Firearm Licence Application Checklist (South Africa)
A plain-English printable checklist of every document you need before you walk into your nearest SAPS Designated Firearms Officer (DFO). Tick items off as you prepare your file so nothing is missing on the day.
Documents to take with you
- Certified copy of green ID book or Smart ID cardCertification not older than 3 months (SAPS or Commissioner of Oaths).
- Proof of residenceUtility bill, bank statement or affidavit — not older than 3 months.
- Competency Certificate (SAPS 517)Issued after your SAPS-accredited training and approved by the CFR.
- Training certificates (Unit Standards) for each firearm typeHandgun, shotgun, self-loading rifle or manually operated rifle.
- Completed SAPS 271 application formOne SAPS 271 per firearm being applied for.
- Completed SAPS 518 (if applying for competency at the same time)
- Two recent colour passport photos
- Motivation letterWhy you need this specific firearm under the chosen section (s13, s15, s16, s16A, s20).
- SABS-approved gun safe already bolted into a wall or floorTake photos; the DFO will inspect at your address.
- Dealer invoice OR seller's licence details for the firearm
- Proof of payment of the application fee~R70 competency, ~R140 per firearm licence.
- Association membership letter (Section 16 dedicated hunter/sport shooter only)SAHGCA, PHASA, SAGA or SAAAA.
Where to get each official SAPS form
All SAPS firearm forms are free. You can download them from the SAPS Downloads page, or collect a printed copy at the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) desk at any SAPS station. Forms requiring an affidavit must be commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths (any SAPS member or attorney) before you submit.
Every form listed below is downloadable from this single SAPS page. Prefer the PDF from saps.gov.za over any third-party copy — SAPS updates versions without notice.
- DownloadSAPS 517Application for a Competency Certificate
Purpose: Establishes that you are a fit and proper person to possess a firearm. Required before any licence application.
How to get it: Download from the SAPS Downloads page, or collect a printed copy free of charge from the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at any SAPS station.
Source: SAPS — Downloads (Firearm Applications)
- DownloadSAPS 518Application for Renewal of a Competency Certificate
Purpose: Used to renew an existing Competency Certificate before it expires (submit at least 90 days before expiry).
How to get it: Download from SAPS Downloads page or collect free from your DFO.
Source: SAPS — Downloads (Firearm Applications)
- DownloadSAPS 271Application for a Licence to Possess a Firearm
Purpose: The main licence application — one SAPS 271 per firearm, submitted under the correct section (s13, s15, s16, s16A, s20).
How to get it: Download from SAPS Downloads or collect from the DFO. Complete one form per firearm and attach a separate motivation letter for each.
Source: SAPS — Downloads (Firearm Applications)
- DownloadSAPS 88(a)Fingerprint Form
Purpose: Used to capture your fingerprints as part of the Competency Certificate background check.
How to get it: Provided and completed at the DFO office — fingerprints are captured in person, not at home.
Source: SAPS — Downloads
- DownloadSAPS 522(a)Sworn Statement / Affidavit (Motivation)
Purpose: Sworn affidavit motivating why you need the firearm — attached to SAPS 271.
How to get it: Download the template, complete it, and have it commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths (any SAPS member or attorney).
Source: SAPS — Downloads
- DownloadSAPS 523(a)Undertaking regarding Safe Custody
Purpose: Sworn undertaking that you will store the firearm in a SABS-approved safe as required by the Firearms Control Act.
How to get it: Download and complete, then commission at a Commissioner of Oaths before submitting with SAPS 271.
Source: SAPS — Downloads
- DownloadTraining Unit StandardsFirearm Training Certificate & Statement of Results
Purpose: Proof of accredited training (handgun, shotgun, self-loading rifle or manual rifle) — required for both competency and licence.
How to get it: Complete training with a SASSETA-accredited firearms training provider. They issue the Unit Standard certificate and Statement of Results.
Source: SASSETA — Accredited training providers
Step-by-step application process
- 1Book and complete SAPS-accredited training for each firearm type.
- 2Collect your Statement of Results and Unit Standard certificates.
- 3Call your nearest SAPS station to confirm DFO office hours.
- 4Submit SAPS 518 (competency) with ID, proof of address and photos.
- 5Have fingerprints captured at the DFO office.
- 6Wait 90 – 120 days for the Competency Certificate.
- 7Install a SABS-approved gun safe bolted to a wall or floor.
- 8Submit SAPS 271 for each firearm with motivation and dealer invoice.
- 9Host the DFO safe inspection and interview at your home.
- 10Wait for the CFR decision (officially 90 working days; often 6 – 12 months).
- 11Collect the green licence card from the same DFO office.
- 12Only then may you take physical possession of the firearm.
Common form mistakes (and how to avoid them)
These are the errors DFOs report most often — each answer links back to the exact form or step above so you can fix it before you submit.