This article will guide you how to check SAPS Firearm Competency Certificate and Licence status online.
In South Africa, a license to possess a firearm for business purposes is valid for five (5) years, unless revoked or terminated in accordance with the Firearms Control Act, 2000.
Obtaining a firearm competency certificate and license in South Africa typically takes 12 to 15 weeks for the certificate and an additional 3 to 6 weeks for the license.
Applicants must renew competencies at least 90 days prior to a competency’s expiration. Each type of firearm has its own competency, although all of your competencies may be printed on a single document. The Section 13 firearms [self-defense] qualification expires after five years.
Document Required to Renew your Licence
The following items are required for the renewal of your firearm.
- Certified copy of your current certificate of competence (front and back)
- Two passport-sized photographs in color (with a neutral background) that are less than three months old.
- Acceptable evidence of residence.
- Two testimonials attesting to your character, with the deponent’s signature.
Requirements to Own a Gun in South Africa
In South Africa, applicants who want to own a gun must:
- Be a South African citizen or a permanent resident and at least 21 years old;
- Be mentally fit and stable.
- must pass a check of their past.
- Have a criminal record
- Not be addicted to alcohol or drugs.
How to Check SAPS Firearm Status Online
Here’s how to verify the status of your firearm license and competency application through the SAPS website.
- Explore https://www.saps.gov.za
- Browse to Flash (centre of 7 blocks on the middle of the page)
- Click on Status of Firearm Application (top blue block)
- There must be complete die information in at least two of the black spaces. One of the following possible combinations exists:
- Application reference number and identification number
- Identification number of the firearm and its reference number on the application for a license
Click on Submit Button
The system provides immediate feedback on the stage of the application process if the information has been entered correctly and the license application data has been submitted. The following details are provided:
- Type of application
- Application number
- ID number
- Caliber of firearm
- Make of firearm
- Serial number of firearm
- Date (the last date on which the application has been attended to)
- Status (Last step of the application process)
- Status description (describing the last work done on the application)
- Next step (Description of the next step to be dealt with)
SAPS Firearms Contact
Head Office: +27 (0) 12 393 1000
SAPS Head Office
Wachthuis Building
231 Pretorius Street
Pretoria
Private Bag X94
Pretoria
0001
GPS Coordinates: S25.74790 E28.18901
