FACs - ON LINE APPLICATIONS

[Jon P]

Applied for renewal recently with Gwent. Tried online system but crashed on last page . So went old school with paper copy and posted it with relevant photos and Doc form- But emailed them scanned copy and proof of postage. Hopefully all gets accepted.
Gwent Police
On line and paper format accepted.
Paid with a cheque.

 

[Tf223]

A lot of forces have online systems, but the law does not yet state (not sure on any NI differences) applications must be electronic. I am only aware of one licensing regime (not firearms related) that requires electronic application and reciept only.
The police remain under a duty to administer applications and therefore so long as you fill in the standardised national form and send it with payment they must process as per normal - if you didn’t want to do the online form.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Here in Scotland we can still apply either on line or a paper application on line seems to be simpler if you are computer literate which unfortunately I'm not my
Computer skills are limited to surfing the
net and basic e,-mail sending photos by e-mail causes me difficulty as does scanning. I'm not thick just old lol.
Here if applying on line you don't get an
F.E O. Visit ( if everything is in order that is) paper applications require a visit .
At least this in was the situation during COVID whether it will change in the future
who knows.
I am scheduled for a home visit for my next renewal on 2026 by which time I will be,76; whether I will be in a fit state to stalk by then who knows!
Let's hope so.

Thanks B. Interesting to note the variations between the forces.
76 is just a number - keep on stalking!

 

[Pine Marten]

I'm going through the process of renewal with the Met. Should take 8 weeks but they advised to apply 12 weeks before to be on the safe side. I was pleased to discover there is now an online system, and you're very much pushed to take that option. Paper remains available but if you choose that option, they ask you to explan why, and also they warn you it will probably be much slower. So yes, it took a while to complete the online forms, but so did the paper ones. Actually it's much faster as I didn't have to run around trying to meet countersignatories etc. The GP turned around the form within a week via email. I submitted a photo and within 24hrs they emailed me back to say it was the same one as last time and I needed to send a new one! Hey, can't fault them for not paying attention. Also paid online rather than posting a cheque and then not knowing whether they'd cashed it or not: I had a receipt immediately. So far so good. Then the Queen died, presumably using up all the police capacity for the duration, and they posted me letters to say they couldn't guarantee renewal on time, so here's an 8-week extension. Again, fair enough, I didn't have to do anything.

This week they called me to arrange the interview etc, and it's all via WhatsApp video call. They just asked me to WhatsApp photos of all the serial numbers, having first checked with me on the phone that they had the right guns on record. And it looks like they may complete the process on time after all. So frankly, for all the setup and legislation's fundamental flaws, they seem to have used the pandemic as an opportunity to put the online system in place and I'm rather impressed so far.

In summary:
Force: Metropolitan
New online application strongly preferred and encouraged (and faster)
Payment online.
All documents digital/scanned
Remote interview by video call.

 

[Foxyboy43]

I'm going through the process of renewal with the Met. Should take 8 weeks but they advised to apply 12 weeks before to be on the safe side. I was pleased to discover there is now an online system, and you're very much pushed to take that option. Paper remains available but if you choose that option, they ask you to explan why, and also they warn you it will probably be much slower. So yes, it took a while to complete the online forms, but so did the paper ones. Actually it's much faster as I didn't have to run around trying to meet countersignatories etc. The GP turned around the form within a week via email. I submitted a photo and within 24hrs they emailed me back to say it was the same one as last time and I needed to send a new one! Hey, can't fault them for not paying attention. Also paid online rather than posting a cheque and then not knowing whether they'd cashed it or not: I had a receipt immediately. So far so good. Then the Queen died, presumably using up all the police capacity for the duration, and they posted me letters to say they couldn't guarantee renewal on time, so here's an 8-week extension. Again, fair enough, I didn't have to do anything.

This week they called me to arrange the interview etc, and it's all via WhatsApp video call. They just asked me to WhatsApp photos of all the serial numbers, having first checked with me on the phone that they had the right guns on record. And it looks like they may complete the process on time after all. So frankly, for all the setup and legislation's fundamental flaws, they seem to have used the pandemic as an opportunity to put the online system in place and I'm rather impressed so far.

In summary:
Force: Metropolitan
New online application strongly preferred and encouraged (and faster)
Payment online.
All documents digital/scanned
Remote interview by video call.

Much obliged PM thank you. Interesting to see the option of a “much slower” paper process, I would love to see that one held up to the light!

 

[NullMac]

Here in Scotland we can still apply either on line or a paper application

Can we? I just did mine and was pointed at a form to print off and send in.

Here if applying on line you don't get an F.E O. Visit ( if everything is in order that is) paper applications require a visit .

No FEO visit at all, wanted photo evidence of gun numbers, it is all done remotely. Although as I am changing address I am informed I will get a visit to inspect security.

It was all very smooth and thorough.

 

[NullMac]

Crikey they are making a meal of it.
Asking for far more than my force asked for.

Your lot will catch up eventually.

 

[jall55]

Thank you sir - is there a paper alternative?

Not now
regards

 

[Ratel]

Thank you R - so your force recommend that a friend knows precisely what firearms you have then?

Why not it's run by G4s

 

[Pine Marten]

Interesting to see the option of a “much slower” paper process, I would love to see that one held up to the light!

If you don't mind, I'll let someone else experiment with a much slower renewal process... It makes sense though, if every time they have to deal with a paper renewal, it takes the same time as doing four digital ones. There aren't any more staff. I've had the same FEO for a decade now, they don't seem to be recruiting much...

 

[Ratel]

Here in Scotland we can still apply either on line or a paper application on line seems to be simpler if you are computer literate which unfortunately I'm not my
Computer skills are limited to surfing the
net and basic e,-mail sending photos by e-mail causes me difficulty as does scanning. I'm not thick just old lol.
Here if applying on line you don't get an
F.E O. Visit ( if everything is in order that is) paper applications require a visit .
At least this in was the situation during COVID whether it will change in the future
who knows.
I am scheduled for a home visit for my next renewal on 2026 by which time I will be,76; whether I will be in a fit state to stalk by then who knows!
Let's hope so.

Ah you'll be fit enough boggy, I'm still dragging myself around and have just renewed at 80. Mind I'm not working on the hill, but these deer get heavier every year.

 

[bullet chucker]

SURREY & SUSSEX all done on line and must be applied for very early. Had the FEO phone call me to clear up some minor details and other questions,before Certificate application would be accepted, it arrived soon after and on time.

BC.

 

[Foxyboy43]

A lot of forces have online systems, but the law does not yet state (not sure on any NI differences) applications must be electronic. I am only aware of one licensing regime (not firearms related) that requires electronic application and reciept only.
The police remain under a duty to administer applications and therefore so long as you fill in the standardised national form and send it with payment they must process as per normal - if you didn’t want to do the online form.

Interesting thanks. Maybe I will raise your “duty” point in my forthcoming letter. See below - extract from my expiry reminder - fairly unequivocal don’t you think? Maybe I should remind them……..
Oh and in order to complete the most definitely IT-only process you may even need to update your browser! So what percentage of the 88% with access to the web will even know what a browser actually is?

 

[Klenchblaize]

I undertook my Kent on-line renewal back in May at roughly the same time as Sikamalc. I only mention this as we pretty much experienced the same challenges.

Notwithstanding the technical issues encountered with completing the form as well-documented elsewhere on this site, the most disappointing aspect of the process is the clear disconnect by those who print the Certificates with that detailed in the on-line form and agreed in-person with the FEO.

Furthermore, the FEO’s are fully aware of this challenge and to the point of oft’ expecting the certificate wording/detail to be incorrect or lacking something on first issue. This proved to be the case with mine and it was only when I returned the still wet of ink certificate along with a detailed explanation of the mistakes and the wording I actually required; something there is no opportunity to set out on the Kent on-line form, that they got it spot-on.

Not sure if this is the kind of thing the Op requires but it reflects my experience of renewal in 2022.

K

 

[Foxyboy43]

I undertook my Kent on-line renewal back in May at roughly the same time as Sikamalc. I only mention this as we pretty much experienced the same challenges.

Notwithstanding the technical issues encountered with completing the form as well-documented elsewhere on this site, the most disappointing aspect of the process is the clear disconnect by those who print the Certificates with that detailed in the on-line form and agreed in-person with the FEO.

Furthermore, the FEO’s are fully aware of this challenge and to the point of oft’ expecting the certificate wording/detail to be incorrect or lacking something on first issue. This proved to be the case with mine and it was only when I returned the still wet of ink certificate along with a detailed explanation of the mistakes and the wording I actually required; something there is no opportunity to set out on the Kent on-line form, that they got it spot-on.

Not sure if this is the kind of thing the Op requires but it reflects my experience of renewal in 2022.

K

Thanks K. More useful grist for my little “Save our FACs” campaign.

 

[8x57]

Your lot will catch up eventually.

I hope not because I think that they are actually ahead of the pack at the moment, and I would hate for them to revert back to the old practices that some forces seem so reluctant to abandon.

Apologies, DSC isn’t mentioned. Email extract below.

‘You are required to make payment In full immediately by either by debit / credit card from the home screen using the actions menu.

• You are also required to submit a photograph of your current likeness to support your application.
  • You can upload a photo from the home screen using the actions menu. Alternatively, email the photo the below address.
  • It must be a good quality, clear photo of your face and shoulders only (passport style).
  • Any unsuitable photos may be rejected by Firearms Licensing which will delay your application. For more information visit (Photo Guidelines).
• If you are applying for a firearms certificate please send in copies of any letters of permissions or club membership details.
• A full copy of your current certificate including all pages.
• To assist in completing your application we would also ask that you send an email containing the following information:
  • Full names and dates of birth of everyone living at your address.
  • Any date in the next 3 months that you can be available to meet with an Enquiry Officer between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday.

Please note, your application will not be fully completed until we receive the above documents and payment. As such, your application will be withdrawn if you fail to provide these.’

I take that as being a scan or a photograph of your FAC. If you were to send in the actual paper copy of your FAC that could cause some people who didn't reload or who didn't have a reasonable stock of ammunition a few difficulties.
Just think about it, you have to submit your renewal at least 8 weeks before the renewal date. Then if they haven't renewed it by the due date it is automatically extended by another 8 weeks. So potentially you would be without the paper certificate and unable to purchase ammunition or primers and powder for nearly 4 months.

 

[Trickyd66]

I prefer on line as my spelling and handwriting are both rubbish!
All forces differ.

I applied March 2021 for Section 2. Decided to try to change to coterminous in May. Was told too far through the process to change so applied for separate Section 1 along with payment. Knowing the delays caused by Covid,left it 5 months before chasing. Was told previous info was incorrect and they refunded the difference between separate S1/2 and coterminous.
Interview was over the phone, photos of storage sent by email (I had already given a detailed written description of fixings used).
Coterminous arrived just before Christmas.

 

[Foxyboy43]

I hope not because I think that they are actually ahead of the pack at the moment, and I would hate for them to revert back to the old practices that some forces seem so reluctant to abandon.


I take that as being a scan or a photograph of your FAC. If you were to send in the actual paper copy of your FAC that could cause some people who didn't reload or who didn't have a reasonable stock of ammunition a few difficulties.
Just think about it, you have to submit your renewal at least 8 weeks before the renewal date. Then if they haven't renewed it by the due date it is automatically extended by another 8 weeks. So potentially you would be without the paper certificate and unable to purchase ammunition or primers and powder for nearly 4 months.

Hmmm. 8 weeks extension you say? Now that is interesting; by comparison our force with helpfulness clearly a forethought gives you an open-ended extension to your expired certificate with which one can even buy ammunition simply on production of the email. Mind you as you can (possibly) see it is at the very end of the FAC regrant completion guide in the smallest font by far used in all 49 pages. You don’t think it was slipped in as a handy defence in light of the broken system? Cripes! Surely not…..

 

[TonyC]

North Yorkshire
On line
Submitted 3 months early delivered early (6 weeks before expiry)

Brilliant consistence service

Do not apply until after you have everything ready including medical paperwork as you cannot save any application to complete later

 

[Foxyboy43]

North Yorkshire
On line
Submitted 3 months early delivered early (6 weeks before expiry)

Brilliant consistence service

Do not apply until after you have everything ready including medical paperwork as you cannot save any application to complete later

Thank you.