<h1>What Happens If You're Convicted of a Crime While Holding an FAC?</h1>
<div class="quick-answer">
<h2>Quick Answer</h2>
<p>If you are convicted of a crime while holding a Firearms Certificate (FAC) in the UK, your certificate will almost certainly be revoked by the police as you will no longer be deemed a "fit and proper person." This means all firearms and ammunition must be surrendered, and you will likely face a significant challenge in ever reapplying for an FAC.</p>
</div>
<p>Holding a <a href="https://www.vectisshootinglog.com/blog/firearms-certificate-expires-renewal-lapse-penalties-uk" class="vsl-interlink" title="What Happens When Your UK Firearms Certificate Expires: Renewals, Lapses, and Penalties">Firearms Certificate</a> (FAC) <a href="https://www.vectisshootinglog.com/blog/long-range-target-shooting-beginners-guide-uk" class="vsl-interlink" title="Getting Started with Long-Range Target Shooting in the UK: A Beginner's Guide">in the</a> United Kingdom is a significant privilege, one granted on the basis of trust and an ongoing assessment that you remain a "fit and proper person." This privilege comes with profound responsibilities, and any criminal conviction can have severe and immediate consequences <a href="https://www.vectisshootinglog.com/blog/firearms-certificate-renewal-checklist" class="vsl-interlink" title="How to Prepare for Your Firearms Certificate Renewal: A Complete Checklist">for your</a> FAC, <a href="https://www.vectisshootinglog.com/blog/prevent-rust-firearms-storage-care-uk" class="vsl-interlink" title="How to Prevent Rust on Your Firearms: Storage, Products, and Seasonal Care for UK Shooters">your firearms</a>, <a href="https://www.vectisshootinglog.com/blog/firearms-licensing-delays-and-your-rights" class="vsl-interlink" title="Dealing with Firearms Licensing Delays and Your Rights">and your</a> participation in shooting sports. This guide delves into the legal landscape, outlining the types of offences, the revocation process, and the far-reaching impact of a conviction on UK FAC holders. Understanding these implications is crucial for every responsible firearms owner.</p>
<h2>The "Fit and Proper Person" Criterion: Cornerstone of UK Firearms Law</h2>
<p>At the heart of UK <a href="https://www.vectisshootinglog.com/blog/eu-firearms-legislation-uk-shooters-brexit" class="vsl-interlink" title="How EU Firearms Legislation Still Affects UK Shooters After Brexit">firearms legislation</a> is the "fit and proper person" test. Section 27 of <a href="https://www.vectisshootinglog.com/blog/firearms-enquiry-officer-visit-guide-uk-2026" class="vsl-interlink" title="The Firearms Enquiry Officer Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare">the Firearms</a> Act 1968 (as amended) dictates that a chief officer of police must not grant or renew an FAC unless satisfied that the applicant can be permitted to have a firearm without danger to public safety or the peace. Crucially, this assessment is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing requirement. If at any point the police cease to be satisfied that a person remains "fit and proper," their certificate can be revoked.</p>
<p>What constitutes "fit and proper"? It encompasses a broad range of factors, as informed by case law and Home Office guidance, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Character and Temperament:</strong> Does the individual demonstrate a stable, responsible, and law-abiding character?</li>
<li><strong>Lifestyle:</strong> Are there aspects of their lifestyle that could pose a risk, like associations with known
<!-- kc-reciprocal-links -->
<section class="related-knowledge">
<h2>Related Knowledge Centre answers</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="/knowledge/what-is-a-one-for-one-variation-on-an-fac">What is a one-for-one variation on an FAC?</a></li>
</ul>
</section>
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens immediately after an FAC criminal conviction?
Police will typically revoke your Firearms Certificate immediately upon learning of any criminal conviction. You must surrender all firearms and ammunition to the police within a specified timeframe, usually within days of revocation. Your local firearms licensing department will send a revocation notice explaining the grounds and your appeal rights. During this period, you cannot legally possess any Section 1 firearms or ammunition, and continuing to hold them constitutes a serious criminal offence under the Firearms Act 1968.
Do all criminal convictions result in FAC revocation?
Not all convictions automatically result in revocation, but any conviction can trigger a review of your "fit and proper person" status. Serious offences including violence, domestic abuse, drug offences, or dishonesty almost always lead to revocation. Even minor offences such as motoring convictions or public order offences may result in revocation if they demonstrate poor judgement, anger management issues, or disregard for the law. Police forces assess each case individually, considering the nature of the offence, circumstances, and whether it impacts your suitability to hold firearms.
How long are you banned from holding an FAC after a criminal conviction?
Prohibited periods depend on the sentence imposed. A prison sentence of three years or more results in a lifetime ban from possessing firearms under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968. Sentences between three months and three years trigger a five-year prohibited period from the date of release. Any suspended sentence also imposes a five-year prohibition. For community sentences or fines, there is no statutory prohibited period, but police may still refuse to grant a certificate based on the "fit and proper person" test. These are minimum periods and police retain discretion to refuse applications beyond these timeframes.
Can I appeal an FAC criminal conviction revocation?
You have the legal right to appeal a revocation decision to your local Crown Court within 21 days of receiving the revocation notice. The appeal is a full rehearing of the case, not just a review of the police decision. You will need to demonstrate that you remain a fit and proper person to possess firearms despite your conviction. The court considers all circumstances including the nature of your offence, your shooting history, and any mitigating factors. Legal representation is strongly recommended as the burden of proof shifts to you to demonstrate suitability. Crown Court decisions can be further appealed on points of law.
What types of FAC criminal conviction are most serious for certificate holders?
Violent offences, domestic abuse, and weapons-related crimes are treated most seriously and almost invariably result in immediate revocation and lengthy or permanent bans. Drug offences, even possession of Class B or C substances, are viewed extremely negatively due to links between substance misuse and firearms safety. Dishonesty offences including theft or fraud raise concerns about trustworthiness. Alcohol-related offences such as drink-driving suggest poor judgement and impulse control issues. Even common assault or public order offences can end your certificate if they reveal anger management problems or disregard for authority.
Must I notify police if I receive a criminal caution or fixed penalty notice?
Firearms certificate holders must notify police of any criminal proceedings, cautions, or binding-over orders. Most forces require notification within a specified timeframe, typically 48 hours to 7 days, as stated in your certificate conditions. Failure to notify is itself a breach of your certificate conditions and can result in revocation. Fixed penalty notices for motoring offences do not always require notification, but endorsements on your driving licence should be disclosed. When in doubt, notify your firearms licensing department in writing. Attempting to conceal criminal matters is far more damaging than honest disclosure.
Can I ever regain my FAC after revocation for a criminal conviction?
Regaining a certificate after revocation is possible but challenging and depends entirely on the severity of your original offence and sentence. After any statutory prohibited period expires, you can apply for a new certificate, but you must demonstrate rehabilitation and that you are now a fit and proper person. Police will scrutinise your conduct since the offence, any evidence of rehabilitation, references from shooting organisations, and your previous shooting history. Minor offences with significant time elapsed may result in successful reapplication. Serious violent or dishonesty offences make reapplication extremely difficult, and lifetime prohibitions cannot be overcome.
What are the financial consequences of FAC criminal conviction and revocation?
Financial consequences can be substantial beyond the original criminal penalties. You lose the full value of any certificate fees paid, as no refund is provided for revoked certificates. All firearms and ammunition must be sold, often at distressed prices if you need to dispose of them quickly. Club memberships are typically forfeited without refund. If you appeal the revocation, legal costs can reach several thousand pounds with no guarantee of success. Lost shooting opportunities including stalking permissions, competition entries, and guided deer stalking bookings represent further losses. Many certificate holders face total costs exceeding £10,000 when accounting for equipment disposal, legal fees, and lost memberships.
