Firearm, shotgun and explosives certificates

How do I apply?

You can apply online or by post.

You'll need to have read the guidance notes before making your application.

How much does it cost?

It costs £88.

Please note: If you apply online you will also need to pay online, we can't accept cheques with an online application.

What you'll need to apply

You'll need the following to complete your application:

Your contact details, including:

• email address
• phone number
• work contact details (if not unemployed or retired)
• previous addresses if you haven’t lived at your current address for more than five years
  
  

Health & medical information:

• details of any relevant conditions you have which need to be disclosed (you’ll find a list of those in the guidance notes)
• your GP or practice address, postcode and phone number
• previous GP or practice information if you haven’t been registered with your current GP or practice for ten years or more
• if, during the last ten years, there have been times when you haven’t been registered with a GP or practice in the UK, we’ll need to know about this and will ask why this was and if there is any information you can give us about this, for example if you’re in the armed services and were posted abroad
• your completed GP proforma - you'll need to download this and have your GP fill it in. Then send it to us with your application or re-upload it as part of your online application
  
  

Details about any offences or written cautions (including speeding but not parking offences or fixed penalty notices):

• details of the offence, including the date (month and year)
  
  

Details about the firearm(s) and ammunition you intend to acquire:

• calibre, type, reason for having
• calibre and quantity of ammunition
• security arrangements - how and where the firearm(s) will be stored, whether the arrangements are shared (and, if they are, the details of who they are shared with)
  
  

The details of two referees you've known for more than two years, including:

• their date and place of birth
• their occupation
• contact details

Please note: referees can't be a member of your family, a serving police officer or staff, or a registered firearms dealer.

Photo:

• one passport-style photo which is no larger than 1MB in size and is a .jpg/.jpeg
  
  

Payment:

• credit or debit card details to make your online payment
  
  

Apply online

Step 1: Complete the online version of the form.

Step 2: Upload your GP proforma and your photo as part of the online application.

Step 3: Make your payment online.

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.

Apply by post

Step 1: Download the firearm certificate application form (Form 201) and GP proforma

Step 2: Print and complete the forms.

Step 3: Attach one passport-style photo (45mm high x 35mm wide).

Step 4: Make out a cheque or postal order for £88 payable to West Mercia PCC. We can't accept cash. 

Step 5: Post your completed form, medical information forms and cheque or postal order to:

Firearms & Explosives Licensing Unit
Malvern Police Station
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 2TE

What happens after I apply?

We'll get in touch as quickly as we can if we have any questions about your application or need to ask for more information. This may take some time due to the current high demand on the department.

Start