Being a Referee or Verifier
Read this guidance if you have been asked to be a ‘referee’ for someone who is applying for the grant or renewal of a firearm or shotgun certificate.
In the case of an air weapon certificate, you will have been asked to be a ‘verifier’. Where reference is made to a ‘referee’ in this guidance, the same information can be attributed to a ‘verifier’, unless a difference is expressly highlighted.
Applicants for firearm and shotgun certificates are required to propose two referees. An air weapon certificate applicant is required to provide one verifier.
As a referee you are taking on a very important role, as the applicant has identified you as someone that knows them well enough to provide a reliable and honest opinion of their character and suitability to hold a certificate which will allow them to possess firearms, shotguns and/or air weapons.
For the police, you will provide critical information which will be used to help determine whether the individual is granted access to guns. A certificate is valid for five years, and over that time the police may re-contact you as part of ensuring that the certificate holder remains suitable to continue to have access to guns. Ultimately, the role you play is an important one that helps ensure public safety.
The Role of a Referee/Verifier
Your role is to provide the police, as the licensing authority, with a reliable and honest opinion of the applicant's character and suitability to possess guns. Your input is critical to ensuring public safety.
A certificate is valid for five years, and the police may re-contact you during this period.
Referees/Verifiers Required by Certificate Type
The number required depends on the specific certificate:
- Firearm Certificate (FAC): Two Referees
- Shotgun Certificate (SGC): Two Referees
- Air Weapon Certificate (AWC): One Verifier
Referee and Verifier Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria. Note: Unless otherwise specified, the requirements apply to both Referees (FAC/SGC) and Verifiers (AWC).
General Requirements (Both Roles)
- Known the Applicant: Personally for at least two years (most recent, with reasonable contact).
- Character: Must be of "good character" (honest, reliable, and trustworthy).
- Relationship: Must not be a family member (spouse/partner, parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent, in-laws, or step-relations).
- Occupation: Must not be a serving police officer, police support staff, or a registered firearms dealer.
- Payment: Must provide a reference freely and without a fee.
Residency Requirements
- Referee (FAC/SGC): Must be resident in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales).
- Verifier (AWC): Must be resident in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
A Note on Doctors/GPs 🩺
A Doctor or GP can act as a referee/verifier, but only on a personal basis (as a friend, etc.), not as a medical professional, and they cannot charge a fee. The police contact the applicant's GP separately as part of the application process.
The Application Process & Your Responsibilities
Referee Contact and Signature
- Referees (FAC/SGC): You are not required to sign the application form. The police (a Firearms Enquiry Officer, or FEO) will contact you (usually by telephone) to confirm your suitability and ask questions about the applicant.
- Verifiers (AWC): Police Scotland policy is that a signature is not required on the application form, as contact will be made with all verifiers.
Background Checks
The police may conduct background checks on you to assess your good character (e.g., checking for criminal convictions, intemperate habits, or a revoked certificate).
Scope of Knowledge
- You do not need to know about firearms or shooting sports.
- You do not necessarily need to know where the applicant lives; the quality of your contact over the past two years is paramount.
Decision and Responsibility
- The final decision to grant a certificate rests with the Police. Your role is to provide information and an honest opinion.
- You are not held responsible if the certificate holder does something wrong after the certificate is granted.
Future Concerns - Who to Contact
If you have concerns about the certificate holder's suitability at any time, you must contact the police. Your information will be treated confidentially (including anonymity where appropriate).
IMMEDIATE DANGER
- Concern: Crime in progress, immediate harm, serious public disruption.
- Contact: Call 999
Non-Immediate Concern (Seeking advice, general concerns, no immediate danger)
- Contact: Call 101 and ask for the Firearms Licensing Department, or email the relevant regional office:
- FirearmsLicensingNorth@scotland.police.uk
- FirearmsLicensingEast@scotland.police.uk
- FirearmsLicensingWest@scotland.police.uk
Anonymous Reporting
- Contact: Crimestoppers: Call 0800 555 111 or use their online reporting form.
