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Firearm license guides for South Africa

SAPS statuses, fees, refusals, motivations, renewals and the latest law changes.

SAPS processing times this weekHow long each SAPS step is taking right now, from real applications. Updated hourly.What does my SAPS firearm status mean?Every SAPS firearm and competency status, from Payment Received to Approved, explained.SAPS firearm license feesCompetency R92, new license R183, renewal R92, permits and more. Cash only.The new Firearms Control Amendment Bill: what's proposed and what it means for youA new draft bill to change the Firearms Control Act has surfaced. It is not law. Here's what has been reported, and what you should (and shouldn't) do.12 reasons firearm applications get refused, and how to avoid every oneMost refusals come down to a weak motivation or a paperwork mistake. Here's what the CFR looks for, and how to get it right the first time.How to write a motivation that gets approvedThe motivation is the most important page in your application. Here's a simple structure that covers everything the CFR wants to see.Expired license? What the courts decided and what to do nowAn expired license can't be renewed, but you're not out of options. Here's what the Constitutional Court ruling means in practice.Approved but still no card? Ask for your temporary authorisationCard printing can take months. SAPS lets approved applicants get a printed temporary authorisation from their DFO in the meantime.SAPS is building a new online firearms systemThe Firearms Control Management System is meant to bring applications online. Here's what's known so far.How long does SAPS take in 2026?From training to license in hand usually takes 6 to 9 months. Here's where the time goes and how to avoid adding to it.

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