Guides
Every step of a firearm licence, from your first training course to renewing years later.
Start where you are.
Most people need these guides in order: get competent, apply, wait, then live with the decision. Each one is written from the Act, the regulations and SAPS's own pages, and says plainly when a figure comes from somewhere else.
Before you apply
A complete file at the station avoids one of the delays SAPS itself has named. Get these right first.
Getting a licence
The whole route, from training to collecting your card.
Licence types
Self-defence, hunting, sport, dedicated status and collections.
Proficiency training
What the course covers and how to check a provider is accredited.
Competency certificate
The SAPS 517, fingerprints, interviews and the background check.
Documents checklist
Every page your licence application needs, including your safe.
Writing a motivation
Why you need this firearm, put the way an evaluator reads it.
While you wait
Your file passes through your station, the province and the Central Firearms Register. These explain where it is and how long that usually takes.
After a decision
An approval starts a clock for renewal. A refusal starts a 90-day clock to appeal. Both are worth reading early.
Already handed it in?
Type the reference number from your SAPS SMS and see which step your application is on right now.
