SAPS firearm status check: Everything you need to know
Do you want to renew or check your SAPS firearm status but do not know how? You must have known that applying for a firearm license in South Africa involves a specific process and requirements set by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Get to know the process involved in tracking firearm license applications in South Africa, whether you are a fresh applicant or already have one and need to renew it.
Source: UGC
The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 in South Africa regulates the ownership of guns by civilians. Thus, specific terms and conditions must be met to effect that. This article looks at the process of checking the SAPS firearm status, competency check, and gun license tracking.
Process for acquiring a firearm license in South Africa
In South Africa, you can legally obtain a firearm under certain conditions and by following a specific process regulated by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The process for obtaining a gun can be lengthy and involves several steps:
Training
You may be required to undergo firearm proficiency training from an accredited institution. After completing training, the training provider must provide you with the training certificate, which will form the basis of your application.
Source: UGC
Firearm competency check
After training, you will need to apply for a competency certificate. Once you pass the competency check, you can include the certification of competence as part of your application to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a firearm license. Before you apply, you must meet these criteria:
Meet eligibility criteria
- You must be at least 21 to apply for a firearm license
- You must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident
- Be mentally stable and fit
- You have to pass a background check
- Not addicted to alcohol
- No criminal record
- Have a valid reason for owning a firearm, such as self-defence or sport shooting
Source: UGC
Submit application
Submit your application to your local SAPS Designated Firearm Officer (DFO). This officer can provide guidance and ensure your application is complete.
If your application is approved, you will receive a firearm license. You can then purchase the approved firearm and register it in your name.
Documents to submit
- A completed application form (obtainable from your local SAPS office or their website)
- A certified copy of your ID or passport
- Copy of competency certificate
- Proof of residence.
- Certified copy of your current competence certificate (front and back)
- Certified proof of residence
- Two passport-size colour photographs (Not older than three months)
- Two testimonials attesting your character with the signature of the deponent
- A motivation letter explaining why you need the gun
- Proof of income
Source: UGC
How to check SAPS firearm application status online
Here are the steps to check gun licence status and competency application on the SAPS website.
- Visit saps.gov.za
- Navigate to Flash
- Click on Enquiry on a firearm application
- Fill in the required information.
- Click to Submit.
SAPS license tracking
To track the status of your firearm license application with the South African Police Service (SAPS), you will typically need to follow up directly with your local SAPS Designated Firearm Officer (DFO) or the specific SAPS office where you submitted your application.
Source: UGC
How long is a firearm licence in South Africa?
In South Africa, the duration of a firearm license varies between two and ten years, depending on the license type and the specific circumstances. The following are some common types of gun licenses and their typical durations:
Self-defense license
A self-defence firearm license, often used for personal protection, typically lasts five years. After this period, you must apply for a renewal if you wish to continue owning the gun.
Sport shooting license
For sport shooting purposes, the firearm license may be issued for a specific calibre and type of gun and is also typically valid for five years.
Hunting license
A hunting firearm license, which allows guns for hunting activities, often follows the same five-year duration and renewal process.
Source: UGC
Professional use license
Firearm licenses issued to individuals for professional purposes, such as security personnel, may vary in duration, but they also often have a validity period of five years.
Is the green firearm licence still valid in South Africa in 2023?
In February 2016, an order was issued that once a white license card had been issued for a firearm, the old green license was no longer valid. Thus, if the gun owner had an old green license and renewed it to white, which later expires for whatever reason, then the owner is in illegal possession of such a gun.
Above is everything you need to know about the SAPS firearm status check. Firearm owners are responsible for ensuring that they renew their licenses on time. Failure to do so can make the firearm illegal, and the owner could face legal consequences.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
READ ALSO: How to write a firearm license motivation letter, South Africa
Briefly.co.za published an article on how to write a firearm license motivation letter in South Africa. Unlike many African countries, owning guns in South Africa is legal with a convincing firearm license motivation letter. Any South African citizen or permanent resident above 21 can own a firearm only after obtaining a license from the regulating authorities.
Source: Briefly News
