How to Get a Shotgun Licence in the UK

In Great Britain you need a shotgun certificate (commonly called a shotgun licence) from your local police force before you can own or borrow a shotgun. The process is straightforward if you are organised, but it can take several weeks, so it pays to start early. This guide covers the main steps. Rules are set by the Home Office and applied by individual police forces, so always check your own force's website for the current forms, fees and timings. Northern Ireland has a separate system run by the PSNI.

Step 1: Decide you are ready

You do not need to own a gun to apply, but you should know why you want a certificate. Most people shoot clays, game or pest control. Joining a local clay ground or shooting club first is a good way to get experience, try different guns and meet people who can act as referees.

Step 2: Find your police force's application

Applications go to the police force for the area where you live. Most forces now have an online form or a downloadable one. Search for your force's name plus "shotgun certificate", or use the guidance on GOV.UK.

Step 3: Gather what you need

Photos: recent passport-style photographs, one countersigned by an eligible person.
Two referees: people who have known you for at least two years, are not family and live in Great Britain. The police will contact them.
Proof of identity and address.
Medical consent: you will be asked to agree to the police contacting your GP.
Secure storage: a gun cabinet that meets the standard your force requires, fitted before the certificate is granted.

Step 4: The home visit

A firearms licensing officer will normally arrange a visit. They check your gun cabinet is fitted securely, talk through safe storage and ask about your reasons for applying. It is not an exam. A tidy, properly fitted cabinet and honest answers go a long way.

Step 5: Wait for your decision

Timings vary by force, so allow several weeks and ideally apply well before you need the certificate. If the application is successful, the certificate lists the shotguns you hold and is valid for five years.

What can stop an application?

The police must be satisfied you can be trusted with a firearm without a danger to public safety. Criminal convictions, some medical conditions and unsafe storage can all lead to refusal or conditions. If you are refused you can appeal, and it is worth taking advice from a body such as BASC or the Countryside Alliance.

Renewing your certificate

A shotgun certificate lasts five years. Police forces usually advise renewing several weeks before expiry, so diarise it. Check your force's guidance for the exact lead time.

Shotgun certificate or firearm certificate?

A shotgun certificate covers smooth-bore shotguns. Rifles, including deer rifles, and some other guns need a firearm certificate, which has a separate application. Air weapons are handled differently again, and in Scotland an air weapon licence is required.

Joining a shooting organisation

Membership of an organisation such as BASC, the Countryside Alliance or the CPSA is not a legal requirement, but it brings insurance, advice and often help with applications and renewals.

What to wear on your first shoot

Once your certificate arrives, you will want to be comfortable, quiet and weatherproof on shoot days. Our shooting and country clothing, shooting boots and shooting gilets and fleeces are a good place to start, and our what to wear shooting guide explains what to put on for a shoot day. For dates, see our UK game shooting seasons guide.

Tweed cap, ear defenders and shooting glasses on a wooden sideboard in a country boot room.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a shotgun licence?

It varies by police force and time of year. Plan for several weeks, and longer in busy periods.

How much does a shotgun licence cost?

The fee is set nationally and can change, so check the current figure on GOV.UK before you apply.

Do I need a shotgun licence to shoot clays?

You need a certificate to own a shotgun. At many clay grounds you can shoot under supervision with the ground's guns without holding a certificate of your own.

Can I get a shotgun licence at any age?

There are rules for young people, including supervision requirements, and they differ by age. Ask your police force for the current guidance.

How to Get a Shotgun Licence in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide