Questions and answers
Short answers about tracking, timing, your application and your data, each with a guide to read next.
Tracking
Finding your reference number and reading what SAPS shows.
Where do I find my reference number?
Look in three places:
- The SMS SAPS sends once your station has captured your application on its system (reported by applicants and AfriForum).
- The "Application reference No" box on your form, which the station fills in when it captures your application.
- The SAPS 523 acknowledgement of receipt, if the DFO (Designated Firearms Officer) gave you one.
SAPS hasn't published the format of the number, so type it exactly as it appears. Keep your Z263 payment receipt too: NHSA (the National Hunting and Shooting Association) says a SAPS 523 isn't always given at the counter, and the receipt is your proof you applied. What each status means.
Is this the official SAPS site?
No. Firearm Tracker is independent and not part of, or endorsed by, the South African Police Service (SAPS). We read the same public SAPS enquiry page anyone can use, then explain the result. SAPS is always the official source. About us.
Why does SAPS have no record of my number?
Usually because your station hasn't captured the application yet. The research we rely on suggests asking your DFO if there's still no SMS or online record after two to three weeks. How long each step takes.
Can I track a competency certificate?
Yes. The SAPS enquiry page says competency applications can be checked with the reference number alone, so leave the serial number blank. The competency guide.
Do I need my firearm's serial number?
No, it's optional and only applies to licences. The SAPS page accepts a reference number on its own, or a serial number plus a reference number. Check a reference number.
Why does your status look different from the SAPS page?
It isn't different, it's explained. We show SAPS's own wording exactly, then add which step that is and what it means. If SAPS returns wording we haven't seen before, we show it as-is rather than guess. Every status explained.
Timing
What SAPS aims for, what applicants report, and when to ask questions.
How long does a firearm licence take?
SAPS told Parliament in January 2025 that the average is 120 working days, about six months, from the day your application is captured. Its own 2021 figures showed most applications took longer: 38% of licences finalised from April to July 2021 were inside that time. Timelines in detail.
Does the clock start when I hand it in?
Not in SAPS's figures. The 120 working days is counted from capture on the SAPS system, so time waiting to be captured at the station isn't included.
How long does a competency certificate take?
There's no separate official target. SAPS's 2021 figures showed 25% of competency certificates finalised from April to July 2021 were inside 120 working days. Applicants have reported nine months to a year. The competency guide.
My status hasn't moved for weeks. Is that normal?
Often, yes. One commercial tracker's figures suggest the Central Firearms Register (CFR) and the Licensing Section are the slowest steps, at about a month each. What happens at each step.
When and how should I chase my application?
Once it's well past 120 working days from capture, it's reasonable to ask. SAPS's own advice (2021) is to start with the DFO where you applied, then the station commander, then the district commissioner, then the provincial commissioner's office. Timelines in detail.
Your application
Forms, fees, documents and what happens after a decision.
Can I apply for competency and a licence at the same time?
SAPS's own FAQ describes competency first, then the licence application on the SAPS 271 once you have the certificate. NHSA has reported a SAPS directive that first-time competency and new licence applications are no longer accepted together. The competency guide.
What documents do I need?
For a new licence: a certified copy of your ID, your original competency certificate, two recent passport-size colour photos, a full motivation with supporting documents and proof of payment, plus more depending on your licence type. The full documents checklist.
Which licence section should I apply under?
It depends on why you want the firearm: self-defence (section 13), occasional hunting or sport (section 15), dedicated hunting or sport (section 16), and others. Each has its own limits and validity. Compare licence types.
How much does it cost?
The 2025/26 gazetted fees are R183 per firearm licence, R92 for a competency certificate and R92 for a renewal. We found no published 2026/27 figure, so confirm the current fee with your DFO. Fees are paid at the station in cash or by bank-guaranteed cheque. Getting a licence.
How do I write a good motivation?
Explain why you need this firearm for this licence section, with supporting documents. A weak motivation is one reported reason for refusals. Writing a motivation.
My licence was approved. What now?
The card is printed and sent to your station, which can take a while. Collect it from the DFO with your ID and sign for it. The firearm owners association NARFO suggests checking the make, model, serial number, licence section and your ID number on the card before you leave. After approval.
My application was refused. What can I do?
You can appeal to the Appeal Board within 90 days of the decision on the SAPS 530 notice, or in some cases apply again. Refusals and appeals.
When must I renew?
At least 90 days before the licence expires, on the SAPS 518(a). If you apply in time, the licence stays valid until SAPS decides. The renewal guide.
Accounts and alerts
How saving works in this version of Firearm Tracker, honestly.
Do I need an account?
No. You can check a reference number without one. An account just saves your applications so you don't have to find the SMS every time. Check without an account.
Where is my account stored?
In our database, held by Supabase, our database provider, in its Paris data centre. Each account can reach only its own applications. Sign in on any phone or computer to see them. Our privacy policy.
Will you alert me when my status changes?
Not yet. This version doesn't send email, SMS or push alerts, and it doesn't check in the background. Open your dashboard and press check: we'll show which applications moved since your last look. Your applications.
Is it free?
Yes. Checking a status and saving your applications are free. Our terms.
Privacy and safety
What we ask for, what we pass to SAPS, and what we never do.
Do you need my ID number?
No, never. The SAPS enquiry page only needs your reference number, and optionally a serial number. If anyone asks you for an ID number to check a status, be careful. How a lookup works.
What happens to the reference number I type in?
We send it, and a serial number if you added one, to the public SAPS enquiry page and show you the answer. If you save it to an account, it's kept in our database until you remove it. Our privacy policy.
Can I check someone else's application?
Only if you're entitled to, for example with the applicant's permission. Our terms ask you to check only applications you have a right to see. Our terms.
Do you sell or share my data?
No. We don't sell data, and we don't share it with anyone except the SAPS enquiry page, which needs the reference number to answer. What we will never do.
About us
Who we are and where our answers come from.
Who runs Firearm Tracker?
Firearm Tracker is an independent service. We're not part of SAPS, the Central Firearms Register or any government department. About us.
Where do your guides get their facts?
From the Firearms Control Act and its regulations, the Government Gazette, SAPS's own pages and answers to Parliament. Where a figure comes from an association, a tracker or applicants instead, the guide says so. All guides.
Is this legal advice?
No. Our guides are general information. For a decision about your own firearm, speak to a lawyer or your accredited association. Our terms.
Still wondering where it is?
Type your reference number and see which step your application is on, and what that step means.
