In South Africa you must hand in your firearm license renewal at least 90 days before the license expires. LicenseWatch works out that renew-by date for every firearm and reminds you well before it.
How it works
- Add your firearm with the issue or expiry date from your license card. Leave the expiry empty and we work it out from the license section (5 or 10 years).
- See your renew-by date and a countdown for every firearm.
- Get reminded before the deadline by email and phone notification, or add the dates to your calendar with reminders 60, 14 and 1 day before.
- Track the renewal with SAPS once you've handed it in. Your firearm shows "Renewal in process" and you're told when SAPS approves it.
What to hand in when you renew
- Completed SAPS 518(a) form
- Your current license card
- Certified copy of your ID
- Competency certificate
- Updated motivation
- Passport photo
- Proof of dedicated status and your activity record (Section 16)
- Z263 payment receipt
Pay the SAPS renewal fee in cash at the police station and keep the Z263 receipt. See current SAPS fees.
License periods
| Section 13: Self-defence | 5 years |
| Section 14: Restricted self-defence | 2 years |
| Section 15: Occasional hunting / sport shooting | 10 years |
| Section 16: Dedicated hunting / sport shooting | 10 years |
| Section 17: Private collection | 10 years |
| Section 20: Business purposes | 5 years |
| Section 16A: Professional hunting | 10 years |
Missed the deadline?
If the 90-day deadline has passed but the license hasn't expired, hand in your renewal as soon as possible. An expired license can't simply be renewed. What to do if your firearm license expired.
Frequently asked questions
When must I renew my firearm license in South Africa?
Hand in your renewal at least 90 days before the license expires, at the police station, on the SAPS 518(a) form, with your competency renewal on the SAPS 517(g).
How do I know when my firearm license expires?
The expiry date is on your license card. Self-defence (Section 13) licenses last 5 years, and occasional and dedicated hunting and sport shooting licenses last 10 years. LicenseWatch works it out and shows a countdown.
Does my competency need to be renewed too?
Yes. Your competency is renewed together with your license on the SAPS 517(g), with the same deadline.
Is the renewal reminder free?
Yes. Renewal countdowns and reminders are part of the free plan.