Specialist Units

Welcome to the web page for the Greater Manchester Police Firearms Licensing Unit.

Application Forms

Click here if you wish to download an application form.

To apply for the grant or renewal of a Firearm Certificate you will need Form 101 together with 2 Forms 125 (referees).

Follow the instructions on the Form 101 and return together with photographs and cheque payable to Greater Manchester Police (£50 grant/£40 renewal) to :-

Greater Manchester Police,
Firearms Licensing Unit,
Openshaw Complex,
Lawton Street,
Openshaw,
M11 2NS.

The referees forms should be handed to your referees who should send them seperately to the same address.

To apply for a Shotgun grant or renewal you will need Form 103 . Complete and send with photgraphs and cheque (as above) to the same address.

About the Unit

Our unit is responsible for the granting and renewal of shotgun and firearm certificates. We also provide information on many other aspects relating to the topic of shooting, to allow you to enjoy your chosen sport safely and legally.

We deal in the licensing of explosives and have two Explosives Liaison Officers within the unit who can assist with any queries you have in relation to this subject.

Firstly, we must emphasise that our policy is based on ensuring that public safety is not jeopardised. Our work, including the necessary vetting of each and every applicant, inevitably takes time. Certificates authorising the legal ownership of firearms cannot be issued without proper and thorough investigation of an applicant's background. These steps are essential to ensuring that firearms and explosives should not fall into the wrong hands.

Every effort will be made to process each application with the utmost efficiency and in the shortest possible time. To avoid unnecessary delay, applicants can assist us by ensuring that all submitted details are correct.

We also offer simple advice and information - using plain English - on various topics relating to shotguns, firearms and explosives.

Should you require any help or advice, the unit can be contacted during office hours on:

Telephone: 0161 856 0820
Fax: 0161 856 0822
Email: firearmsandexplosivesunit@gmp.pnn.police.uk