FOI 11034
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: HRC0011034/26
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 1st June 2026. Please find below the response to your request:
I would like to request the following information relating to firearms and shotgun certificate applications within your force area.
Please provide the most up-to-date information available for:
Current estimated processing times for:
- New shotgun certificate applications
- New firearm certificate applications
- Shotgun certificate renewals
- Firearm certificate renewals
- Variations
The current number of:
- Shotgun certificate holders within your force area
- Firearm certificate holders within your force area
Reply
West Mercia Police hold the information requested
Below information correct as of w/c 01.06.2026:
Current estimated processing times for:
- New shotgun certificate applications – current average days to complete – 146 days (5 months)
- New firearm certificate applications – current average days to complete – 251 day (8 months)
- Shotgun certificate renewals – current average days to complete – 41 days (5-6 weeks)
- Firearm certificate renewals – current average days to complete – 57 days (8 weeks)
- Variations – currently 39 days (6 weeks)
The current number of:
- Shotgun certificate holders within your force area – 22,370
- Firearm certificate holders within your force area - 6839