SAPS Firearm Competency & Licence Application Document Downloads

Obtaining a firearm licence in South Africa is a long process and does require commitment and patience. It is something that we believe requires a large amount of thought and research BEFORE rushing into. There are many reasons for wanting to own a firearm, and there is a simple process that needs to be followed, but before starting the process of obtaining a firearm, consider the following:

1. Why do I want / need a firearm? (self defence / sports shooting / hunting / business).
2. Where is my local firearm dealer, and do they have a shooting range attached to their store? (this will allow the dealer to store your firearm while you wait for your SAPS competency and licence to be approved).
3. What firearm best suits my needs? (do your research, build a relationship with your local gun shop, and better yet investigate visiting a shooting range or training facility BEFORE you make the final decision about what firearm you want / need).

The process of obtaining a firearm licence requires a few formal steps as follows:

1. Before you are able to obtain a firearm licence you are required to first successfully undergo the prescribed training at an accredited training institution (click this link find your nearest firearm training institution).
2. Once you have your competency certificate and statement of results from the training institution you are able to apply for a SAPS Competency Certificate through your local SAPS station DFO. (click this link to find your nearest SAPS station).
3. Once you have received your SAPS competency certificate you are able to apply for a firearm licence from SAPS.

Below you will see downloads to the respective SAPS forms which you will need to complete along with supporting documents as follows:

SAPS Competency

SAPS Competency Form Downloads:

How do I apply for a new competency certificate?

1. On receipt of the training certificate from an accredited training provider or the Professional Firearm Training Council (PFTC), you must apply to the SAPS for a competency certificate.
2. You must complete a SAPS 517 form (Application for a competency certificate)
3. Submit the application form and with the following supporting documentation to the designated firearms officer (DFO) at the police station in the area where you ordinarily reside:
1. Certified copy of your official identification document or passport.
2. Certified copy of your permanent residence permit in case of a non- South African citizen.
3. Certified copy of your firearm proficiency training certificate issued by an accredited training provider.
4. Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months.
5. Certified proof of residence.
6. Any other supporting documents.
7. If an applicant is under the age of 21 years, compelling reasons which require you to obtain a competency certificate must be submitted.
1. Conduct a business.
2. Must be gainfully employed.
3. A dedicated hunter.
4. A dedicated a sports person.
5. A private collector.
6. A public collector.
7. Sworn affidavit from parent / guardian

How do I apply for a further competency certificate?

1. You must complete a SAPS 517 (a) form (Application for further competency certificate).
2. Submit the application form and with the following supporting documentation to the designated firearms officer (DFO) at the police station in the area where you ordinarily reside:
1. Certified copy of your official identification document or passport.
2. Certified copy of your permanent residence permit in case of a non- South African citizen.
3. Certified copy of your firearm proficiency training certificate issued by an accredited training provider.
4. Certified copy of previous competency certificate.
5. Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months.
6. Certified proof of residence.
7. Any other supporting documents.

SAPS Firearm Licence

SAPS Firearm Licence Form Downloads:

 How do I apply for a firearm licence?

1. After you have obtained a competency certificate, you must complete the relevant sections of the SAPS 271 form form (application for a licence to possess a firearm).
2. Submit the completed SAPS 271 form and the following documents to the DFO at the police station in the area where you ordinarily reside:
1. Certified copy of your official identification document (certified copy of applicant’s permanent residence permit in case of a non-South African citizen).
2. Your original competency certificate.
3. The letter of appointment of the executor, if the firearm was inherited.
4. Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months.
5. You must fully motivate your application and submit documents in support of your application.