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Obtaining a firearm license is a big decision and a long process of checks, tests and verification. 

You must undergo training at an accredited institution and receive a training proficiency certificate. This ensures you are competent to use a firearm both mentally and physically. Only once you have received the certification are you eligible to apply for a firearm license at your nearest police station.

A license is necessary for each separate firearm license you own. You also need to renew your license 90 days before the license date expires.

Having a gun is a right, but more importantly, it is a responsibility.

Here are the required steps to get a firearm license in South Africa based on the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Competency Process

If you are a prospective firearm owner, you need to do proficiency training prescribed by the South African Professional Firearms Trainers Council (PFTC) at an accredited training centre.

Ranyati Firearm Motivations says that there are unit standards in proficiency training, such as having sufficient knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 in relation to the particular type of firearm you’ll be licensing. For example, if you’re going to license a handgun, you’ll need to demonstrate knowledge of the Handgun Unit Standard 119649 of the Firearms Control Act of 2000. 

You’ll also need to pass theoretical and practical tests. It is important to complete the training that matches the firearm you want to apply for. Once you have completed the proficiency training, you receive a Proficiency Training certificate and a PFTC Statements of Results certificate. 

This allows you to apply for a South African Police Services Competency Certificate. You need to complete the SAPS517 (Application for a Competency Certificate – black pen only) and provide supporting documentation to the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) in your area.

License Card

A SAPS Competency Certificate allows you to apply for a firearm license card. The firearm you apply for is from a firearm dealer, private owner, or an estate. In South Africa, when you apply for a firearm license card, you need to know the specific details and the serial number of your firearm.

As an applicant, you complete relevant sections of the SAPS271 (Application for License to Possess a Firearm – black pen only). With the application, detailed motivation and necessary documentation is submitted to your area DFO.

Payments

When you make payments, you will stamp your fingerprints on a SAPS 91(a) form by a DFO. It is needed when applying for a Competency Certificate.

You are issued a remittance advice SAPS 523(a) and taken to the financial office at the police station to pay a prescribed fee.  You can call your local police stations to see what forms of payments are accepted.

Currently, a Competency Certificate costs R70, and a firearm license costs R140. A receipt is then provided as proof of payment. The receipt is sent to the DFO to continue your application process. After that, you receive a signed receipt acknowledging that you applied for a firearm license. 

A successful application requests that you purchase and install a firearm safe per the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements in a 14-day period. The last step is an inspection by the DFO to confirm that all the requirements for the safe are met.

Renewing Your Firearm License

Renewals are dependent on the type of firearm license. 

A firearm for self-defence is only valid for five years. A firearm for occasional hunting or sport shooting is valid for ten years. The same amount of years applies to those who are dedicated to hunting or sport shooting. Firearms that businesses are in possession of are valid for five years. 

The renewal process begins 90 days before your current license expires. It is as if you are applying for a license for the first time because of the processes you must go through. 

A firearm license is necessary because you need to remain in compliance with provisions and regulations that authorise the issuance of the license. Without this step, you can easily forfeit your firearm license privileges, and find yourself in trouble with the law.

The Benefits Of Joining A Firearm Club

Joining a firearm club can give you the opportunity to maintain and improve your skills, leading to greater gun safety. Some other benefits include:

• You’ll be able to chat with qualified instructors regularly;
• The club’s instructors and your fellow members can share advice on topics such as the safest way to store your firearm; and
• You’ll be able to make use of your firearm in a safe, controlled environment.

iER

The iER app is a free emergency application. You can download it onto any smart device. It offers users a cost-free solution to emergency situations; medical emergencies, imminent danger and everything in between. The app is essentially a virtual panic button.

The iER app ensures that the proper response team is sent to the scene of an emergency or crime. It is a one-click solution available for everyone. 

There is no membership fee, either. In order to make use of the iER application, you simply need to download it from all app stores. 

The FREE iER App is the gateway to emergency response services, including a national network of private, semi-private and government emergency medical and non-medical response services.