Firearm Licensing in South Africa – Complete National Guide

Fast, compliant firearm licensing support with national coverage. We prepare Competency, Licence Applications, Renewals and Motivation Letters with a 100% success rate to date and a 100% money-back guarantee. Secure online payment, simple online forms, and digital delivery mean zero courier delays.

Start My Application · Order a Motivation Letter · Competency Forms & Checklist · Contact / WhatsApp


Who We Help

We serve applicants nationwide, with priority support for major metros (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria), high-density farming and hunting regions, and SMEs in the private security sector. Whether you’re a private individual, farmer, sport shooter, hunter or security business, our team compiles compliant, professional applications aligned to SAPS CFR and DFO requirements.


Services We Provide

  • Competency Applications (SAPS 517): Guidance and document preparation. View checklist & downloads
  • Licence Applications (SAPS 271): Complete, ready-to-print packs.
  • Licence Renewals: Timelines, documentation and pack preparation. See services
  • Motivation Letters: Professionally written, evidence-based motivations for Section 13/15/16. Order a Motivation Letter

 

How Our Process Works

  1. Select your serviceshop our products and pay securely.
  2. Submit your information using our online forms (documents and details).
  3. We prepare your complete pack to align with SAPS CFR & local DFO requirements.
  4. We email a ready-to-print PDF (no postage or courier delays/costs).
  5. You print and submit at your nearest SAPS DFO.

Compliance notice: Licence Me is not SAPS and does not provide legal advice or promise SAPS timeframes or services. We assist in compiling the most complete and professional paperwork for submission. Review our payment, shipping, returns and refund policies for details.


Which Licence Do You Need? (Sections 13, 15 and 16)

  • Section 13 – Self-defence: Personal protection; strong emphasis on need and safe storage.
  • Section 15 – Occasional hunting/sport: Occasional participation; typical evidence includes club activity and lawful hunting access.
  • Section 16 – Dedicated hunting/sport: Requires dedicated status with a recognised association; endorsements and activity logs recommended.

All licence applications are submitted on SAPS 271 after you have competency. If uncertain, contact us for guidance.


Step 1: Competency (SAPS 517)

Competency must be approved before any licence application. Prepare the SAPS 517 form and supporting documents (training, ID, proof of address, photos, references, fingerprints, fees).


View Competency Checklist & Official Downloads


Step 2: Licence Application (SAPS 271)

Submit SAPS 271 with firearm details, safe-storage proof and a strong motivation that clearly demonstrates need and suitability. We prepare evidence-rich motivations for Section 13/15/16.


Order a Professional Motivation Letter


Renewals, Validity & Timing

Renew your licence at least 90 days before expiry. Validity periods differ by licence type. We help plan timelines and prepare renewal packs to avoid avoidable delays.

Explore Renewal Support


Required Documents – Quick Checklists

Competency (SAPS 517) essentials

  • Completed SAPS 517 form
  • Accredited training certificate (unit standards)
  • SA ID (certified) and proof of address
  • Two ID photos; 3× character references
  • Fingerprints (at DFO) and applicable fees

Licence (SAPS 271) essentials

  • Completed SAPS 271, plus proof of competency
  • Firearm details (dealer/private sale; attach SAPS 350(a) where required)
  • Safe-storage proof (SABS-compliant safe)
  • Detailed motivation (Section 13/15/16)
  • Certified ID and photos


Start Now

START NOW

Click the links below to start your firearm application process

SAPS FORMS & DOCUMENTS

PROFESSIONAL PACK FOR SAPS

Whether it's a SAPS Competency, new firearm licence or just a firearm licence renewal, you will be please to know our SAPS paperwork and document packs are some of the best in the industry. Following strict CFR guidelines, our document packs are professionally compiled & checked for your convenience - no more rejected applications.

FIREARM FAQs

No. Motivations are typically required for licence applications (SAPS 271). Some DFOs may request additional context, but a formal motivation is not standard for competency.

Timelines vary by station and workload. SAPS does not guarantee timeframes. We focus on complete, compliant packs to avoid avoidable delays.

Use our Competency & Licence Downloads page for key downloads and checklists. Official forms are also available from SAPS channels.

FIREARM LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

PROFESSIONAL MOTIVATIONS

Whether you're applying for a new firearm licence or renewing an existing firearm licence, SAPS require you to accompany your application with a motivation. Not only do our motivations meet CFR requirements and criteria, but our database of over 300 handguns and 100+ different bullet cartridges mean our motivations are accurate down to your exact firearm and it's calibre.

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

STEP 1: ORDER

Submit your order online and make payment through our safe and secure credit card gateway.

STEP 2: SUBMIT

After receiving your order our team will send you an email with two links to collect the required information.

STEP 3: CONFIRM

Once received we will complete all the required documents and prepare and email your licence pack.

TIPS, TRICKS AND TRAINING

View all
Train with intention and get results
Shot timers and other training tools
Practice a consistent and efficient draw
Staying target focused in shooting drills
What to do with your support hand when drawing
How to grip a handgun