Responsible Ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about firearm licensing in South Africa.

Navigating South Africa's firearm legislation can be complex. Below are the most common questions our clients ask — answered clearly and plainly. Can't find your answer? Contact us directly.

Getting a firearm legally in South Africa is a two-step process:

  1. Obtain a Competency Certificate — You must complete an accredited firearm training course and submit a competency application to SAPS. This proves you can safely handle, store, and use a firearm.
  2. Apply for a Firearm Licence — Once your competency certificate is issued, you may apply to SAPS for a licence for a specific firearm under the relevant section of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Jan of a Gun guides you through both steps — from competency training to final licence submission.

These are two separate, distinct documents that are often confused:

  • Competency Certificate — Issued by SAPS, this certifies that you have the knowledge and skill to safely handle, use, and store a firearm. It is linked to the type of firearm (e.g. handgun, rifle, shotgun) and must be obtained before applying for a licence.
  • Firearm Licence — This authorises you to possess a specific, individual firearm (identified by make, model and serial number). You cannot legally own a firearm without a valid licence for that specific weapon.

Simply put: your competency proves you are trained; your licence covers the specific firearm.

Processing times vary and are largely dependent on the SAPS workload at your local Designated Firearms Officer (DFO). However, as a general guide:

  • Competency applications: Typically a few weeks to several months
  • Firearm licence applications: Can range from a few months to over a year
  • Renewals: Should be submitted at least 90 days before expiry to avoid delays

Incomplete documentation or weak motivations are the leading causes of delays. Jan of a Gun ensures your application is complete and correctly motivated from the start.

Yes. Each firearm requires its own individual licence under the Firearms Control Act. A licence is tied to a specific firearm by its serial number, make, and model.

The number of licences a person may hold is also limited depending on the licence category (e.g. self-defence allows for one handgun; dedicated hunters and sport shooters may hold more under certain conditions).

South Africa's Firearms Control Act provides for the following main licence categories:

Section 13 — Self-Defence

One handgun for personal protection. Most common application.

Section 15 — Occasional Firearm

Temporary use of a firearm not owned by the applicant.

Section 16 — Dedicated Hunter

For members of accredited hunting associations. Multiple firearms permitted.

Section 17 — Dedicated Sport Shooter

For members of accredited sport shooting associations.

Section 18 — Private Collection

For licensed collectors of historical or rare firearms.

Section 20 / 21 — Business / Security

For businesses and security companies requiring firearm authorisation.

Applications are frequently delayed or declined due to the following:

  • Weak or absent motivation — SAPS requires a clear, credible reason for needing the firearm. A vague motivation is a leading cause of rejection.
  • Undisclosed criminal history — Any prior convictions not disclosed on the application can result in immediate refusal.
  • Clerical and administrative errors — Incorrect personal details, missing signatures, or incomplete supporting documents.
  • Expired competency certificate — Submitting a licence application with an expired or invalid competency will result in rejection.

Jan of a Gun reviews every document before submission to minimise these risks.

Firearm licences must be renewed before they expire. The key rules are:

  • Apply at least 90 days before your licence expires to ensure continuity.
  • Validity periods differ by licence type:
    • Self-defence (Section 13): 5 years
    • Dedicated Hunter/Sport Shooter (Section 16/17): 10 years
    • Occasional Firearm (Section 15): 1 year
  • Renewals require updated motivation and supporting documents — the process is similar to a new application.

Don't let your licence lapse — possessing a firearm on an expired licence is a criminal offence. Contact us early and let us manage the renewal for you.

Under the Firearms Control Act, security companies whose employees carry firearms while on duty must ensure those employees hold a Regulation 21 certificate (commonly called "Regulation 21 training"). This is mandatory accredited training covering the lawful and safe use of firearms in a security context.

Jan of a Gun provides dedicated, accredited Reg 21 training to security businesses, ensuring your employees are fully compliant with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and SAPS requirements. Contact us to discuss your company's training requirements.

Still Have Questions?

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