To check your SAPS firearm status, enter your reference number on the official SAPS firearm status enquiry (FLASH). To avoid checking every day, add the same reference number to LicenseWatch and we'll track it for you and alert you when it moves. It's free.
How to check your SAPS firearm status online
- Find your reference number. It comes by SMS after you hand in your forms, and it's printed on your SAPS 523 receipt.
- Open the SAPS firearm status enquiry on saps.gov.za (Services → Firearms → Firearm status enquiry).
- Type your reference number exactly as it appears, for example R12345678 or C12345678, and submit.
- Read the status. SAPS shows a short message such as "Received at DFO" or "Correspondence with CRC", with the date it changed. See what every status means.
Track your SAPS firearm application automatically
Checking the SAPS website by hand is easy to forget, and the status messages are hard to understand. LicenseWatch does the checking for you:
- Automatic SAPS checks in the background, so you don't have to log on every day.
- Alerts the moment your status changes, by email and phone notification.
- Every status in plain English, with what it means and what you should do.
- Your journey through SAPS: handed in, station checks, provincial check, Pretoria, decision.
- Estimates of when your next step and your decision are likely, from real applications.
- Renewal reminders so you never miss the 90-day renewal deadline.
What the SAPS firearm statuses mean
| Payment Received | SAPS has linked your payment (the Z263 receipt) to your application. You're officially in the system. |
| Received at DFO | Your file is with the Designated Firearms Officer at your police station. |
| In Process at DFO | The DFO is checking your forms and documents. They may phone your references or visit to see your safe. |
| Send to Provincial DFO | Your file is on its way to the provincial firearms office. |
| Received at Provincial DFO for QC | The provincial office is doing a quality check to make sure nothing is missing or wrong. |
| Send to CFR (AVS) | Your file has been sent to the Central Firearms Register (CFR) in Pretoria. |
| Send to Licensing Section | The CFR is passing it to the section that makes the final decision. |
| Received at Licensing Section | The licensing section has your file. This is often the longest wait, so be patient. |
| In Preparation for Consideration | Your file is being prepared for the officer who will decide. |
| For Consideration | An officer is looking at your application and deciding right now. |
| Approved | Great news! You'll usually get an SMS too. You don't have to wait for the card: go to the DFO at the police station where you applied and ask for your temporary authorisation, a printed paper proof that your license is approved. Take your ID. The card follows later. |
All SAPS status meanings, including the 15 competency steps →
Checking a competency, renewal or new license
The same SAPS status enquiry works for new licenses, renewals, competency certificates and further competencies. Each has its own reference number. Competency applications go through extra steps, such as a background check at the Criminal Record Centre. How to check your competency status →
Contacting SAPS FLASH about your application
For questions about your application, start with the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at the police station where you applied. You can also contact the SAPS FLASH call centre on 012 353 6111 or cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za. Have your reference number ready. If your application has been with SAPS for more than 90 working days, your association can follow up for you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my SAPS firearm license status?
Open the official SAPS firearm status enquiry, type your reference number and submit. Or add the reference number to LicenseWatch, which checks it for you automatically and tells you when it changes.
Where do I find my SAPS reference number?
SAPS sends it by SMS after you hand in your forms, and it's on your SAPS 523 receipt. No SMS? Go back to the police station where you applied and ask the DFO for it. Take your ID and the receipt.
What is SAPS FLASH?
FLASH is the name SAPS uses for its firearm enquiry service, including the online status enquiry and the FLASH call centre on 012 353 6111 (email cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za). Have your reference number ready when you call.
Why does the SAPS status check say no record found?
New applications usually only appear 1 to 3 weeks after you hand them in. Double-check the reference number. If it still doesn't show after 3 weeks, ask your DFO to confirm your application was captured.
How long does a SAPS firearm license take?
A new license usually takes about 4 to 6 months, a competency about 1 to 3 months, and renewals can take several months. See how long each step is taking right now.
Can I track my firearm application automatically?
Yes. LicenseWatch checks the SAPS status for you in the background, explains each status in plain English, estimates your next step and alerts you by email and phone notification when it changes.
Is LicenseWatch the official SAPS website?
No. LicenseWatch is an independent service and isn't affiliated with SAPS. Your application itself is handled only by SAPS and your DFO.