Moving Address

[flannoflannigan]

I have recently moved from my address in the Highlands to the Lothian's and am still awaiting contact from an enquiry officer regarding my new address (It's been 2 weeks), I have securely fixed a cabinet to the external wall inside my new house.

Having given back the only rifle I had which I was lent at my old job, should I wait until my new premises have been visited before purchasing anything? Looking to buy a shotgun and .22 in the next couple of weeks.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Stalker62]

I note that you will come under Police Scotland for both addresses and so this should help with consistency. I did say should.

If you need the firearms for work and you have done as you have said, I would crack on. Then an email to your new FET/FEO explaining what you have done.
If you only need the firearms for pleasure perhaps seek out your new FEO (email) and explain your requirements and what you have already done and what you intend to buy and when: thus giving them the opportunity to examine your security arrangements before you purchase.

Just by way of example. When I moved (within England), I sent the "Dear John" letter to my old Force and cc'd the new Force.
It was over twelve months later that the new FEO made contact (they had a backlog and I do not blame them) and it was all done over the phone.
The only difference with your situation is that I already possessed my firearms and they had to be stored somewhere.

So here is my tuppence:-

No reasonable FET/FEO can have any objections.

 

[8x57]

Do you have a valid certificate, if so just go out and buy what you are authorised to possess.
You've done what is required of you legally by informing the Chief Constable of your change of address and you've made suitable arrangements for the safe storage of your firearms.

 

[flannoflannigan]

Many thanks for your replies guys, yes I have a valid FC and SC so will proceed as advised.

 

[Mickeydredd]

When i moved address within the same county and therefore Police Authority (as you have) they just said that I should just ensure my security arrangements at the new address met the requirements, and that I should be familiar with these as I had them inspected at my previous address.

 

[75]

Like Stalker1962, when I last moved address it took the new force months and months before they came and checked my security and issued the new cert with my new address. You've done all you need to - crack on I'd say.

 

[Gunner223]

I moved 3 months ago, stayed in the same county, filled the online form in, and 3 days later a new shotgun and firearms ticket arrived, no visits from anyone at all.
Couldn't believe how quick.

 

[kes]

When you do buy, make sure either your dealer notifies the police of your purchase and details, or you do, by recorded post. I assume you have signed your certs, as it/they are INVALID without a signature. Also make usre you store rifle/section 1 firearm ammo (excepting shotgun carts) and bolts separately - good practice for the bolts, essential requirement for the ammo.

 

[Mickeydredd]

I moved 3 months ago, stayed in the same county, filled the online form in, and 3 days later a new shotgun and firearms ticket arrived, no visits from anyone at all.
Couldn't believe how quick.

Why did you need a new ticket if you didn't move County?

 

[Stalker62]

Why did you need a new ticket if you didn't move County?

You need a new ticket if you move next door...

 

[8x57]

When you do buy, make sure either your dealer notifies the police of your purchase and details, or you do, by recorded post. I assume you have signed your certs, as it/they are INVALID without a signature. Also make usre you store rifle/section 1 firearm ammo (excepting shotgun carts) and bolts separately - good practice for the bolts, essential requirement for the ammo.

That's not quite correct Kes, you are both required to notify.

 

[kes]

When I have bought in the past from dealers, they have had a pro-forma notification to the Police on your behalf which you sign as your notification and it is sent with the Dealers - hence my comment "or you do". It doesnt do any harm to emphasise it though !

 

[8x57]

I've seen the forms Kes but don't rely upon them, the legal duty still lies with you to inform the Chief Constable of your acquisition.

 

[Mickeydredd]

You need a new ticket if you move next door...

I didnt when I moved within Derbyshire, sure I just notified them. I'll check.

 

[8x57]

I didnt when I moved within Derbyshire, sure I just notified them. I'll check.

They usually issue a replacement certificate these days and just like Gunner 223 says often its just posted to you and that's it, no home visits necessary.
In the long distant past when certificates didn't have photographs I've seen certificates which had been returned for change of address and they simply stuck a sticky label over the old address.

 

[kes]

I didnt when I moved within Derbyshire, sure I just notified them. I'll check.

In due course your address will be changed to your new address on the licence - make sure you have ammo. It sometimes happens when the FEO comes to inspect the new cabinet installation and takes the ticket for up-dating.

 

[Stalker62]

I didnt when I moved within Derbyshire, sure I just notified them. I'll check.

Condition 3 on your FAC

The holder of this certificate must, without undue delay, inform the Chief Officer of Police by whom the certificate was granted of any change of permanent address.

The Force should then issue a new ticket.
However, they may not. I have had variations sit on their computer and only added at renewal to the paper FAC/SGC.

 

[Mickeydredd]

In due course your address will be changed to your new address on the licence - make sure you have ammo. It sometimes happens when the FEO comes to inspect the new cabinet installation and takes the ticket for up-dating.

Condition 3 on your FAC
The holder of this certificate must, without undue delay, inform the Chief Officer of Police by whom the certificate was granted of any change of permanent address.
The Force should then issue a new ticket.
However, they may not. I have had variations sit on their computer and only added at renewal to the paper FAC/SGC.

I received my FAC & SGC renewal just prior to moving house 13 months ago

I pre-advised them of the move and new address when I submitted my renewal application and post-moving to confirm my new address. (satisfying condition 3)

I asked them how I went about getting my new address replaced on my FAC/SGC and Derbyshire police told me I did not need the address physically changed on the paperwork as they had recorded it on their system (following condition 3), plus I had moved within the same Police Force area. I asked about arranging for the visit to check my gun safe location and security and they said a visit was not necessary as I had held the certs before so should be familiar with the requirements.

I assume therefore that my address will only be amended on the forms at next renewal in 4 years time

 

[kes]

I received my FAC & SGC renewal just prior to moving house 13 months ago

I pre-advised them of the move and new address when I submitted my renewal application and post-moving to confirm my new address. (satisfying condition 3)

I asked them how I went about getting my new address replaced on my FAC/SGC and Derbyshire police told me I did not need the address physically changed on the paperwork as they had recorded it on their system (following condition 3), plus I had moved within the same Police Force area. I asked about arranging for the visit to check my gun safe location and security and they said a visit was not necessary as I had held the certs before so should be familiar with the requirements.

I assume therefore that my address will only be amended on the forms at next renewal in 4 years time

Your requirements confirm the considerable differences between Derbyshire and Cheshire. When moving in Cheshire, I had to submit my cert (co-term) for address change. They didnt check the cabinet - some do, some dont, since security is your responsibility none should but we know that often happens. Probably best after complying with 3 to talk to your FEO about whether he wants to visit ? Just to mop up the differences and get some advance warning.

 

[Rob-E]

I moved from London to Gloucestershire. Right at the beginning of lockdown. It took about 6 weeks for Gloucestershire to contact me.
However, after a few emails proving photos of the cabinet my security and how many guns it could hold I sent off my certificate and they returned my new one within a week; which I’m really impressed with as their variations right now are taking 6-8.