hunting/Sport Shooting (Section 16): 10 years.
1.9 Can I write my motivation myself? Yes, you can write it yourself, but many people use professional services to ensure the comprehensive motivation meets all legal requirements and increases the chances of success.
1.10 What should I do if my application is taking too long? If your application exceeds the processing timeframe (e.g., 90 working days), you can send a formal complaint email to the SAPS CFR contact points for an update.
1.11 Do I need to own a safe? Yes, you are required to have an SABS-approved safe, securely bolted to a wall or floor, and provide photos of it as part of your application.
1.12 What do I do if my license has expired? If your firearm license has expired in you cannot simply “renew” it in the traditional sense, as it is considered to have lapsed. Possession of a firearm with an expired license is technically unlawful.
However, based on current directives and court rulings, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has a specific process for individuals in this situation:
Steps to take with an Expired Firearm License
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Do Not Use or Carry the Firearm: The firearm must remain securely locked in your SABS-approved safe at home. You are not permitted to use, shoot, or carry it in the interim.
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Ensure Competency is Valid: You must have a current and valid competency certificate to apply for any firearm license. If your competency certificate has also expired (which happens if it was linked only to the single expired license), you must first apply for a renewal of competency at your local SAPS station. This involves paperwork but typically no re-testing.
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Apply for a New License: Since a lapsed license cannot be renewed, you must submit a new license application (SAPS 271 form) for that specific firearm under the relevant section of the Act (e.g., self-defence, occasional hunting).
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Prepare a Strong Motivation: This new application needs a comprehensive and compelling motivation, similar to a first-time application. You will need to explain why the license expired (e.g., simple oversight) and why you still require the firearm for a valid legal purpose.
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Visit Your DFO: Make an appointment with your local Designated Firearms Officer (DFO). • You will need to bring the firearm for an inspection (serial number and calibre verification). • The DFO will fill in an inspection report and issue a storage permit allowing you to keep the firearm in your safe while the new application is processed. • You will submit your complete application pack (forms, photos, supporting documents, proof of competency) at this time.
1.13 Explain the different types of firearm licenses in South Africa?
Legal Categories (by License Type)
• Section 13 (Self-Defence): Limited to one non-semi-automatic shotgun or one non-fully automatic handgun. License valid for 5 years.
• Section 15 (Occasional Hunting/Sport Shooting): Allows for up to four firearms in total (including only one handgun), which must be non-semi/fully automatic. Valid for 10 years.
• Section 16 (Dedicated Hunting/Sport Shooting): No specific limit on the number of firearms and allows for semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, provided the applicant is a member of an accredited association and can motivate the need for each firearm. Valid for 10 years.
• Prohibited Firearms: Firearms that civilians may not possess, which primarily includes fully automatic firearms, cannons, and certain explosive devices
• Section 20: Section 20 of the South African Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 provides for a licence to possess a firearm for business purposes. This license is distinct from private ownership licenses (like self-defence or sport shooting) because the firearm is used as an essential tool in a commercial operation, not for personal use.
Purpose and Scope
The core purpose of a Section 20 license is to enable accredited businesses to carry out their operations where the use of a firearm is necessary and integral to the service they provide. A firearm licensed under this section may only be used for the specific business purpose specified on the licence.
Who Can Apply?
The Registrar may issue a Section 20 license to specific accredited entities or persons:
Security Service Providers (Security Companies): These entities must be registered with the Private Security Industry Regulation Authority (PSIRA).
Firearm Training Providers: Persons or entities accredited to provide training in the use of firearms.
Theatrical, Film, or Television Productions: Entities accredited to provide firearms for use in the entertainment industry. They can even obtain licenses for otherwise prohibited firearms with prior written approval from the Registrar, strictly for production use.
Game Ranchers: Persons accredited as game ranchers.
Professional Hunting Businesses: Entities accredited to conduct business in hunting.
Other Business Purposes: Any other person accredited to use firearms for a business purpose determined by the Registrar
1.14 Please explain the whole process to me?
Step 1 – Proficiency Training
This is the initial step in the application process. Prospective firearm owners must successfully complete the required training at a PFTC accredited training institution. This is mandated by law prior to applying for SAPS competency and is valid for a lifetime. You must obtain a training proficiency certificate for the specific category of firearm you wish to acquire. This training encompasses knowledge of the Firearms Control Act and practical training for the type of firearm you select, which includes: handgun, shotgun, rifle, and carbine. You will be provided with study materials that allow for self-study at home, accompanied by an open book test. Once you feel prepared, you can schedule a time and date for your practical and closed book examination. This process will take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the number of firearm types you have applied for. The course is completed efficiently and is not as challenging as many believe.
Step 2 – SAPS Competency Application
This stage involves assessing the individual, who must be a South African citizen over the age of 21 and free of any criminal record. Upon completion of the training, you will receive a proficiency certificate, which is necessary for your competency application along with three references. We will assist you in filling out your application form for the SAPS competency certificate. You are required to submit this application to the designated firearms officer (DFO) located in your usual place of residence. Typically, your competency certificate remains valid for 5 years for handguns (for self-defense purposes only) and 10 years for occasional and dedicated sport or for the use of handguns, rifles, shotguns, and carbines. The police generally take approximately 2 to 3 months to process and issue the competency certificate. Once the competency certificate is granted, you can proceed to the final step.
Step 3 – Firearm License Application
You must obtain a firearm for which you intend to apply, as well as ensure that a safe is installed at your home. You are permitted to collect the firearm only after the card has been issued. You need to provide a comprehensive motivation, this is how we assist you. We conduct research on crime statistics and relevant news articles pertaining to crime in your locality. We will fill out the appropriate SAPS forms and compile all necessary documents, advising you on which personal documents need to be attached to ensure a successful application submission. You are required to submit the application at your nearest police station to the Designated Firearms Officer. The processing time for them to issue your card is typically around 2 to 3 months. Once you receive your license card, you will be legally permitted to possess the firearm
