Firearms and shotguns

The Police is the licensing authority for firearm and shotgun certificates.

Permission to possess, or to buy a firearm or shotgun will be granted to an individual who is assessed by the Police.

They will need to not pose a threat to public safety and have good reason to own the firearm or shotgun.

It is important to raise awareness of counter terrorism to Firearms Certificate Holders. You can learn more in this Firearms Terrorism leaflet.

Firearm certificates

A firearm certificate must be held for any firearm or ammunition.

For the full definition please visit the Firearms Licencing 1968 Act. The only exceptions are:

Shotguns which may be held on a shotgun certificate
Shotgun cartridges containing five or more shots (none of which exceeds .36inch in diameter) which can only be bought when producing a shotgun certificate
Air weapons not declared specially dangerous (those falling below 6ft/lbs for an air pistol or 12ft/lbs for an air rifle)
Ammunition for an air gun, air rifle or air pistol
Blank cartridges not more than one inch in diameter

Component parts of Section 1 firearms also require a firearm certificate. This also applies to accessories, such as sound moderators.

The firearm certificate will specify the type and calibre of each firearm (and amount of corresponding ammunition, not applicable to air weapon ammunition) that may be possessed.

More dangerous firearms, classified as ‘prohibited weapons’ are covered by Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968. They generally require authority from the Scottish Government.

Shotgun certificates

A shotgun certificate must be held for any shotgun. For the full definition please visit the Firearms Act 1968.

Application/renewal processes and fees

Grant of a firearm/shotgun

If you meet the criteria and can demonstrate that you require a firearm or shotgun on a regular, legitimate basis (good reason) for work, sport or leisure (including collection or research) then you may apply using form 201 found below.

Please note: The Equality Monitoring Form within Part H in form 201 below (application for grant of firearms or shotgun) MUST NOT be completed.

Good reason may be evidenced by having authority to shoot over land, membership of a target shooting club or proof of regular use.

You can download the form or contact any police station for a hard copy. You can send a stamp addressed A4 or A5 envelope with a 1st class large letter stamp affixed to your local processing centre.

You may apply for a firearm certificate, a shotgun certificate, or both provided you meet the required criteria.

Once complete you should send your application with identical photographs and payment to your local firearms licensing processing centre, which you can find on this page.

On receipt of your application, your enquiry will be allocated to a local Firearm Enquiry Officer (FEO). They will carry our enquiry including interviewing your referees, background checks, and a home visit and security check.

You will then be informed of the outcome of your enquiry. You will either be granted or the refused your certificate. If granted your certificate is valid for 5 years.

Renewal of a firearm/shotgun

Existing certificate holders will be notified in writing 16 weeks prior to the expiry of their existing certificate(s).

Your enquiry will be allocated to a local Firearms Enquiry Officer who will confirm your intention to renew and make arrangements to carryout enquiries.

It is important to note that once completed, application (Form 201) should not be sent to Police Scotland. A Firearms Enquiry Officer will advise you on how your paperwork should be received by us.

If you do not wish to renew your certificates please make contact with our office as soon as possible and we will provide advice and assistance.

Variation of a firearm/shotgun certificate

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the process for applying to vary a firearms certificate in Scotland. Our aim is to help you complete your application accurately on the first attempt, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Step 1: Understand When to Apply for a Variation

You must apply to vary your firearms certificate if you wish to:

Acquire an additional firearm or an additional component part.
Apply for a one for one variation
Change a condition on your existing certificate.
Increase the amount of ammunition you are authorised to hold.

The application to vary a firearms certificate can be made at any time during the life of your current certificate.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

The official form for varying a firearm certificate is Form 201V. You can download this form from the Police Scotland website.

Use black ink and write in BLOCK CAPITALS, except for your signature or complete the form electronically.

Provide all personal details accurately as they appear on your current certificate.
Complete the personal health and medical declaration section, including details of your GP. You must sign the form to grant the police permission to obtain factual details of your medical history if considered necessary.

Crucial to remember: You must enclose your current firearms certificate with your completed application form.

Step 3: Demonstrate "Good Reason" for the Variation

For any variation that involves adding a new firearm or changing a condition, you must be able to demonstrate a "good reason" for the change. Police Scotland must be satisfied that you have a legitimate need for the firearm or a change to your certificate.

The more information you provide at this stage – the more likely your application will be approved without need for further contact with an enquiry officer.

If you are seeking to possess more than one gun of the same calibre you should provide clear good reason to justify why this should be approved.
If your additional guns are likely to exceed the storage capacity of your current security this should be explained on the form and a security check may be carried out.
If you are seeking the additional gun to shoot vermin an explanation as to why any guns you currently hold cannot be used for this reason will remove the need for further contact

Step 4: Pay the Variation Fee

There is a fee for varying a firearm certificate. The current fee for a variation (that is not a 'like for like' change) is £47. Please do not send cash through the post.

You can make payment by:

Cheque, made payable to the SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY.
Online banking.

Sort Code – 830608

Account Number – 20897522

Account Name – Scottish Police Authority

Use your name, certificate number or Person ID number detailed on your certificate as the payment reference.

North Area – FirearmsLicensingNorth@scotland.police.uk 0300 424 5030

East Area – FirearmsLicensingEast@scotland.police.uk 0300 426 9898

West Area - FirearmsLicensingWest@scotland.police.uk 0300 424 5580

Note: If the variation you are applying for is a "one-for-one" change (e.g., swapping one rifle for another of the same calibre and type), there may be no fee, but you should confirm this with your local firearms licensing department.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Checklist

Form fully completed?
Clear good reason provided?
Current certificate included?
Payment made or cheque included?

Send the entire application to your local Firearms and Explosives Licensing Department.

You can find the contact details for your local processing centre on the Police Scotland website or on your certificate. It is advisable to send your application by recorded delivery to ensure its safe arrival.

Step 6: The Enquiry Process

On receipt of your application it may be allocated to a Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO). The FEO will review your application, carry out background checks, and may contact you for further information or to arrange a home visit to check your security arrangements. They may also contact your referees.

The variation will be either:

Supported: Your new, amended certificate will be sent to you.
Not Supported: The variation will be refused, and you will be notified of the reasons.
Returned: The application may be returned to you for further information if it is incomplete or requires clarification.

By following these steps and ensuring all parts of your application are accurate and supported by a clear "good reason," you will help the process move forward as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local Firearms and Explosives Licensing team.

Fees

Please do not send cash through the post.

Make cheques payable to the SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY or contact us for details on how to make payment via your online banking.

Grant of a Firearm Certificate: £198
Grant of a Shotgun Certificate: £194
Renewal of Firearm Certificate: £131
Renewal of Shotgun Certificate: £126
Coterminous Grant/Renewal: £202/155
Grant and Renewal of a Registered Firearms Dealer: £466
Replacement of lost or stolen certificate: £9
Variation (not like for like): £47
Visitor Permit Fees: Individual / Group (five persons or more up to maximum of 20): £47/£233

Changes to the law relating to antique firearms

From 22 March 2021 there are changes to legislation relating to antique firearms.

The undernoted 7 cartridges previously included in the Home Office obsolete calibre list will now require to be held on a firearms certificate.

• 320 British (also known as .320 Revolver CF, short or long)
• .41 Colt (short or long)
• .44 Smith and Wesson Russian
• .442 Revolver (also known as .44 Webley)
• 9.4mm Dutch Revolver
• 10.6mm German Ordnance Revolver
• 11mm French Ordnance Revolver M1873 (Army).

If you own a firearm chambered for use with the above cartridges you will have to apply for a firearms certificate or apply for a variation to your existing certificate (see fees section).

Further guidance can be found within the documents below.