This article was written by Firearms.co.za and is being published here with their explicit permission for the benefit of GunCommunity SA.
This is a complete guide to legally obtaining firearm competency & a firearm licence or several firearms licences in South Africa.Owning a firearm in South Africa has many benefits, but also comes with responsibilities.
With violent crime increasing annually, many a South African citizen is applying to get their gun licence for the purpose of self-defence.It is also true that in some cases, firearm licence applications take a lot of time after submitting the application to the relevant police officer at your local police station.
The Central Firearms Registry (CFR) is under immense pressure while the South African Police Service faces serious administrative and logistics issues. Many say that the challenges they face are self inflicted and backlogs have recently been caused due to the latest firearms amnesty. More about the amnesty period can be readhere.
It is important to learn some more about South Africa’s firearm legislation if you would like to legally obtain a firearm. To legally obtain a firearm in South Africa, a person first needs to hold a licence to possess a firearm – whether for self-defence, hunting or sports shooting.South Africa’s current firearms regulatory framework consists of theFirearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA)and subsidiary legislation. A separate licence must be issued for every firearm and applicants must obtain a competency certificate for the relevant firearm first. This means that separate applications for firearm licences must be done for every firearm that you wish to obtain.
TheFirearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA)requires that an application to possess a firearm, trade in firearms, manufacture firearms, or be licenced as a gunsmith be submitted accompanied by a competency certificate.
To obtain a firearm competency certificate, the candidate must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa
- Be at least twenty-one years old
- Be a “fit and proper person” for the specific licence
- Be stable and does not have a tendency for violence
- Not have a substance-abuse problem
- Have no conviction within the five years preceding the application for crimes related to violence, dishonesty, recklessness or instability
- Not “become or been declared unfit to possess a firearm” within the five years preceding the application
- Have completed the required tests on understanding the FCA, the training and test for the safe and effective use of a firearm, and all applicable training and tests for the specific licence.
The person must further be –
- In stable mental condition and does not have a propensity for violence
- Does not suffer from a substance-abuse problem
- Has not been served with a protection order or accused of domestic violence
- Has not been denied a licence, permit, or authorization for a firearm
- Has not attempted suicide, suffered major depression or emotional problems, or had a substance-abuse problem
- Has not been diagnosed or treated for depression, substance abuse, or behavioural or emotional problems
- Has not been reported to the police or social services for threatening or attempting violence or other conflict anywhere
- That in the two years preceding the application the applicant did not go through a divorce or separation from a partner in which violence was alleged or
- Was fired or laid off from his or her job.
When an applicant has completed the competence training and received the training certificate from an accredited training provider, he must apply for a competency certificate at the SAPS.
The application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the local designated firearms officer (DFO).
Once a person has obtained the competency certificate, he/she can complete a SAPS Application for a Licence to Possess a Firearm and submit it to the local DFO.
A person may only possess one firearm for the purpose of self-defence and the licence is valid for five years from the date of issue. A person may only possess one restricted firearm for the same purpose, with the relevant licence issued only valid for two years.
A person may possess four firearms for the purpose of occasional hunting or sports shooting, but if a person is in possession of a firearm licence for self-defence, he/she may only apply for three firearm licences for this purpose since ownership may not exceed four firearms.
Upon successful application, you have to install a firearm safe according to SABS standards within 14 days. An inspection of your premises will ascertain whether you have met the requirements before you may take the firearm in possession.
Potential firearm owners in South Africa must realise that the process starts at a firearm training centre and not with the South African Police Service The application process entails two phases – the first phase to establish whether the applicant is competent to own and operate a handgun and entails successful completion of the prescribed training at anaccredited training institutionto obtain a training proficiency certificate.
The second phase is the handgun licence application. Both phases take about 90 days each to complete and cannot be done at the same time.
A potential handgun owner must successfully pass the prescribed test to prove his/her knowledge of theFirearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA)as well as the prescribed training and practical test regarding the safe and efficient handling of a handgun at an accredited training provider. This entails a compulsory unit standard, generally known as Knowledge of the Act, and the unit standard for the kind of firearm, in this case Handle and use a handgun (SAQA US 119649On receipt of the training certificate from anaccredited training provideror the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority ( Sasseta ), the person must apply to the SAPS for the competency certificate by completing theSAPS 517 (Application for a competency certificate) formThe application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the designated firearms officer (DFO) situated in the area where you ordinarily reside.
Step 1
Find your nearest firearm training centre and make an appointment.
Step 2
Choose whether you want to operate a handgun, shotgun or rifle and start the training course for a handgun.
Step 3
Receive your training certificate from the centre. The certificate for a handgun is valid for five years. Note that, once expired, the holder of such a certificate must approach a training centre to obtain a new one.
Step 4
Only once the training certificate has been received, the applicant may approach the police station to apply for the competency certificate to own a handgun.
Step 5
Visit the local SAPS to apply for a competency certificate.
- Two copies of your identity document
- Two colour passport photos
- A copy of your training certificate in with your training results
- Cash for payment – R70 at the time of writing this article
- Two testimonials from friends and/or familycompetency application form
The police will then interview your friends and/or family to ascertain whether you are competent to own a handgun and registers your application with the provincial police headquarters from where it is referred to the Central Firearms Register.
The applicant’s background and possible criminal record will be monitored to ascertain whether he should be allowed to operate a handgun before a panel will approve or deny the application based on information gathered.The competency certificate remains valid for the period of validity as determined in theFirearms Control Act, 2000, in respect of the licence for a handgun.
The competency certificate must also specify whether it relates to competency to:
- Possess a handgun
- Trade in handguns
- Manufacture firearms
- Conduct business as a gunsmith.
If an applicant is under the age of 21 years, compelling reasons which require you to obtain a competency certificate must be submitted.
- A sworn affidavit from a parent or guardian
- A certified copy of the person’s official identity document or passport
Potential firearm owners in South Africa must realise that the process starts at a firearm training centre and not with the SAPS.The application process entails two phases – the first phase to establish whether the applicant is competent to own and operate a shotgun and entails successful completion of the prescribed training at anaccredited training institutionto obtain a training proficiency certificate.
The second phase is the shotgun licence application. Both phases take about 90 days each to complete and cannot be done at the same time.
What should you do to obtain a competency certificate for a shotgun?
A potential shotgun owner must successfully pass the prescribed test to prove his/her knowledge of theFirearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA)as well as the prescribed training and practical test regarding the safe and efficient handling of a shotgun at an accredited training provider.On receipt of the training certificate from an accredited training provider or the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta), the person must apply to the SAPS for the competency certificate by completing theSAPS 517 (Application for a competency certificate) formThe application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the designated firearms officer (DFO) situated in the area where you ordinarily reside.
Step 1
Find your nearest firearm training centre and make an appointment.
Step 2
Choose whether you want to operate a shotgun, shotgun, or shotgun and start the training course for a shotgun.
Step 3
Receive your training certificate from the centre.
Step 4
Only once the training certificate has been received, the applicant may approach the police station to apply for the competency certificate to own a shotgun.
Step 5
Visit the local SAPS to apply for a competency certificate.
- Two copies of your identity document
- Two colour passport photos
- A copy of your training certificate in with your training results
- Cash for payment – R70 at the time of writing this article
- Two testimonials from friends and/or familycompetency application form
The police will then interview your friends and/or family to ascertain whether you are competent to own a shotgun and registers your application with the provincial police headquarters from where it is referred to the Central Firearms Register.
The applicant’s background and possible criminal record will be monitored to ascertain whether he should be allowed to operate a shotgun before a panel will approve or deny the application based on information gathered.https://firearms.co.za/legal/are-you-in-unlawful-possession-firearm-ammo/embed/#?secret=YpfazMSRb7The original competency certificate remains valid for the period of validity as determined in theFirearms Control Act, 2000, in respect of the licence for a shotgun.
Applicant should note that if a licence is issued in respect of self-defence, the competency certificate will be valid for five years but if the licence is issued for hunting/sport shooting, the validity of the competency certificate is now 10 years.
The competency certificate must also specify whether it relates to competency to:
- Possess a shotgun
- Trade in shotguns
- Manufacture firearms
- Conduct business as a gunsmith.
If an applicant is under the age of 21 years, compelling reasons which require you to obtain a competency certificate must be submitted.
Extra documents that should accompany the application should include:
- A sworn affidavit from a parent or guardian
- A certified copy of the person’s official identification document or passport
Potential firearm owners in South Africa must realise that the process starts at a firearm training centre and not with the SAPS.The application process entails two phases – the first phase to establish whether the applicant is competent to own and operate a self-loading rifle and entails successful completion of the prescribed training at anaccredited training institutionto obtain a training proficiency certificate.
The second phase is the self-loading rifle licence application. Both phases take about 90 days each to complete and cannot be done at the same time.
What should you do to obtain a competency certificate for a self-loading rifle?
A potential self-loading rifle owner must successfully pass the prescribed test to prove his/her knowledge of theFirearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA)as well as the prescribed training and practical test regarding the safe and efficient handling of a self-loading rifle at an accredited training provider.On receipt of the training certificate from an accredited training provider or the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta), the person must apply to the SAPS for the competency certificate by completing theSAPS 517 (Application for a competency certificate) formThe application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the designated firearms officer (DFO) situated in the area where you ordinarily reside.
Step 1
Find your nearest firearm training centre and make an appointment.
Step 2
Choose whether you want to operate a self-loading rifle, shotgun or self-loading rifle and start the training course for a self-loading rifle.
Step 3
Receive your training certificate from the centre.
Step 4
Only once the training certificate has been received, the applicant may approach the police station to apply for the competency certificate to own a self-loading rifle.
Step 5
Visit the local SAPS to apply for a competency certificate.
- Two copies of your identity document
- Two colour passport photos
- A copy of your training certificate in with your training results
- Cash for payment – R70 at the time of writing this article
- Two testimonials from friends and/or familycompetency application form
The police will then interview your friends and/or family to ascertain whether you are competent to own a self-loading rifle and registers your application with the provincial police headquarters from where it is referred to the Central Firearms Register.
The applicant’s background and possible criminal record will be monitored to ascertain whether he should be allowed to operate a self-loading rifle before a panel will approve or deny the application based on information gathered.The competency certificate remains valid for the period of validity as determined in theFirearms Control Act, 2000, in respect of the licence for a self-loading rifle.
Applicant should note that if a licence is issued in respect of self-defence, the competency certificate will be valid for five years but if the licence is issued for hunting/sport shooting, the validity of the competency certificate is now 10 years.
The competency certificate must also specify whether it relates to competency to:
- Possess a self-loading rifle
- Trade in self-loading rifles
- Manufacture firearms
- Conduct business as a gunsmith.
If an applicant is under the age of 21 years, compelling reasons which require you to obtain a competency certificate must be submitted.
Extra documents that should accompany the application should include:
- A sworn affidavit from a parent or guardian
- A certified copy of the person’s official identification document or passport
Potential firearm owners in South Africa must realise that the process starts at a firearm training centre and not with the SAPS.The application process entails two phases – the first phase to establish whether the applicant is competent to own and operate a rifle and entails successful completion of the prescribed training at anaccredited training institutionto obtain a training proficiency certificate.
The second phase is the rifle licence application. Both phases take about 90 days each to complete and cannot be done at the same time.
What should you do to obtain a competency certificate for a rifle?
A potential rifle owner must successfully pass the prescribed test to prove his/her knowledge of theFirearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA)as well as the prescribed training and practical test regarding the safe and efficient handling of a rifle at an accredited training provider.On receipt of the training certificate from an accredited training provider or the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta), the person must apply to the SAPS for the competency certificate by completing theSAPS 517 (Application for a competency certificate) formThe application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the designated firearms officer (DFO) situated in the area where you ordinarily reside.
Step 1
Find your nearest firearm training centre and make an appointment.
Step 2
Choose whether you want to operate a rifle, shotgun or rifle and start the training course for a rifle.
Step 3
Receive your training certificate from the centre.
Step 4
Only once the training certificate has been received, the applicant may approach the police station to apply for the competency certificate to own a rifle.
Step 5
Visit the local SAPS to apply for a competency certificate.
- Two copies of your identity document
- Two colour passport photos
- A copy of your training certificate in with your training results
- Cash for payment – R70 at the time of writing this article
- Two testimonials from friends and/or familycompleted competency application form
The police will then interview your friends and/or family to ascertain whether you are competent to own a rifle and registers your application with the provincial police headquarters from where it is referred to the Central Firearms Register.
The applicant’s background and possible criminal record will be monitored to ascertain whether he should be allowed to operate a rifle before a panel will approve or deny the application based on information gathered.
competency certificateremains valid for the period of validity as determined in theFirearms Control Act, 2000, in respect of the licence for a rifle.
Applicant should note that if a licence is issued in respect of self-defence, the competency certificate will be valid for five years but if the licence is issued for hunting/sport shooting, the validity of the competency certificate is now 10 years.
The competency certificate must also specify whether it relates to competency to:
- Possess a rifle
- Trade in rifles
- Manufacture firearms
- Conduct business as a gunsmith.
If an applicant is under the age of 21 years, compelling reasons which require you to obtain a competency certificate must be submitted.
Extra documents that should accompany the application should include:
- A sworn affidavit from a parent or guardian
- A certified copy of the person’s official identification document or passport
If a person wants to own a firearm, for example a handgun, he/she must first undergo the necessary training at anaccredited institutionto obtain acompetency certificate. Only once a person has obtained the relevant competency certificate to own a firearm, he/she can apply for the firearm licence at his/her nearest police station. A South African resident needs a licence for every firearm that he/she possesses.
Download the application form (SAPS 271) and complete the form in black ink. It is important to write clearly and mark the relevant blocks with an X. All relevant sections of the form must be completed, and all the required fields filled out.
Download the official SAPS Checklistfor New Applications to see that you comply with what is requested and evendownload SAPS crime statsfor your area if you apply to possess a firearm for self-protection.
Make copies of the following documents to attach to your application:
- Two copies of your identity document
- A copy of the competency certificate obtained
- Copies of your proficiency training certificates issued by your accredited training provider
- Copy of an electricity account not older than three months to prove you live at the address provided
- Two colour passport photographs of yourself, which are not older than 3 months.
- Copies of proof of current paid-up membership of all accredited associations and/or shooting clubs if relevant
- Copies of your dedicated status certificates (either as hunter or as sports-person or both) if relevant
- Copy of an endorsement for the handgun and its features for your purpose
- In the case of an application for a hunting firearm an invitation or statement from a game ranch owner that you may hunt on his farm, or that you do so regularly
- A complete motivation stating the purpose and need for the firearm you want the licence forSafe-form
- An endorsement confirming the applicability of the calibre and handgun for the stated purpose it will be used
- A copy of the relevant invoice to confirm purchase of the specific handgun being applied for if it is for a new one.
Applicants should not attach any original documents to an application as you may need them again. The designated firearms officer (DFO) will certify all copies attached to your application when showing the originals. Also make a copy of your full application so that you can furnish a duplicate if the original gets lost.
You may also add information on security facilities at your dwelling, like alarm, walls or electric fence around the property, likely crime in your area, detail about any other firearm training that you may have received.
Submit the set of documents to the DFO and make sure to obtain a receipt proving that you have paid the relevant amounts (R140 at the time of writing this article). This also proves that you have handed in your application.
In South Africa the validity of a firearm licence varies between two and ten years depending on the type of licence. All firearm licences and permits, which are issued in terms of theFirearms Control Act of 2000 (FCA), must be renewed within a prescribed period to determine if a person still complies with the provisions of the act and the Firearms Regulations of 2004, in order to warrant effective control and responsible firearm and ammunition ownership.
A gun owner is obliged to renew his firearm licence at least 90 days before the expiry date.
A licence or permit remains valid until the status of the application has been decided once the application for the renewal has been lodged within the prescribed period. Application for the renewal of a licence or permit will only be granted if the applicant proves that he/she has continued to comply with the requirements for the licence in terms of the FCA by being in possession of a relevant and valid competency certificate.
To apply for the renewal of a competency certificate, one must complete anApplication for Renewal of a Competency certificate formand submit the application form and the following supporting documentation to the designated firearms officer (DFO) at the police station in the town or city where you reside:
- A certified copy of your official identification document or passport
- A certified copy of your permanent residence permit if you are a non-South African citizen
- Certified copies of the front and back of your current competency certificate which is to be renewed
- Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that were taken within the previous three months
- Certified proof of residence
- Two testimonials attesting your character, with the signature of the deponent
- Any other supporting documents that may be required
- The original firearm licence, permit or authorisation for a firearm you wish to renew
To apply for a renewal of the firearm licence, a person must complete anApplication for the Renewal of a firearm licence, permit, certificate or authorization formand take the relevant documentation to the DFO at a police station nearest to where you reside. These documents include the following:
- Your official identity document or certified copy of permanent residence for a non-South African citizen
- The original firearm licence, permit or authorisation for the firearm that you wish to renew
- Two recent (not older than three months) passport-size colour photographs
- The obtained competency certificate
- ASAPS 518(a) formwith the relevant sections completed.
At the station the DFO will do the following:
- Take a full set of your fingerprints on the SAPS 91(a) form (only for a competency certificate)
- Issue you with a remittance advice and direct you to the financial office at the police station to pay the prescribed fee. You will be issued with a receipt as proof of payment, which you must submit to the DFO to ensure that the processing of the application will continue.
- You will receive a signed acknowledgement of receipt (SAPS 523) as proof that you have applied for a renewal of a licence to possess a firearm.
To find out exactly how to apply for a new firearm licence, and how much it would cost, a person may contact the SAPS National Firearms Call Centre at 012 353 6111 orcfrenquiry@saps.gov.za.
This article was written and provided to GunCommunity SA by Firearms.co.za. Visit www.firearms.co.za for more articles of this nature.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the Author and they do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GunCommunity SA and it’s Affiliates.
FAQs
What documents are needed for firearm competency? ›
Certified copy of your firearm proficiency training certificate issued by an accredited training provider. Certified copy of previous competency certificate. Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months. Certified proof of residence.
How long does it take to get a firearm competency certificate South Africa? ›How long does it take to get a gun licence in South Africa? The short answer is that SAPS have 120 working days to process an application. If you are a first time gun owner, you will need to submit two applications to SAPS. The first for firearm competency.
How much does firearm competency cost in South Africa? ›How Much Does It Cost To Get Gun License In South Africa? Unless guaranteed by your bank, you won't be able to pay in cash. To be approved for a competency certificate, you have to pay R750,00, as well as pay R140,00 for an official firearm permit. The Z263 will arrive with the proof of your actual payment.
What do you need for firearm license? ›A certified copy of the proficiency certificate that you received where you got trained on how to handle a firearm. A certified copy of your identity document or passport. Two recent passport-size colour photographs that are not older than three months. A certified copy of your competency certificate.
What is needed to apply for a competency? ›Documents needed to apply for the competency certificate:
Two copies of your identity document. Two colour passport photos. A copy of your training certificate in with your training results. Cash for payment – R70 at the time of writing this article.
A person may possess four firearms for the purpose of this section, which is a handgun not fully automatic; a rifle or shotgun, which is not fully/semi-automatic; or the barrel, frame or receiver of such a handgun, rifle or shotgun, which is regarded a firearm and must also be licensed.
How much is firearm course in South Africa? ›| Course Unit Standard name: | Unit Numbers | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Handle & Use a Manually Operated Rifle or Carbine for Business Purposes | 123519 | R 2,300 |
| Handle & Use a Self-loading Rifle or Carbine for Business Purposes | 123511 | R 2,300 |
| Handle & use of Any two firearms | R 3,500 | |
| Handle & use of only One Fire Arm | R 2,300 |
The Easy Way To Get Your Firearm License
Our fees as from 2020-12-01 are R900. 00 for the first application and then R750. 00 for every consecutive application (self-defense, hunting, and sports shooting).
Firearm Training Questions
It depends on the load they have, approximate and normally 12-15 weeks for the competence and another 3-6 weeks for the license.
Your SAPS Competency certificate is 10 years valid from date of issue.
How long is firearm competency valid for? ›
You must renew competencies at least 90 days before the expiry date of a specific competency. Remember that each firearm type has its own competency, albeit that all your competencies might be printed on one document. Competency for Section 13 firearms [self-defence] expires after 5 years.
How long does it take to get firearm license card? ›Firearm licence applications are currently taking 120 working days to complete, instead of the usual 90 days.
What is needed for a firearm license in South Africa? ›If you want to own a firearm, you must undergo the training at an accredited institution and obtain a training proficiency certificate. Once you have obtained the competency certificate, you can apply for the firearm licence at your nearest police station. You need a licence for every firearm that you possess.
How long does it take to get a firearm license card in South Africa? ›How long will it take to obtain the Competence and firearm license take from the SAPS? This process depends on the load they have, approximate and normally 12-15 weeks for the competence and another 3-6 weeks for the license if there are no other delays.
What does CFR stand for in SAPS? ›Central Firearm Registry (CFR) is working tirelessly to address firearm licence backlog resulting from Covid-19.
What age can you own a gun in South Africa? ›In South Africa, citizens or permanent residents (over the age of 21 years generally, but if need can be shown then technically no age limit applies) who wish to own firearms are required to obtain a licence per individual firearm, and may possess a maximum amount of only four firearms, and a maximum of 200 rounds of ...
What is competency certificate? ›Competency certificates are issued per category of firearm, i.e. for a handgun, for a self-loading (semi-auto) rifle, for a manually operated rifle (i.e. a rifle with a bolt, lever action, falling block, pump action), and for a shotgun (either break-neck, bolt operated, pump action or semi-auto shotgun).
Do you need to renew your competency certificate? ›Competency certificates have no default expiry date, they expire upon expiry of the last issued license that one holds on it so they should only be renewed together at once.
How much ammunition are you allowed in South Africa? ›South Africa Firearms & Ammunition
No automatic firearms are allowed. Handguns and semi-automatic firearms need special permits which must be obtained well in advance of arrival in South Africa. A maximum of 200 rounds of ammunition, per firearm, per caliber are allowed.
Carrying a blank gun in South Africa – legal or illegal? According to the South African explosives act, blank guns are excluded from the firearms control act and the user does not require any licence or permit to purchase or carry blank or pepper cartridges.
Which gun is best for self-defence in South Africa? ›
“Some popular self-defence pistols and revolvers are the Glock, CZ75, Heckler & Koch, Browning, Taurus, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Colt,” Welch said.
How much is Psira training? ›You'll need to attend a PSIRA Security Training Course or take our Self Study option. Phase #1 costs only R490 and will be completed in 48 hours. If you want to start a Security Company in South Africa, we can also assist with PSIRA Registration and the Security Company Compliance documents you need.
How much is cash in transit course? ›| Course | Cyber Security Course |
|---|---|
| Duration of the Course | 3 months - 6 months |
| Eligibility | 18 years or older |
| Admission Procedure | enrol online |
| Course Fees | starts from R10900 |
South Africa already has relatively strict firearms control legislation. The Firearms Control Act, 2004, replaced the 1968 law, which permitted relatively widespread access to legal firearms. The current Act requires firearm license applicants to undergo detailed background checks and pass a firearm competency test.
Can you renew an expired firearms license? ›According to the SAPS' current policy, only amnesty allows those with expired firearm licences to apply for a new firearm licence for the firearm that is illegally in their possession (because an expired licence means you are in illegal possession).
How long does it take to get a firearm competency certificate 2021? ›It depends on the load they have, but applicants should allow 12-15 weeks for the competence and another 3-6 weeks for the license.
How long does competency take at CRC? ›It appears that 6 to 8 weeks is the norm for apps to sit at CRC, though some have been there for a slightly longer or lesser period. I'm good to go for 8 weeks... App will be going on full 7 months since application for a competency certificate. I handed in my application for competency on the 11th of January 2021.
How long is a proficiency certificate valid? ›Your SAPS Competency certificate seen as valid for 10 years from its date of issue.
What is needed when renewing competency? ›Certified copy of your current competency certificate which is to be renewed (front and back) Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months. Certified proof of residence. Two testimonial attesting your character with the signature of the deponent.
What happens if I lost my competency certificate? ›
If you have lost your SAPS Competency Certificate or Card - contact your DFO and request a printout of your competency from the SAPS system immediately - whilst submitting a request for a re-print of your competency card at the same time (through submission of the relevant re-print request form).
Who prints firearm licence cards in South Africa? ›(2) There have been no known contractual disputes between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the GPW, which negatively affected the printing of licences. The GPW is printing firearm licence cards, on behalf of the SAPS.
What is firearm competency certificate? ›Firearm Competency (being declared competent to own firearms by SAPS) Firearm Competency means that you have been found to be competent to own a firearm by the SAPS in accordance with the stipulations of Chapter 5 of Act 60 of 2000 as amended.
How long is a competency certificate valid? ›Your SAPS is linked to your longest valid licence's expiry date, even though there may be a different expiry date on the competency certificate. Competency for handgun is valid for 5 years and for rifle, shotgun or self-loading rifle is valid for 10 years.
What is certificate of competence? ›A certificate of competency (COC) is certification verifying that an individual or business has the abilities required to perform a task safely. COCs are commonly associated with work in construction, mining, shipping, and other occupations that make use of heavy machinery.
What is required to renew a firearm Licence? ›Certified copy of your current competency certificate which is to be renewed (front and back) Two passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older than three months. Certified proof of residence. Two testimonial attesting your character with the signature of the deponent.
How long does a firearm training course take? ›Firearm Training Questions
It depends on the load they have, approximate and normally 12-15 weeks for the competence and another 3-6 weeks for the license.
It depends on the load they have, but applicants should allow 12-15 weeks for the competence and another 3-6 weeks for the license.
How much is firearm course in South Africa? ›| Course Unit Standard name: | Unit Numbers | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Handle & Use a Manually Operated Rifle or Carbine for Business Purposes | 123519 | R 2,300 |
| Handle & Use a Self-loading Rifle or Carbine for Business Purposes | 123511 | R 2,300 |
| Handle & use of Any two firearms | R 3,500 | |
| Handle & use of only One Fire Arm | R 2,300 |
Firearm licence applications are currently taking 120 working days to complete, instead of the usual 90 days.
Does your gun competency expire? ›
You must renew competencies at least 90 days before the expiry date of a specific competency. Remember that each firearm type has its own competency, albeit that all your competencies might be printed on one document. Competency for Section 13 firearms [self-defence] expires after 5 years.
What age can you own a gun in South Africa? ›In South Africa, citizens or permanent residents (over the age of 21 years generally, but if need can be shown then technically no age limit applies) who wish to own firearms are required to obtain a licence per individual firearm, and may possess a maximum amount of only four firearms, and a maximum of 200 rounds of ...
Where can I get CoC? ›A COC shall be issued by the Department through the Bureau to a motor vehicle manufacturer, assembler, or importer certifying that a motor vehicle type complies with the numerical emission standards in this Rule, using the relevant ECE test procedures or thier equivalent as approved by the Department.
What is the difference between CoC and Coe? ›STCW Certificate of Endorsement (CoE) or Recognition endorsement certificate is issued against your CoC submitted, as official recognition of the validity of your CoC certificate, by another IMO member Flag State Administration.
What is the difference between qualification and competency? ›Competency standards provide a common definition of a competency and contain the required skills, knowledge and experience. “Qualified” means a competence has been assessed (evaluated). Clearly, to be called qualified in a competency, an individual must pass an assessment.
Can you renew an expired firearms license in South Africa? ›The argument is that once a licence has expired it comes to an end and cannot therefore be renewed, rendering possession of the firearm/s unlawful. Of course the best advice is to always apply for renewal of your licence in good time (at least 90 days before expiry).
Is the green firearm licence still valid? ›If you have a 'green' licence, i.e. a licence from the old Arms and Ammunition act 1969, then this licence is still considered valid.
How long does a firearm licence renewal take? ›After taking all factors into consideration as well as to allow for proper administration of firearm licence applications, the period for the finalization of these applications has been extended from 90 working days to 120 working days.