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6 Steps to legally own a firearm in South Africa, you must obtain a firearm licence from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
A separate licence is required for each firearm you own
COMPLETE Prescribed Training
Prospective firearm owners must complete the required training at an accredited institution and pass a test on the Firearms Control Act, 2000, and safe firearm handling practices. After training, you will receive a proficiency certificate.
APPLY for a Competency Certificate
Once you have the training certificate from an accredited provider (e.g., Sasseta), submit an application for a competency certificate by completing the SAPS 517 form. Include the following documents:
- Your identity document
- Original training certificate
- Two passport-size color photographs (not older than three months)
- Any additional required documents
APPLY for a Firearm Licence
After obtaining a competency certificate, complete the SAPS 271 form to apply for the firearm licence. When submitting this form to the designated firearms officer (DFO) in your area, bring:
- Your identity document
- Competency certificate
- Executor appointment letter if the firearm is inherited
- Two recent passport-size photographs
SUPPORTING Documentation
You must provide a full motivation for your firearm licence application, along with supporting documents.
FINGERPRINTING and Payment
The DFO will take your fingerprints and issue a remittance form (SAPS 523(a)) for the payment of the prescribed fees. Payments can be made in cash or by bank-guaranteed cheque, and you will receive a receipt as proof of payment.
R70.00
Competency Certificate
R140.00
Firearm Licence
FIREARM SAFE Requirement
After your application is approved, you will have 14 days to install a firearm safe that complies with South African Bureau of Standards regulations. The DFO will inspect your premises to ensure compliance.
PROCESSING Time
Once the safe inspection report is approved, your firearm licence will be printed and sent to the DFO for collection.
SAFE Inspection
Once the safe inspection report is approved, your firearm licence will be printed and sent to the DFO for collection.
GO GRAB YOUR PEW-PEW
After a successful application and you visited your DFO friend, you can now visit the shop where you made your purchase and collect your new pew-pew.
While you are there, consider the following to save you a trip or 2:
- Consider booking a spot with the on-site range, to test your new firearm and make sure everything is in working order… you’ve waited long enough.
- Grab a few ammo boxes for future use on your way out.
- Depending on the firearm, look at some holsters and cleaning kits to have these with you at home.
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