Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does it cost for a Firearm/Shotgun/Explosives Certificate?

A. See page on Current Fees.

Explosives - telephone the department on 101.

Q. How can I pay for my Certificate?

A. Cheque or postal order to be made payable to PCC for North Yorkshire.

Unfortunately we are unable to accept payment by debit/credit cards.

Q. How long does a Certificate last for?

A. Shotgun - 5 years

Firearm - 5 years

Explosives - up to 5 years

Dealer - 3 years

European Firearms Pass - lasts until the relevant/current firearm/shotgun certificate expires

Q. Is my current certificate required in the office at the time of renewal?

A. No, please hold onto your current certificate when applying for a renewal. 

Q. Can a partner or member of family transport a Shotgun or Firearm?

A. Shotgun - only if they have a valid Certificate.

Firearm - only if they have a valid Certificate with the relevant authority.

Q. What makes a person prohibited from possessing weapons?

A. Sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 3 months up to 3 years will prohibit a person for 5 years. This does not include suspended sentences. Sentenced to 3 years or more will prohibit an individual for life.

Q. At what point does an air weapon require a Firearm Certificate?

A. Air Rifles over 12 feet pounds muzzle energy.

Q. How old must a person be to have a Shotgun or Firearm Certificate?

A. See Guidance for young people.

Q. How do you get a Shotgun/Firearm/Explosives Certificate?

A. Decide which certificate you require and download the relevant form from the Forms page.

Q. Where do I send my application to?

A. Send it to:

Q. How long does an application take to process?

A. Grants can take up to four months depending on any medical issues, convictions and previous addresses.

If you require a certificate for work purposes ie Gamekeeper, Vet then please enclose a covering letter explaining the need for priority and it will be assessed by the Manager.

Q. Will I be visited at time of Grant/Renewal?

A. Yes, all applicants will be visited by a Firearms Enquiry Officer or Explosives Liaison Officer.

Q. When are reminders for renewal of Firearm/Shotgun/Explosives sent out?

A. Reminders are sent out 12 weeks before the expiry of your current certificate(s). The onus remains on you to ensure that you send in the relevant paperwork within good time, prior to the expiry of your current certificate.

Q. Must I declare all convictions?

A. Yes, including all traffic convictions and any offences committed abroad. See guidance notes on application form.

Q. Must I declare all medical conditions?

A. Yes, please note that making a false declaration on your application form may result in offences being committed.

Q. Must I notify sales and/or acquisitions?

A. Firearms legislation requires that all notifications must be sent to the above address by registered post within 7 days. Faxes or emails will also be accepted.

Q. What is a Variation?

A. This is an application to acquire new authorities to your firearm certificate (see guidance sheet in forms section). Please note a Variation form must be completed and approved before a new weapon can be taken into your possession.

Q. What is the process for destroying or disposing of a weapon?

A. Arrangements can be made with either a Registered Firearms Dealer or your local police station.

Q. Must I notify a change of address?

A. Conditions on your certificate state you must notify a change of permanent address without undue delay. You must send in your current certificate(s) and new details including any change in land and club.

Please also supply any new contact numbers.

Q. What security is required for my Shotgun/Firearm?

A. Firearms or Shotguns must be stored securely to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, unauthorised people taking or using them. Any other person who does not hold a Firearm or Shotgun Certificate is included in the term 'unauthorised'.

It is recommended that an approved gun cabinet meeting British Standard 7558 must be securely fitted to a solid brick wall.

Firearm only - ammunition must be locked in a separate lockable compartment or container.

See Firearms Security: A Brief Guide and Firearms Security Handbook 2005 for more information.

Q. What security is required for Explosives?

A. Please contact an Explosives Liaison Officer (see Contact page for details)

Q. What do you do if you lose your certificate?

A. Inform the Firearms Licensing Department in writing immediately and enclose the relevant fee for a replacement, Shotgun £8, Firearm £9.

Q. What do you do if you lose a weapon?

A. Inform your local police and the Firearms Licensing Department immediately, giving full details of the weapons and its loss.

Q. How can you take your weapons abroad?

A. You will require a European Firearms Pass (EFP) if you are travelling within the EU, which can be obtained from the Firearms Licensing Department. You can ring or send a letter to the Firearms Licensing Department detailing which weapons you require adding to the permit. If intending taking Firearms abroad, please make sure that your Firearm Certificate is conditioned to allow you to do this.

Q. Who can act as a countersignatory or a referee?

A. A countersignatory must have known you personally for 2 years and be someone with a professional status, ie -Lawyer, Teacher, Managing Director, Senior Civil Servant etc (this list is not exhaustive).

A referee must have known you for 2 years and must be able to answer questions on the reference forms regarding your personal life and your attitude and experience with firearms.

Q. What is a CO-TERMINOUS certificate?

A. A co-terminous certificate is when you hold both a firearm and shotgun certificate that both expire at the same time.

Q. Do you really need 4 photographs for each application?

A. Unfortunately yes, as per the Home Office's Firearms Law Guidance to the Police 2002.

Q. Can I transport weapons?

A. Yes, but certain precautions need to be taken:- where practicable , weapons and ammunition should be placed where they cannot be seen. If you leave your vehicle unattended at any time, it is normally safe enough to remove some essential component and keep it in your personal possession: for example the bolt from a rifle or the fore-end from a shotgun.

Q. What happens if I am convicted of an offence?

A. The department is informed of any arrest or conviction of a certificate holder. On notification of the arrest/conviction we will conduct further background checks and your continued suitability will be assessed by the Manager and any appropriate action needed will be taken.