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Frequently Asked Question
What do I need in order to apply for a firearm license through docs4guns?
All you need to do is click on the ‘NEW LICENSE APPLICATIONS’ button above and follow our easy step process.
Do I need a firearm license for an inherited firearm?
Yes! To own any firearm in South Africa, you have to have a license for that firearm. If you have never applied for competency for the specific type of firearm you have inherited, then you need to apply for firearm competency for that type of firearm, first, and then if approved, you can apply for a firearm license for your inherited Firearm/s.
Is it illegal to keep an inherited firearm without a license?
Yes! It is a criminal offence punishable by law to possess firearms or ammunition without some sort of permit or license. At Docs4Guns, you can safely store your inherited firearm while we help you obtain a relevant license or permit to keep the firearm. Contact us for more info.
How do I qualify for firearm competency?
Simply click on the ‘COMPETENCY TRAINING’ button in our ‘What we do’ section above, and we will guide you through the entire process. Our training packages include all the learning material, limited time in our shooting range, ammunition, training, and the use of our firearms, to complete your competency successfully.
How long does it take to obtain a firearm license?
A successful application can take between 60-90 days, after which the DFO will inspect the firearm safe at your premises. Upon receipt of the DFO’s successful report on the inspection, the license will be printed and attainable from the DFO against a signature on the SAPS 86 Register.
How long are competency and firearm licenses valid for?
Firearm licenses are valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the firearm’s purpose, while competency certificates are valid for the same duration as the longest linked firearm license, not a fixed term. A competency certificate is linked to the expiry date of the longest outstanding license for that specific firearm type, or in the instance where there is no firearm license for that type of firearm, then the competency is only valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Licenses and competencies must be renewed at least 90 days before their expiration date. Click on ‘FIREARM LICENSE RENEWALS’ above to save yourself some time and frustration with your renewal application.
- Self-Defense (Section 13): A 5-year license for a handgun or shotgun for self-defense.
- Occasional Sport or Hunting (Section 15): A 10-year license for occasional sport shooting or hunting.
- Dedicated Sport or Hunting (Section 16): A 10-year license for dedicated sport shooting or hunting.
- Muzzle Loading Firearm: A 10-year license for a muzzle loading firearm.
- A competency certificate is linked to the validity of the firearm license to which it relates.
- If you have multiple licenses, the competency certificate remains valid until the expiry date of your longest linked license.
- If there are no firearms licensed in the same category, some sources suggest the competency could remain valid for 5 or 10 years from the date of issue, though the linked expiry with the last license is generally the correct interpretation.
Renewal Process
- You must submit your renewal application at least 90 days before the expiry date.
- You will need to complete the relevant forms, such as the SAPS 518(a) and SAPS 517(g).
- You cannot renew your license without a valid competency certificate for that type of firearm.
What personal documents should I have for firearm competency & license renewals?
For both firearm competency and license renewals, you’ll need:
- A copy of your ID
- Proof of residence
- Completed SAPS form 517g for competency,
- Completed SAPS 518a for license renewal.
- Your training and competency certificates
- Three character references for competency renewal
- The original firearm license itself, for license renewal.
- Additionally, you must provide two recent passport-sized color photos for Competency renewals
- And two recent passport-sized color photos for firearm license renewal.
May you own a shotgun and a handgun for self defense?
No, under South Africa’s Firearms Control Act, you can only have one firearm for self-defense, which must be either a handgun or a non-fully/semi-automatic shotgun. You could potentially get another handgun under a different license like sport shooting. You would need separate licenses and competency for each firearm, and the self-defense license (Section 13) allows only one weapon for that purpose.
May you own a semi-automatic shotgun for self defense
cannot get a semi-automatic shotgun specifically for general self-defense under the standard Section 13 license (which allows only a non-semi/auto shotgun or handgun for defense). However, you can license semi-automatic rifles and shotguns under different categories like sports shooting (Section 16) (requiring “Dedicated Status”) or business use.
