Shooting -rights of way and access (England and Wales)
Explaining the legalities around shooting and rights of way in England and Wales, including access to shooting land and advice for landowners.
Applying for a firearms certificate
Fees for certificates in England, Wales and Scotland
| Licence type | Fee |
| Grant of firearms certificate | £198 |
| Renewal of firearm certificate | £131 |
| Grant of shotgun certificate | £194 |
| Renewal of shotgun certificate | £126 |
| Coterminous grant of firearm and shotgun certificates | £202 |
| Coterminous renewal of firearm and shotgun certificates | £155 |
| Registration as a firearms dealer: grant | £466 |
| Registration as a firearms dealer: renewal | £466 |
| Registration as a firearms dealer: game fair etc | £30 |
| Replacement of lost or destroyed firearms certificate | £9 |
| Replacement of lost or destroyed shotgun certificate | £9 |
| Variation of firearm certificate (not like for like) | £47 |
| Grant of visitors permit: group | £233 |
| Grant of visitors permit: individual | £47 |
*A coterminous certificate is just a means of issuing both firearm and shotgun certificates where an applicant requires both (to expire at the same time) at a cheaper cost to the applicant and also a reduced administration to the police force. If an applicant holds or requires both firearm and shotgun certificates, he can request coterminous certificates by using Form 201 and enclosing the £90 fee. The £90 fee is standard regardless of whether you already hold a certificate or not.
Scotland - Air weapon certificates
| Licence type | Fee |
| Air weapon certificate: grant (over 18) | £72.00 |
| Air weapon certificate: grant (applicant aged 17) | £12.50 |
| Air weapon certificate: grant (applicant aged 17) | £12.50 |
| Air weapon certificate: grant (applicant aged 16) | £25.00 |
| Air weapon certificate: grant (applicant aged 15) | £37.50 |
| Air weapon certificate: grant (applicant aged 14) | £50.00 |
| Air weapon certificate: renewal | £48.00 |
| Air weapon variation (change of address) | £20.00 |
| Air weapon visitor permit: Individual | £20.00 |
| Air weapon visitor permit: Group (2 to 20 qualifying visitors) | £100.00 |
| Air weapon event permit | £40.00 |
| Air weapon club approval: grant | £45.00 |
| Air weapon club approval: renewal | £45.00 |
| Air weapon police permit | £15.00 |
| Add an air weapon to an existing SGC or FAC | £5.00 |
Northern Ireland
| Licence type | Fee |
| Firearm certificate – grant | £98 |
| Firearm certificate – variation | £30 |
| Firearm certificate variation to substitute one firearm for another of the same calibre or type (known as a one for one variation) | £15 |
| Replacement firearm certificate/dealers certificate (e.g. where your certificate has been lost completely. Dilapidated certificates are replaced free) | £14 |
| Firearms dealer | £300 |
| Visitors permit (1 to 5 people) | £16 per person |
| Visitors permit (6 to 20 people) | £80 for the group |
| Firearms club authorisation (grant or renewal – valid for 5 years) | £71 |
| Museum firearms licence | £110 |
| Extension of a museum firearms licence to additional premises | £75 |
Downloadable firearms forms
New application forms are available below for download. Only one photograph is required and there is a new medical questionnaire.
Make sure you pay particular attention to what the question is asking you and please refer to the notes at the rear of the form before completing the forms.
Please note that many forces have the facility to apply on-line. Members who can use this service are encouraged to do so, as it makes the application process more efficient and provides a audit trail of the application process. Further advice on applications and renewals can be found on the interactive guide on the BASC website.
Application for the grant or renewal of a firearm and/or shotgun certificate – Form 201
Other useful documents
Explosive licensing forms
Form ER4a is for individuals wishing to use black powder in their own firearms or shotguns, or for historic re-enactment events.
- Use this form for an ‘acquire only’ or an ‘acquire and keep’ certificate for black powder.
- Not applicable to clubs, societies, or organisations or for any explosive other than black powder.
Form ER4 is for companies, clubs and societies, powder masters or users. It is not applicable for personally held firearms and shotguns, or historic re-enactment when using black powder only.
ER4b should be used when renewing an explosives certificate.
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Alcohol and firearms
Information on the consequences of alcohol-related offences for certificate holders, including convictions for drink-driving.
Scottish knife dealers licensing scheme
Information on the legislation around selling knives in Scotland, including when you need a licence to do so and sport/recreation exemptions.
