Firearm, shotgun and explosives certificates

How do I apply?

You can apply online or by post.

You'll need to have read the guidance notes before making your application.

How much does it cost?

It costs £62.

Please note: If you apply online you will also need to pay online. We can't accept cheques, postal orders or BACS transfers with an online application.

How long does it take?

It can take up to 12 weeks to renew a certificate.

You'll need the following to complete your application

Your contact details, including:

• email address
• phone number
• work contact details (if not unemployed or retired)
• previous addresses if you haven’t lived at your current address for more than five years 
• a completed occupancy list of who lives at your current address
  
  

Health and medical information:

• details of any relevant conditions you have which need to be disclosed (you’ll find a list of those in the guidance notes)
• your GP or practice address, postcode and phone number
• previous GP or practice information if you haven’t been registered with your current GP or practice for ten years or more
• if, during the last ten years, there have been times when you haven’t been registered with a GP or practice in the UK, we’ll need to know about this and will ask why this was and if there is any information you can give us about this, for example if you’re in the armed services and were posted abroad
• your completed GP proforma - you'll need to download this and have your GP fill it in. Then send it to us with your application.
  
  

Details about the firearm(s) and ammunition you own and intend to acquire:

• calibre, type, make, serial number and reason for having the firearm(s)
• calibre and quantity of ammunition
• security arrangements - how and where the firearm(s) will be stored, whether the arrangements are shared (and, if they are, the details of who they are shared with)
  
  

The details of two referees you've known for more than two years, including:

• their date and place of birth
• their occupation
• contact details

Please note: referees can't be a member of your family, a serving police officer or staff, or a registered firearms dealer.

Photo:

• one passport-style photo which is no larger than 1MB in size and is a .jpg/.jpeg
  
  

Payment:

• credit or debit card details to make your online payment
  
  

Apply online

Step 1: Complete the online version of the form.

Step 2: Upload your GP proforma, your photo and occupancy list as part of the online application.

Step 3: Make your payment online.

Step 4: Email a copy of your existing certificate; including Table 2, to the firearms team.

The form will take about 20 minutes to complete and you won't be able to save your application as you go, so it will need to be done in one sitting. 

Click the 'Start' button below to start your online application.

Renew by post 

Step 1: Download the firearm certificate application form (Form 201) and GP proforma and occupancy list form.

Step 2: Print and complete the forms.

Step 3: Attach one passport-style photo (45mm high x 35mm wide).

Step 4: Make out a cheque or postal order for £62 payable to Northumbria Police. We can't accept cash.

To pay by BACS, contact the firearms team for details of how to do this.

Step 5: Post your completed form, completed GP proforma and cheque or postal order to:

Firearms Licensing Department
Northumbria Police
Bedlington Police Station
Schalksmuhle Road
Bedlington
Northumberland
NE22 7LA

If delivering by hand, please note Bedlington Police Station front office is open 9am-5pm Monday – Sunday.

 

What happens after I apply?

We'll get in touch as quickly as possible if we have any questions about your application or need to ask for more information. Normally this will be within four working days.

Start