Change of certificate number after renewal

[SIMONCK]

A couple years ago I had my renewal for both FAC and SGC. When the new FAC came through i had been issued a new certificate number, I didn’t think much of it at the time but has anyone else ever had that issue? If so is there any reason for it? I’ve never had any problem trying to purchase any ammo or rifles but just wondering if anyone else has heard of something similar.
I’m with Cambridgeshire constabulary

Thanks

 

[enfieldspares]

Yes. Mine when first granted back in June 1976 was merely FA602. It's now two numbers, a letter, then six zeroes, then five numbers. The first two numbers indicate your police force that issued the certificate.

 

[SIMONCK]

Yes. Mine when first granted back in June 1976 was merely FA602. It's now two numbers, a letter, then six zeroes, then five numbers. The first two numbers indicate your police force that issued the certificate.

I see so it may just be a change in their system, automated or otherwise? I'm afraid my young pup number has very few zeroes at the start...

 

[M@tt]

I have come across certificates where the county number is not correct, because the holder has moved counties and the certificate kept the original number.

The letter determines the type of certificate.
A - FAC
B - FAC s7/p2p
C - club FAC
D - SGC
E - SGC s7/p2p

Not sure if there's an F or more.

Not sure why the number would change at renewal. Perhaps a delay meant the old cert expired and a new one was granted and not old one renewed.

 

[Elshad]

Are the last four digits not the year of issue? Mine is 02/A/XXXXXX/2025 and I got my FAC this year

 

[enfieldspares]

My RFD, when I had it was Leicestershire No 2.

 

[M@tt]

Are the last four digits not the year of issue? Mine is 02/A/XXXXXX/2025 and I got my FAC this year

Yes, they are the year of first issue. But those issued before the numbering change about 10 or 15 years ago don't have this, they just have a few leading zeros and the old number added on.

Some of the old numbers have letters as well. Essex used to have Fxxxxx and Sxxxxx but Herts only had something like 5 or 6 numbers. Mine were just numbers and now they're 41/A/000xxxxx and 41/D/00xxxxxx.