Firearm, shotgun and explosives certificates
Apply for or renew a firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate. Whether you’re a firearm owner, firearm dealer, shooting club member or planning to travel with firearms, answer a few quick questions and we’ll guide you to the right form and everything you need to complete it.
Advice tool
Apply for a certificate to travel with a firearm to the UK from a country outside the EU
How do I apply?
You'll need a 'sponsor' to apply for a visitor's permit on your behalf. This person must be resident in the UK.
A typical application takes up to six weeks to process.
Please ask your sponsor to take these three steps:
Step 1: Download and complete the Application for a Visitor's Firearm/Shot Gun Permit form (Form 107).
They'll need:
- a copy of your current firearms certificate (if applicable)
- your club or society details (if applicable)
- if neither of the above apply, a confirmation of good character letter from the government or police
- details of where your firearms will be stored while in the UK
- details of which firearm or shotgun and ammunition you'll be buying, using or transporting
- your criminal conviction history (if applicable)
Step 2: They can only pay online - we'll email a secure link they can use to make their payment.
Step 3: Post the completed form and documents to:
BCH Firearms and Explosives Licensing Department
Police HQ
Hinchingbrook
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6NP
How much does it cost?
An application for one to five people is £20 per person.
An application for a group (six to 20 people) is £100.
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.