Suspect the last sentence should read "from 5 September only applications submitted using the *NEW* form..."As well as increasing the number of referees for a shotgun certificate from one to two people the Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025 also requires applicants to declare all convictions and offences, with the exception of parking violations. The change means that, while you were not previously required to declare participation on a speed awareness course following a speeding offence, you will now have to do so.
The change comes into effect tomorrow, 5 August 2025, via the publication of a new firearms licensing application form. It will affect all applications in England, Wales and Scotland.
However, any applications that are received using the old form up until 5 September 2025 (or those which are already in progress) will be accepted as part of a grace period ahead of the change. From 5 September, only applications submitted using the old form will be accepted.
Changes to firearms licensing application process will not enhance public safety, says BASC
BASC says the Home Office is tinkering around the edges with firearms licensing without enhancing public safety.basc.org.uk
Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025
- Thread starter Elshad
- Start date
Conor O'Gorman
Well-Known Member
Good shout, thanks, I should have spotted that!
doric_prince
Well-Known Member
Was unaware that speeding offences were not a requisition to be declared at application/ renewal for a sgc. I’ve been disclosing my only legal infringement; a “failure to stop at traffic signal”, since 2009! And here’s me thinking I was such a bad boy…. Obviously too open and transparent with pc plod.As well as increasing the number of referees for a shotgun certificate from one to two people the Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025 also requires applicants to declare all convictions and offences, with the exception of parking violations. The change means that, while you were not previously required to declare participation on a speed awareness course following a speeding offence, you will now have to do so.
The change comes into effect tomorrow, 5 August 2025, via the publication of a new firearms licensing application form. It will affect all applications in England, Wales and Scotland.
However, any applications that are received using the old form up until 5 September 2025 (or those which are already in progress) will be accepted as part of a grace period ahead of the change. From 5 September, only applications submitted using the old form will be accepted.
Changes to firearms licensing application process will not enhance public safety, says BASC
BASC says the Home Office is tinkering around the edges with firearms licensing without enhancing public safety.
Pretty sure it says declare all offences inc. traffic. on the met police form
I've been declaring a speed awareness course that Im pretty sure I don't need to as it was near 15years ago but it's not like a lose anything in declaring it
That was also my understanding, no points on your licence, so no offence recorded.
You admit the offence and take the course as an alternative to fine or points
Either way the police keep a record to ensure you are only offered one every 5 years and to record recidivism rates. so they might have it against my name and then might as well be me that brings it up not them
Spear Chucker
Well-Known Member
Classic example of police doing their job effectively. Plymouth and Dunblane classic examples of them doing the opposite. Does not need grandstanding politicians enacting legislation that just increases the burden on overstretched police forces. It will force one of two outcomes...more disasters leading to a total ban, or uniform "no" to any application.
That’s irrelevant: D&C police should never have returned his SGC after he was arrested for assault. Once again the issue is with incompetent police licensing departments, as was the case in Dumblane and Hungerford.
Don't you worry about that!
I heard of someone who, for years, declared "ingrowing toenails" under the "any relevant medical conditions" section
Spear Chucker
Well-Known Member
And again, when his own mother begged them not to allow him a shotgun. They had so many red flags, and failed to act on them. Why should we pick up the tab for plod?
Probably because the ordinary person in the street finds her relatable.
In that respect, our shooting organisations miss the mark by many many miles.
Bavarianbrit
Well-Known Member
Well that's me well and truly buggered as I only have one referee now so hold only an SGC, the second one I fell out over his son smoking skunk in his back garden next to mine.
With me living mainly overseas but keeping a house in the UK for about two months per year you only get to superficially know people who cannot act as referees. When my SGC runs out I will now have to move all my crap to Germany. Reminds me of the good old pistol ban that got me to move over here.
With me living mainly overseas but keeping a house in the UK for about two months per year you only get to superficially know people who cannot act as referees. When my SGC runs out I will now have to move all my crap to Germany. Reminds me of the good old pistol ban that got me to move over here.
WiltshireStalker
Active Member
It's not a game changer but it is just a case of more restrictions being put on what have to be some of the most law abiding citizens in the country. Focus your efforts elsewhere (renewals, applications etc). You have to remember these rules are made by people that don't always understand their area of expertise.
Dunwaters
Well-Known Member
That’s actually frightening.That seems fair enough.
But what is truly flying under the radar is the adoption of aspects of Project Titanium by an FLO near you...
Project Titanium — common sense safety or a step too far?
Our firearms law specialists Lachlan Nisbet and Jon Walters explore Project Titanium and how it may impact firearm and shotgun holders.www.brabners.com
Spear Chucker
Well-Known Member
I was being told about that by an FLO from East Sussex...so they're all probably planning to do it.
Koenig
Well-Known Member
Hmmmmm…..be careful who you agree to referee for. I saw a good friend of mine put his name to support a bloke that I had a strong sense of unease about. Nothing awful to start with, just an inability to seemingly listen to and follow instructions. Without going into detail that could potentially identify persons - he’s just had his FAC revoked and won’t be getting it back anytime ever.
it’s just a game of politics to be seen to be doing something, I wonder how many certificate applications fail because of what the referee said.
www.bbc.co.uk
Bereaved Birmingham twin welcomes tighter gun controls
A woman whose twin sister and nieces were shot dead welcomes firearm licensing rules which become law.
www.bbc.co.uk
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