Where can I apply for a firearm licence in each province?

You apply at the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at your nearest SAPS station in any province. Gauteng: Johannesburg Central, Sandton, Pretoria Brooklyn, Randburg. Western Cape: Cape Town Central, Bellville, Stellenbosch, George, Knysna. Eastern Cape: Port Elizabeth Mount Road, East London Cambridge, Jeffreys Bay, Mthatha. KwaZulu-Natal: Durban Central, Umhlanga, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg Alexandra Road, Richards Bay, Ballito. Free State: Bloemfontein Park Road, Welkom, Bethlehem. Mpumalanga: Mbombela, Witbank, Secunda. Limpopo: Polokwane, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou. North West: Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Klerksdorp. Northern Cape: Kimberley, Upington, Springbok. Every application is finalised by the Central Firearms Registry (CFR) in Pretoria.

How long does a firearm licence take in South Africa?

The SAPS service standard is 90 working days from receipt at the CFR, but in practice the full process (competency plus licence) often takes 6 – 12 months. You can track your application through the DFO with your reference number.

How much does a firearm licence cost?

Roughly R70 for competency and R140 per firearm licence, plus the cost of accredited training (typically R2,500 – R5,000 depending on how many firearm types) and a SABS-approved safe (from around R1,500).

Can I own more than one firearm?

Yes. Under Section 13 you may own one handgun for self-defence. Under Section 15 (occasional hunter/sport shooter) you may own up to four firearms. Under Section 16 (dedicated hunter or sport shooter, requires accreditation with a SAPS-recognised association like SAHGCA, PHASA or SAGA) there is no fixed limit but each firearm must be motivated.

Can foreigners apply for a South African firearm licence?

Only permanent residents may hold a full licence. Visitors bringing a firearm into SA temporarily (for hunting or a sport-shooting event) apply for a Temporary Import Permit (SAP 520) at the port of entry — see our Temporary Firearm Import / Export Permit page.

Do I need a safe before I apply?

Yes. The DFO must inspect a SABS-approved gun safe bolted into a solid wall or concrete floor at the address on your application before the licence can be issued.

Firearms & Security

How to Get a Firearm Licence in South Africa (by Province & Town)

In plain English

A South African firearm licence is issued by the SAPS Central Firearms Registry (CFR) under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. You first pass a competency test through a SAPS-accredited training provider, then apply through the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at your nearest SAPS station. Every SAPS station in every province has (or shares) a DFO — you do not travel to Pretoria to apply.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Any South African citizen or permanent resident aged 21 or older (18 for dedicated hunters/sport shooters with motivation) who wants to legally own a firearm for self-defence, hunting, sport shooting, collecting or business.

When is it required

Before you buy, import or take possession of any firearm. Possessing an unlicensed firearm is a serious offence under the Firearms Control Act and carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Eligibility

21 years or older (18+ with motivation for dedicated hunter/sport shooter)
South African citizen or permanent resident
Of stable mental condition and not inclined to violence
Not addicted to any substance
No relevant criminal convictions in the last 5 years
Passed a SAPS-accredited competency training course
Have a safe (SABS-approved gun safe) installed at your home

Documents you need before applying

Certified copy of green ID or Smart ID card
Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
Competency certificate (SAPS 517) from an accredited training provider
Training certificates for the specific firearm type (handgun, shotgun, rifle)
Completed SAPS 271 application form (or SAPS 518 for competency)
Two colour passport photos
Motivation letter (why you need the firearm)
SABS-approved gun safe already bolted into a wall or floor
Fingerprints (taken by the DFO at the station)
Application fee — proof of payment

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

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1. Do the accredited training and get your competency
Book a course with a SAPS-accredited training provider (SAPS publishes a list on the CFR portal). You do a theory exam on the Firearms Control Act plus a practical shoot for each firearm type you want to be competent in (handgun, shotgun, self-loading rifle, manually operated rifle). You'll receive a Statement of Results and a Unit Standard certificate.
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2. Apply for the Competency Certificate at your DFO
Take your training certificates, ID, proof of address and photos to the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at your nearest SAPS station. Complete form SAPS 518. Fingerprints are captured. The application is sent to the Central Firearms Registry in Pretoria. Turnaround is typically 90 – 120 days.
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3. Apply for the Firearm Licence (SAPS 271)
Once your competency is approved, complete SAPS 271 for the specific firearm. State the correct section — s13 (self-defence, one handgun), s15 (occasional hunter/sport shooter, up to 4 firearms), s16 (dedicated hunter/sport, unlimited motivated), s16A (private collector), s20 (business). Attach your motivation, safe inspection report and dealer invoice or seller's licence details.
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4. Safe inspection and DFO interview
The DFO visits your home to inspect the SABS-approved safe and confirm it is bolted down. You may be interviewed about the reason for the firearm and knowledge of the Act.
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5. Wait for the CFR decision and collect your licence
The Central Firearms Registry issues the green licence card. Current SAPS service turnaround target is 90 working days but 6 – 12 months is realistic. You collect from the same DFO office where you applied and only then may you take physical possession of the firearm.
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Where in each province you apply
Gauteng: any SAPS station with a DFO — Johannesburg Central, Sandton, Pretoria Central, Brooklyn, Randburg, Krugersdorp, Boksburg, Benoni, Centurion. CFR head office is at 234 Visagie Street, Pretoria (applications still go through your local station). Western Cape: Cape Town Central, Sea Point, Claremont, Bellville, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Paarl. Eastern Cape: Port Elizabeth (Mount Road, Humewood), East London (Cambridge, Fleet Street), Jeffreys Bay, Grahamstown/Makhanda, Uitenhage, Mthatha. KwaZulu-Natal: Durban Central, Berea, Point, Umhlanga, Pinetown, Chatsworth, Pietermaritzburg (Alexandra Road), Ballito, Richards Bay, Newcastle. Free State: Bloemfontein Park Road, Welkom, Bethlehem, Kroonstad. Mpumalanga: Mbombela (Nelspruit), Witbank/eMalahleni, Middelburg, Secunda. Limpopo: Polokwane, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou, Mokopane. North West: Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom. Northern Cape: Kimberley, Upington, Springbok, Kuruman.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at any SAPS station. Every SAPS station is linked to a DFO — call ahead to confirm office hours. All applications are processed by the Central Firearms Registry (CFR) in Pretoria.

Fees

Competency application: about R70. Firearm licence per firearm: roughly R140. Renewal (for existing licences): about R140. Fees are gazetted and updated periodically by SAPS.

Processing time

Competency: 90 – 120 days. Licence: officially 90 working days, in practice 6 – 12 months.

Validity

Section 13 (self-defence): 5 years. Section 15 (occasional hunter/sport): 10 years. Section 16 (dedicated hunter/sport): 10 years. Section 20 (business): 2 years.

Renewal

Apply at least 90 days before the licence expires. Late renewals are not accepted — an expired licence means the firearm is unlicensed and must be surrendered.

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying a firearm before the licence is issued — you may not take possession until the green card is in your hand
Applying under Section 13 (self-defence) for a hunting rifle — always match the section to the intended use
Missing the 90-day renewal window and being left with an unlicensed firearm
Installing the safe after the DFO inspection instead of before
Using a training provider who is not SAPS-accredited (the competency will be rejected)

Tips to speed up your application

Choose an accredited training provider close to home — you'll return for the practical shoot and may need refresher sessions
Renew 90 days before expiry — SAPS does not send reminders
Keep certified copies of every document you submit and note the CFR reference number
If you're a hunter or sport shooter, join an accredited association (SAHGCA, PHASA, SAGA, SAAAA) before applying under Section 16 — it strengthens your motivation
Store ammunition separately from the firearm and never exceed 200 rounds per calibre without a separate permit