Can I use my spouse's licensed firearm?

The Firearms Control Act permits use of another person's firearm in defined circumstances, generally with the owner's consent and within their presence or immediate supervision. Ask your Designated Firearms Officer to confirm the position for your situation before relying on it.

What happens to firearms in a deceased estate?

The executor must notify SAPS and the firearms must be dealt with within the prescribed period — licensed to an heir, sold through a dealer, or surrendered. Temporary authorisation covers the interim.

Do I need a competency certificate to borrow a rifle?

For most supervised uses, no, but for independent possession you generally do. Confirm with the DFO.

Is there a penalty for unlawful possession?

Yes, and it is severe — unlawful possession of a firearm carries substantial prison sentences.

Firearms & Security

Temporary Firearm Authorisation

In plain English

A temporary authorisation lets someone use or possess a firearm they don't own — for a hunt, a shooting course, a competition or while a licence application is pending — within the limits of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

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Who needs this permit

Hunters borrowing a rifle, students on a shooting course, competitors using a club firearm, executors and heirs holding a deceased estate's firearms, and businesses needing short-term possession.

When is it required

Before possessing or using the firearm. Unlawful possession is a serious offence with a heavy minimum sentence exposure.

Eligibility

You are 18 or older (21 for most licence categories)
You are not prohibited from possessing a firearm
The licensed owner is present or the authorisation covers your possession
You have the competency or supervision the situation requires

Documents you need before applying

Application to the Designated Firearms Officer at your local SAPS station where a written authorisation is required
Your ID document
The owner's firearm licence details and written consent
Proof of the purpose — hunt booking, course enrolment, competition entry or estate documents
Competency certificate where applicable

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

1
Establish which provision applies
The Act allows limited use of another person's firearm in specified circumstances, and provides for temporary authorisations issued by SAPS. The Designated Firearms Officer at your station will confirm what your situation needs.
2
Get the owner's written consent
A dated letter from the licence holder, with the firearm's make, model and serial number and their licence number, is the standard document.
3
Apply at the SAPS station where required
The Designated Firearms Officer processes the request and issues the written authorisation.
4
Carry the authorisation with the firearm
Keep the letter and authorisation with you whenever you have the firearm, along with your ID.
5
Return the firearm on time
Holding it beyond the authorised period is unlawful possession, regardless of the owner's goodwill.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

The Designated Firearms Officer at your local SAPS station.

Fees

SAPS does not generally charge a large fee for temporary authorisations; confirm at the station.

Processing time

Days to a few weeks depending on the station and the circumstances.

Validity

The specific period stated in the authorisation.

Renewal

Apply again for a further period before the authorisation expires.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming a friend can simply lend you a rifle for a weekend without any paperwork
Keeping estate firearms after the estate deadline without applying for a licence or authorisation
Using a firearm outside the purpose stated in the authorisation
Not keeping the owner's consent letter with the firearm