Firearm, shotgun and explosives certificates

How do I apply?

You can apply online or by post.

Whichever one you choose you will need to have read the guidance notes before making your application. 

How much does it cost?

It costs £49.

Please note: If you apply online your payment will also be an online payment, we can't accept cheques with an online application.

How long does it take?

It can take up to 12 weeks to grant a new certificate.

You'll need the following to complete your application:

• a full copy of your current certificate(s), including table one and two
  
  

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
• a completed occupancy list of who lives at your current address
  
  

Health and 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 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 shotgun(s) and ammunition you own:

• security arrangements - how and where the shotgun(s) will be stored, whether the arrangements are shared (and, if they are, the details of who they are shared with)
  
  

The details of one referee 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.

If you don't have your GP proforma at present, you can still complete our online application form. Just email your completed GP proforma to the firearms team as soon as possible, as they may not able to process your application without it. 

Step 3: Make your payment online.

Step 4: Email a copy of your existing certificate; including Table 2 and occupancy 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.

Renew by post 

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

Step 2: Print and complete the forms. If you do not yet have your completed GP proforma you can still apply but you must send this to us as soon as possible. We may not be able to process your application without it.

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

Step 4: Make out a cheque or postal order for £49 payable to Nottinghamshire PCC. We can't accept cash.

Step 5: Post your completed forms and cheque or postal order to:

Firearms Licensing Department
Nottinghamshire Police
Force Headquarters
Sherwood Lodge
Arnold
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG5 8PP

Our offices are on a secure site that's not open to the public. Please use the post box at the gatehouse if delivering.

What happens after I apply?

We'll get in touch as quickly as possible if we have any questions about your application or need to ask for more information.

Start