Steps to follow to re-apply for firearm licences

Heidelberg SAPS explains the steps to follow to renew firearm licences.

For expired firearm licences, the procedure includes:

• A valid competency certificate.

• A motivational letter explaining why you want the firearm licence.

• The firearm licence application form needs to be completed.

• The firearm and safe will be inspected.

Anyone who has a valid firearm and licences for the firearm needs to know the procedures when applying for a new license.

Various factors will be taken into consideration.

A handgun has a competency period of five years and for a shotgun and rifle, the competency period is 10 years.
Each firearm owner needs to be aware of when the specific competency certificate expires.

It is suggested to renew the competency certification six months before expiry, as it helps to speed up the process to reapply for a firearm license.

The local firearm dealership in Heidelberg, Hunters Heidelberg, as well as the SAPS Heidelberg, will be able to assist with the processes.

Hunters Heidelberg will be able to assist with the competency certification and applications of firearms as well as new applications.

Heidelberg SAPS will assist in the same areas as well as all forms to be filled out correctly for applications to go through and not fall through the cracks due to incomplete information on the forms.

There is a difference between the firearm amnesty period that was in play until January and the new bylaws on applying for licences.

In the applications and re-applications that formed part of the amnesty period until January 2022, when applying for a fire-arm licence, firearms need to be handed into the police station for safekeeping until the new valid licence card is produced.

The new operating procedure has changed.

With reapplying for a firearm licence, the owner may keep the firearm in their possession, but on the condition that it has to be locked in a safe until the licence card is in the owner’s possession.

It is important for community members who own firearms and apply for licences to understand the ins and outs when applying.

It can lead to the licence card being approved faster or forced into a delay.

For more information, contact Warrant Officer Letitia Rautenbach on 016 341 0344, Sergeant Tevin Singo on 016 341 0374 or Hunters Heidelberg on 016 341 6329.