The short version: you do accredited training, apply for a competency certificate, buy your firearm through a dealer (who keeps it for you), get a safe, write a motivation, and apply for a license at your police station. Then you wait for SAPS, and track every step. From training to collecting your firearm usually takes 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer.
Step 1: Decide what you need the firearm for
Your reason decides the type of license, how many firearms you may have and how long the license lasts:
- Section 13, self-defence: one firearm (a handgun or a shotgun that isn't semi- or fully automatic). Valid for 5 years.
- Section 15, occasional hunting or sport shooting: valid for 10 years.
- Section 16, dedicated hunter or sport shooter: for members of an accredited association with dedicated status. Valid for 10 years. You must stay active every year: a dedicated activity log helps.
See all license types and current SAPS fees.
Step 2: Do your training at an accredited provider
Training has a theory part (the law and safe handling) and a practical part for each type of firearm you want: handgun, self-loading rifle, manually operated rifle or shotgun. You only need the types you're applying for. At the end you get a proficiency certificate from the training provider.
Want to prepare? Try our free 40-question mock theory test and the competency practice questions.
Step 3: Apply for your competency certificate
Take your documents to the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at your police station. You'll need:
- A completed SAPS 517 form
- Your proficiency certificate from the training provider
- A certified copy of your ID, and passport photos
- Your fingerprints, taken at the station
- Proof that you paid the SAPS fee (R92 at the time of writing)
You generally need to be 21 or older. SAPS does background checks, so this takes a few months. You can check your competency status online with the reference number SAPS sends by SMS.
Step 4: Buy your firearm through a dealer, and get a safe
You choose and pay for the firearm before your license is approved. The dealer keeps it until your license is issued, and gives you the invoice and details you need for your application.
You also need a safe that meets the SABS 953 standard, properly fixed to the wall or floor. The DFO may check it.
Wondering what a firearm will be worth later, or what a second-hand one should cost? Try our firearm value checker.
Step 5: Write a strong motivation
The motivation explains why you need this specific firearm and why you're a responsible owner. It's one of the main reasons applications are refused when done badly. Read how to write a firearm license motivation, or get help with your motivation.
Step 6: Apply for the license
Hand in your application at the police station where you live. Bring:
- A completed SAPS 271 form (one per firearm)
- Your competency certificate, or proof that you applied for it
- Certified copies of your ID, plus photos
- Your motivation and supporting documents
- The firearm's details from the dealer
- Your safe details
- Proof of dedicated status (Section 16 only)
- Proof that you paid the SAPS fee (R183 per firearm at the time of writing)
Keep a copy of everything you hand in. Many associations, like Natshoot, publish helpful checklists for their members.
Step 7: Track your application
SAPS sends an SMS with your reference number. Use it to check your status. The status moves through steps like payment received, the DFO's checks, the Central Firearms Register and a final decision. Here's what each status means, and how long each step is taking this week.
Rather not check every day? LicenseWatch checks SAPS for you and tells you the moment anything changes. It's free.
Step 8: Approved? Collect your firearm
When your license is approved, you can collect your firearm from the dealer. The license card can take longer to arrive. If you need to, ask about a temporary authorisation while you wait.
What if it's refused?
You'll get the reasons in writing, and you can appeal. Read the 12 most common reasons applications are refused and speak to your association or a lawyer about your options.
After you have your license
Renew it at least 90 days before it expires. Set up free renewal reminders so you never miss the date, and read what to do if a license has expired.
Keep reading
LicenseWatch checks SAPS for you and tells you the moment your status changes.
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