Thousands of South Africans have firearms with expired licenses. Gun Free SA reported in July 2026 that relicensing applications dropped by 74%, from 213,631 in 2021/22 to 55,936 in 2024/25. If this is you, here's where things stand.
What the courts decided
- In 2020 the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that an expired license cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new license.
- On 27 May 2022 the Constitutional Court ruled in the Fidelity Security case. As SA Hunters explains it, anyone may apply for a new license for a firearm whose license has expired.
- In July 2022 SAPS said owners no longer have to hand these firearms in at the police station. Instead, you take the firearm to your DFO for verification and get a certificate, and your application is treated as a normal new application. You need a valid competency certificate.
Why it matters
Having a firearm without a valid license is a criminal offence, with a maximum sentence of 15 years. Don't carry or use the firearm until it's sorted out.
What to do
- Get advice first. Talk to Firearms Guardian (info@firearmsguardian.co.za) or your association before you go to the station.
- Check your competency certificate is valid for that type of firearm.
- Go to your DFO with the firearm, as they direct, to have it verified.
- Apply for a new license with a full motivation, just like a first-time application.