Firearms certificates
You can get copies of the firearms certificate application forms by contacting Leicestershire Constabulary’s Firearms and Explosives Licensing department. Forms can also be downloaded or printed from this website.
Form 101 should be filled in and returned along with payment. The two referees included on Form 101 will also need to fill out Form 125 and return it to the Firearms and Explosives Licensing department.
How much does it cost?
The grant of a firearms certificate is £50.00. A cheque or postal order made payable to ‘Leicestershire Constabulary Police Authority’ should be included along with Form 101 and a referee form (F125) for both referees and returned to
Firearms and Explosives Licensing Department Leicestershire Constabulary Mansfield House 74 Belgrave Gate Leicester LE1 3GG
Cash should not be send through the post.
Coterminous certificates
If you are applying for the grant or renewal of a shotgun certificate and you already possess a firearm certificate, you can request that both certificates expire on the same day by making them coterminous.
This can save the certificate-holder money because coterminous renewals are less expensive than separate firearm and shotgun renewals.
For more information contact Leicestershire Constabulary’s Firearms and Explosives Licensing department.
What is ‘good reason’
Section 27(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 states that a chief officer of police shall grant or renew a firearms certificate if they are satisfied that the applicant has ‘good reason’ to possess, purchase or acquire the firearm or ammunition for which the application is made.
‘Good reason’ is demonstrated by the applicant showing that he or she has acceptable facilities to use the type of firearms concerned.
Target shooting
Please enclose a copy of your club membership card or a letter from the club secretary confirming membership. You will be expected to be a full member.
Vermin/deer/sporting shooting
If you do not own the land or the shooting rights on the land on which you intend to shoot, please enclose a copy of the authority regarding the land on which you wish to shoot.
For example, if you have permission to use a .22 rifle on one piece of land and a .243 rifle on another piece of land, you will need two separate authorities.
Variations
If you are applying for a variation to increase the number of guns in your possession, you will need to clarify your 'good reason' in wanting to purchase another rifle. Simply writing 'vermin control' or 'deer control' is not sufficient reason.
Referees
Referee forms (Form 125) should be given to two people who have known you for at least two years. Members of your immediate family, registered firearms dealers, serving police officers or police employees cannot act as referees.
If your application relates to target shooting, at least one referee must be either the club secretary, chairperson or treasurer. All referees must be of good character and when they have completed the form, must return it direct to the Firearms and Explosives Licensing department.
Security
Firearms and shotguns should be stored as to prevent access by unauthorised persons which include other members of an applicants household.
All guns should be stored out of sight and under lock and key. Gun cabinets, gun clamps and gun rooms are the best forms of secure storage.
Gun cabinets should be:
- made of steel at least 2mm thick and conform to BS 7558 (1992).
- have two five lever locks fitted inside the cabinet.
- secured to the fabric of the house in a protected area (i.e. not a garage or an outhouse).
- be out of sight from casual visitors.
Gun clamps are suitable if you have one gun and must conform to the same standards as a gun cabinet.
Ammunition should be stored in a separate, lockable compartment and may form part of the gun cabinet. Ammunition boxes should remain ventilated.
Transporting guns
When transporting guns
- Always keep your firearm in its case or cover whilst transporting it.
- Never transport a loaded firearm.
- Any guns should be hidden, preferably in the locked boot or other secured load carrying area of the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is left unattended for any reason, firearms should be concealed and an essential component part such as the bolt or fore-end removed and kept in the possession of the responsible person.
- Where possible, any ammunition should be stored separately from the firearm and this too should be concealed from view.