How to get a firearm licence

I want to licence a firearm myself and not use your services, what are the steps?

STEP 1: Get your proficiency training and certificates

1. Find a firearm training provider that is listed with PFTC (Professional fire-arm Training Council) and with SAPS (South African Police Service) To find a Firearm training provider near you, you can use the map on our website which will give all PFTC registered training providers in your area.
2. After you find a firearm training provider to get your proficiency, you have to decide what firearm proficiency training you require. At a minimum you require the unit standard for the type of firearm that you wish to licence as well as the “Knowledge of the firearms control act 60 of 2000”. Proficiency courses are available in the following unit standards.
1. Handle and use handgun 119649
2. Handle and use a Self-loading Rifle 119650
3. Handle and use a Manually operated Rifle 119651
4. Handle and use a Shotgun 119652
5. Knowledge of the firearms control act 60 of 2000 (117705)
3. Next you will need to purchase the required study material for the unit standards you have selected, you will do their through the firearm training provider you have selected. You can take the study material home with you to prepare for the exam, and will be able to keep it after the course.
4. At home you need to complete the Formative Examination which is an open book test that is included in the study material.
5. After you have completed your Formative Examination you need to attend a class at your training facility where you will write the Summative Examination. (You may not write this test with an open book)
6. After you have completed your Summative Examination you will then do your practical test which is to prove proficiency with the selected weapon platform.
7. Once completed you will have done the three requirements to obtain firearm proficiency: Formative Examination, Summative Examination and the practical shoot. You need to pass all three categories to receive a certificate and statement of results from your training provider. These documents are issued by the PFTC to the training provider within 1 - 2 weeks following your exam, and both are required in order to apply for your SAPS Competency Certificate in Step 2.

STEP 2: Apply for your SAPS Competency certificate

1. Find out who your nearest SAPS station is in order to submit your SAPS Competency application. To find a SAPS near you, you can use the map on our website which will give all SAPS stations in your area.
2. After you find out who your designated SAPS station is, you will need to prepare all of the required forms and supporting documents for your SAPS Competency application so that you may apply for SAPS Competency at your local DFO. These documents are:
• Certified copy of statements of results as obtained from the PFTC training provider in STEP 1
• Certified copy of proficiency training as obtained from the PFTC training provider in STEP 1
• Character witnesses (1 Family member and 2 friends for an interview at your local DFO)
• Proof of address
• SAPS 517 forms completed in Black ink
• 2 x ID Photos
• Cash for your SAPS Competency Application (you can see the latest rates on the SAPS website HERE)

Note: it usually takes 90 - 120 working days before you will receive your SAPS Competency Certificate. You can only apply for your SAPS Firearm Licence once you have received the SAPS Competency Certificate.

STEP 3: Apply for your SAPS Firearm Licence

1. Purchase your desired firearm from a registered firearm dealer. To find a Firearm Dealer near you, you can use the map on our website which will give all Firearm Dealers in your area.
2. After you have purchased your firearm, you will need to prepare all of the required forms, supporting documents and motivation for your SAPS Firearm application so that you may apply for a SAPS Firearm Licence at your local DFO. These documents are:
• SAPS Competency Certificate as obtained from SAPS in STEP 2
• Certified copy of statement of results as obtained from the PFTC training provider in STEP 1
• Certified copy of proficiency training  as obtained from the PFTC training provider in STEP 1
• SAPS 271 forms completed in Black ink.
• SAPS 350(a) forms completed in Black ink (The gun shop will provide you with this document which details the gun make, model, serial number etc).
• Completed and signed SAPS Safe Statement confirming the type of safe which you have installed a home, and the method by which it is secured to the floor / wall.
• Photographs of the outside of your safe proving that it is suitable to store your firearm.
• Photographs of the inside of your safe proving that it is suitable to store your firearm and that it is secured to the floor / wall in line with the SABS requirements mandated by SAPS and confirmed in your signed safe statement document.
• Two Certified copies of your identity document.
• Firearm motivation letter for self-defence proving that you are gainfully employed, confirming your place of residence, detailing both your proficiency and competency, proving that you can provide safe storage for the firearm, motivating the need for the firearm, and detailing the firearm and it’s chambered ammunition.
• Newspaper articles of crime in your area.
• Crime statistics for your area.
• Two Passport photos.
• Cash for your SAPS Licence Application (you can see the latest rates on the SAPS website HERE)

Note: it usually takes 90 - 120 working days before you will receive your SAPS Firearm Licence. Once you have received your SAPS Firearm Licence you will be able to collect the firearm from the dealer who you purchased it from. They will transfer it on their system from safe storage in their safe to your possession.