Guidance: Firearms licensing law

Consolidated guidance on firearms legislation.

This Home Office guide on firearms licensing law has been updated. It should be read alongside the statutory guidance for chief officers of police.

The document provides guidance on firearms licensing legislation for anyone who is involved in licensing firearms or who has an interest in firearms or shotguns for either work or leisure purposes.

This guide is not intended to be a definitive statement of the law, but a cohesive explanation of the often complex area of firearms licensing.

We are aware this publication may have accessibility issues, for example if you use assistive technology.

We cannot answer any other questions through this form.

Corrections to paragraphs 10.3 and 11.5.

Amendment to the text in paragraph 10.3 to reflect the statutory guide for chief officers and the firearms application form.

Amendment to the text in paragraph 1.4 and the addition of 3 paragraphs in chapter 12 to provide further advice to firearms owners following a change in law affecting possession of sound moderators.

The guide has been updated to reflect legislative and policy changes.

Removed section 'Notifying the Home Office of the transfer or possession of a deactivated firearm'.

Updated to reflect changes to government department names.

Updated the guide to reflect change of department name: Department for International Trade (DIT) has become the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

Updated paragraphs 6.37 and 12.67 – guidance on UK Athletics licenced race starters; paragraph 7.10 – re-inserted guidance on the exemption under section 11(6) relating to organised clay pigeon shoots; and paragraphs 15.27 and 15.28 – new guidance on ‘remote’ sales by registered firearms dealers.

Address for Scottish Government firearms team updated.