SAPS APPLICATION ASSISTANCE

FIREARM COMPETENCY TRAINING PROCESS

  1. Complete accredited firearm training. You first complete the prescribed knowledge test on the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, followed by theoretical and practical training for the firearm type you want competency for, such as handgun, shotgun, manually operated rifle/carbine, or self-loading rifle/carbine. SAPS requires this training to be completed through an accredited provider.
  2. Pass the assessments. This includes the required theory and practical firearm-handling assessments. PFTC identifies the Firearms Control Act knowledge unit as the entry-level requirement and separate unit standards for the different firearm types.
  3. Receive your training documentation. Your accredited provider processes the training results and provides the relevant proficiency documentation/Statement of Results. PFTC states that a learner needs a Statement of Results to apply for firearm competency.
  4. Complete SAPS 517. This is the official Application for a Competency Certificate. The current SAPS form requires the applicant to complete the relevant applicant sections, while SAPS/DFO and CFR complete the official sections.
  5. Submit the application to your DFO. You submit it to the Designated Firearms Officer at the police station responsible for the area where you ordinarily reside. SAPS currently lists supporting documents including a certified ID/passport, permanent-residence documentation where applicable, certified firearm proficiency training certificate, two recent passport photographs, certified proof of residence, and any other supporting documents required.
  6. Fingerprints and DFO processing. The DFO takes a full set of fingerprints for the competency application. SAPS also processes the prescribed application fee and provides acknowledgement/proof that the application was submitted.
  7. Background/competency assessment. SAPS/CFR considers whether you satisfy the competency requirements under the Firearms Control Act. The competency provisions are contained in Chapter 5 of the Act.
  8. Competency is approved. Once approved, you have SAPS competency for the applicable firearm category. Competency is not a firearm licence—it establishes that you’re competent to possess the relevant type of firearm.

Then apply for the actual firearm licence. Once you have competency, you normally submit SAPS 271 – Application for a Licence to Possess a Firearm for the specific firearm, together with the required motivation and supporting documents.

FIREARM APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Obtain firearm competency
Complete accredited firearm training, pass the required theoretical/practical assessments, and apply for competency using SAPS 517. Once the relevant competency is approved, you can proceed with the firearm licence application.

2. Select/purchase the firearm
Choose the firearm you intend to license. The firearm’s particulars—such as make, type, calibre and serial number—are required for the licence application.

3. Determine the licence category
Your intended purpose determines the relevant section of the Firearms Control Act. Common examples include:

  • Section 13: self-defence
  • Section 15: occasional hunting or sport shooting
  • Section 16: dedicated hunting or dedicated sport shooting

The SAPS 271 form accommodates applications under these and other applicable sections of the Act.

4. Complete SAPS 271
Complete the applicant sections of SAPS 271 – Application for a Licence to Possess a Firearm. SAPS states that the application should be completed in black, non-erasable ink.

5. Prepare your supporting documents
SAPS lists documents including your identification/permanent-residence documentation where applicable, competency certificate, two recent passport-size colour photographs, and inheritance documentation where relevant. Crucially, you must fully motivate the application and provide supporting evidence.

Your motivation should demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the particular licence category you’re applying under rather than simply stating that you want the firearm.

6. Submit to your DFO
Submit the SAPS 271 and supporting documents to the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at the police station responsible for the area where you ordinarily reside. The prescribed application fee is paid as part of the SAPS submission process, and you should receive a SAPS 523 acknowledgement of receipt.

7. Safe requirements / inspection
You must have compliant firearm storage. SAPS states that the DFO may conduct an inspection to verify that the required firearm safe meets the applicable SABS standards.

8. Application goes to CFR
The application is processed through SAPS and considered by the Central Firearms Register (CFR). CFR may request additional information before making its decision; SAPS 271 specifically provides for requests for outstanding/additional information.

9. Approved or refused
CFR decides whether to approve or refuse the licence application. If approved, the licence is issued through SAPS.

TYPE OF SAPS APPLICATIONS THAT WE CAN ASSIST YOU WITH.

  1. NEW COMPETENCY APPLICATION (SAPS 571)
  2. APPLICATION FOR FURTHER COMPETENCY (SAPS 517(a)
  3. NEW LICENSE APPLICATION SAPS 271
  4. FIREARM MOTIVATION
  5. RENEWAL OF COMPETENCY SAPS 517(g)
  6. RENEWAL OF FIREARM LISENCE SAPS 518(a)