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    1. You must successfully complete the prescribed test on the knowledge of the Act at an accredited training provider. On receipt of the training certificate from an accredited training provider, you must apply for a competency certificate.

    2. You may simultaneously apply for the renewal of your existing firearm licence(s). The following renewal periods, according to birth dates, are applicable to a person who wishes to renew his or her licence:

    Birthday Renewal period
    1 Jan to 31 Mar 1 Jan 2005 to 31 Dec 2005
    1 Apr to 30 Jun 1 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2006
    1 Jul to 30 Sep 1 Jan 2007 to 30 Mar 2008
    1 Oct to 31 Dec 1 Jan 2008 to 30 Mar 2009
    Businesses 1 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2006.

    3. You must take with you the following documentation to the Designated Firearms Officer at the police station nearest to your usual place of residence:
    1. Your original official identity document
    2. The original firearm licence(s), permit or authorization, permit or authorization for firearm(s) you wish to renew
    3. The original training certificate obtained from an accredited training provider
    4. The original competency certificate (if already issued by the Police)
    5. Two unobscured passport size colour photographs, not older than three months (only two photographs are required for all the firearm licences you wish to renew)

    4. Please download (click here) the checklist and cover page for licence applications or renewals. Also download here the guide to an application for firearm licence or renewal. Don't forget to download here the firearm motivation sheet as well, which you must fill in for each firearm.

    5. You will be requested to complete the relevant sections of the SAPS 517 (Application for a competency certificate) and SAPS 517 (e) (Application for the renewal of a licence in terms of the previous Act) forms. A prescribed annexure to the SAPS 517(e) form which is available from the Wingshooters website (download document) must be completed for each firearm licence you wish to renew. The Designated Firearms Officer will take a full set of fingerprints for the competency certificate application.

    6. While it is not a requirement, it will greatly speed up the processing of your application if you are able to bring two persons (neighbour, employer, parents, etc) whom the police must interview (apart from your spouse or house partner) regarding your application for competence in respect of your health and physical fitness, character, temper, emotional and behavioural stability, etc.

    7. The Designated Firearms Officer will issue you with a remittance advice (SAPS 523(a)) and direct you to the financial office at the police station to pay the applicable fees of R70.00 for the competency certificate and R70.00 for each firearm licence you wish to renew. The payment must be made by means of cash or a bank-guaranteed cheque. You will be issued with an expenditure receipt (Z263) as proof of the payment that you must submit to the Designated Firearms Officer for further processing of your application.

    8. You will receive a signed acknowledgment of receipt (SAPS 523) as proof that you submitted the respective applications for the renewal of your firearm licence(s). Please make sure that you get this form signed and stamped (click here to download)

    9. The Designated Firearms Officer will conduct a physical inspection of your premises to determine the security measures in and around your premises as well as your firearm safe to confirm compliance with the SABS Standards. If you have obtained a firearm licence before 1 July 2004 and you must renew such licence accordingly, it is not required of you to purchase a new safe - the existing safe acquired in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Regulations, is considered acceptable. If any safe do not comply with the requirements of the Arms and Ammunition Act, then a new safe conforming to the requirements of the SABS standards must be acquired.

    10. On the successful consideration of your application(s), the Designated Firearms Officer will contact you personally to collect your competency certificate (if not already issued) and your firearm licence(s). Firearm licences are valid for the following periods from the date of issue:

    Type of licence Period of validity
    Licence for a self-defense firearm ? Five (5) years
    Licence for a restricted firearm for self-defense ? Two (2) years
    Licence for occasional hunting or sports-shooting ? Ten (10) years
    Licence for dedicated hunting or sports-shooting ? Ten (10) years
    Licence for a firearm in a private collection ? Ten (10) years
    Licence for a firearm in a public collection? Ten (10) years
    Licence for business purposes ? Two (2) years



  1. Checklist
  2. Cover Page for Licence Application/Renewal
  3. Guide to Licence Application/Renewal documentation
  4. Annexure A
  5. SAPS 517 Competency
  6. SAPS 517(e) Renewal of Licences