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This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
Find out below how to apply for or renew a firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate. Whether you’re a firearm owner, firearm dealer, shooting club member or planning to travel with firearms, answer a few quick questions and we’ll guide you to the right form and everything you need to complete it.
Apply for a shotgun certificate
There are now two ways you can apply; online or by post.
Whichever one you choose you will need to have read the guidance notes before making your application. You can find those here.
It costs £79.50.
Please note: If you apply online your payment will also be an online payment, we can't accept cheques with an online application.
It can take up to 20 weeks to grant a new certificate.
This is dependent on the application being complete. If the Firearms Licensing Team have to contact you to follow up on anything then your application could take longer to process.
You'll need the following to complete your application; it's probably a good idea to have them to hand before you start your application.
Your details, including:
Health & medical information:
Details about any offences or written cautions (including speeding but not parking offences or fixed penalty notices):
You can find out about your conviction history by making a Subject Access Request to ACRO.
Details about the shotgun(s) and ammunition you intend to acquire:
The details of one referee you've known for more than two years, including:
Please note: referees can't be a member of your family, a serving police officer or staff, or a registered firearms dealer.
Photo:
Payment:
Please note: It’s an offence under section 28A(7) of the Firearms Act to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement for the purpose of procuring the grant or renewal of a certificate, the maximum penalty for which is six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine.
Step 1: Complete the online version of the form.
Step 2: Upload your photo with your application.
Step 3: Make your payment online.
Step 4: Email your completed GP form and occupants list to the firearms team.
The form will take about 20 minutes to complete and you won't be able to save your application as you go, so it will need to be done in one sitting.
Click the 'Start' button below to start your online application.
Step 1: Download the firearm certificate application form (Form 201), occupants list and GP form
Step 2: Print, complete and sign the forms.
Step 3: Attach one passport-style photo (45mm high x 35mm wide).
Step 4: Make out a cheque for £79.50 payable to GMCA GMP.
We can’t accept cash.
Step 5: Post your completed form 201, occupants list and GP form with your cheque or postal order to:
Greater Manchester Police
Box 06
Nexus House
Ashton-Under-Lyne
OL7 0QP
We'll get in touch within two weeks if we have any questions about your application or need to ask for more information.
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