Vectis Shooting Log

Firearms Certificate Renewal in 2026: Timelines, Fees, and How to Avoid Delays

FAC & Licensing 2 April 2026 9 min read By Ashley Marshall

Everything UK shooters need to know about renewing their firearms certificate in 2026, including fees, timelines, medical checks, and how to avoid costly delays.

Firearms Certificate Renewal in 2026: Timelines, Fees, and How to Avoid Delays

Quick Answer

Renewing your UK firearms certificate costs £49 and should ideally be submitted at least eight weeks before expiry, though many police forces recommend applying three to six months early. To avoid a lapse, it is crucial to apply well in advance, as processing times can vary significantly from four weeks to over 20 weeks depending on your local force.

## Quick Answer Renewing your UK firearms certificate (FAC) costs **£49** and should be submitted **at least eight weeks** before expiry, though many police forces recommend applying **three to six months early**. Processing times vary from four weeks to over 20 weeks depending on your force, so starting early is the single best way to avoid a lapse. ## How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Firearms Certificate in 2026? The standard renewal fee for a firearms certificate is **£49**, set by the Home Office under the Firearms (Amendment) (Fees) Regulations. This applies across England, Wales, and Scotland, though Scottish certificates are administered by Police Scotland under slightly different procedures. For a combined firearms and shotgun certificate renewal, the fee is **£49** if renewed at the same time. A standalone shotgun certificate renewal is **£49** as well. These fees have remained unchanged since 2015. You can pay by postal order, cheque, or online payment depending on your force. Some forces now accept debit card payments through their licensing portals. ## When Should I Submit My Renewal Application? The Home Office recommends submitting your renewal **at least eight weeks** before expiry. However, experienced certificate holders and organisations like BASC strongly recommend applying **three to six months early**. Why so early? Processing times have stretched considerably since the introduction of mandatory medical checks. Some metropolitan forces report backlogs of 16 to 20 weeks, meaning an eight-week lead time simply is not enough. ### What Happens if My Certificate Expires Before Renewal? If your certificate lapses, you are **no longer authorised to possess firearms or ammunition**. You must surrender them to a registered firearms dealer or your local police until your renewal is granted. A lapsed certificate is not a criminal offence in itself, provided you take immediate steps to secure your firearms lawfully. However, police may view a lapse unfavourably and it could complicate future applications. BASC and the NRA both offer guidance on avoiding this situation. The key message: apply early, chase your force if you have not heard back within six weeks. ## What Documents Do I Need for Renewal? The renewal process requires several documents and pieces of information: - **Form 201 (England and Wales)** or the Scottish equivalent, completed in full - **Four passport-sized photographs** (some forces now accept digital photos) - **Details of two referees** who have known you for at least two years and are not family members or fellow certificate holders - **Medical disclosure** from your GP or a signed medical consent form - **Details of all firearms and ammunition** you currently hold - **Club membership details** if club use is your stated good reason - **Land permissions** if you shoot on private land ### Has the Medical Process Changed? Yes. Since April 2025, the Home Office has required applicants to provide a **medical disclosure** as part of the renewal process. Your GP practice is contacted to confirm whether there are any relevant medical conditions that might affect your fitness to hold a certificate. This step has added two to six weeks to processing times in many areas. You can speed things up by contacting your GP surgery in advance, letting them know a firearms medical enquiry will be arriving. Some practices charge a fee for this service, typically **£20 to £50**, though this is not regulated and varies widely. ## How Long Does the Renewal Process Take? Processing times vary enormously by police force. Based on data from BASC's 2025 licensing survey and reports from certificate holders: | Police Force | Typical Processing Time | |---|---| | Rural forces (e.g. Devon, Norfolk) | 4 to 8 weeks | | Mid-sized forces (e.g. Hampshire, Thames Valley) | 8 to 12 weeks | | Metropolitan forces (e.g. Met, West Midlands) | 12 to 20+ weeks | | Police Scotland | 6 to 12 weeks | These are averages. Individual cases can take longer if there are complications with referees, medical checks, or if a home visit is required. ### Will I Need a Home Visit for Renewal? Not always. Many forces now conduct home visits only for **new applications** or if there has been a change in your storage arrangements. For straightforward renewals where your circumstances have not changed, some forces process renewals without a visit. However, the police retain the right to conduct a home inspection at any time. Keep your cabinet properly secured and your security arrangements up to date, regardless of whether a visit is expected. ## What Are the Most Common Reasons for Renewal Delays? Understanding the common pitfalls can help you avoid them: - **Incomplete forms** - missing information is the number one cause of delays. Double-check every field before submitting. - **Referee issues** - if your referees are slow to respond or cannot be reached, your application stalls. Brief your referees in advance. - **GP delays** - medical disclosures can take weeks if your practice is busy. Contact them before you apply. - **Failure to declare changes** - if you have moved, changed your storage, or acquired new firearms since your last renewal, this must be disclosed. - **Late submission** - applying too close to the expiry date leaves no margin for delays. ### How Can I Speed Up My Renewal? Follow these practical steps: 1. **Apply at least four months early** - this gives you a comfortable buffer 2. **Contact your GP in advance** - let them know a medical enquiry is coming 3. **Brief your referees** - give them a heads-up and confirm their contact details 4. **Complete the form carefully** - use black ink, answer every question, and sign where required 5. **Include all supporting documents** - club memberships, land permissions, and photographs 6. **Follow up at six weeks** - call your force's licensing department if you have not heard back 7. **Keep copies** - photograph or photocopy your completed form before sending it ## What Happens if My Renewal Is Refused? Certificate renewal can be refused if the police believe you are **no longer fit to hold a certificate**. Common grounds for refusal include: - Relevant criminal convictions - Medical conditions that affect your fitness - Concerns about domestic violence or mental health - Inadequate security arrangements - No demonstrated good reason to possess firearms If your renewal is refused, you have the right to **appeal to the Crown Court** (or Sheriff Court in Scotland) within **21 days** of the decision. Legal advice from organisations like BASC or the Countryside Alliance is strongly recommended. The appeal process can take several months. During this time, your firearms must be surrendered to a dealer or the police. ## Can I Renew My Firearms and Shotgun Certificates Together? Yes, and it is recommended. If both certificates have the same expiry date, you can submit a **coterminous renewal** on a single form, paying just **£49** for both. If your certificates expire at different times, you can ask your force to **align** them at the next renewal. This simplifies future paperwork and saves money in the long run. Most forces actively encourage coterminous renewals. Ask your licensing department about this option if your certificates currently have different expiry dates. ## Key Takeaways - Apply at least **three to four months** before expiry to avoid a lapse - The renewal fee is **£49** (same for combined FAC and SGC renewals) - Brief your **referees and GP** before applying to minimise delays - Keep your **security arrangements** up to date and compliant - If refused, you have **21 days** to appeal to the Crown Court - Use **Vectis Shooting Log** to track your expiry dates and set renewal reminders automatically ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does it cost to renew a firearms certificate in 2026? The standard renewal fee is £49, set by the Home Office. This applies whether you are renewing a firearms certificate alone or a combined firearms and shotgun certificate. The fee has not changed since 2015. ### Can I apply for renewal online? Some police forces now offer online renewal through their licensing portals. However, many still require postal applications using Form 201. Check your local force's website for their preferred method. ### What happens if my certificate expires while my renewal is being processed? If you applied before expiry and the police have not yet processed your renewal, Section 7(1) of the Firearms Act 1968 provides a **continuation of authority**. Your existing certificate remains valid until the application is determined. This only applies if you submitted your renewal before the expiry date. ### Do I need to declare all my firearms on the renewal form? Yes. You must list every firearm and quantity of ammunition you currently hold. Failing to declare items could result in refusal or even criminal investigation. Use your Vectis Shooting Log records to compile an accurate list. ### How often do I need to renew my firearms certificate? Firearms certificates are valid for **five years** from the date of issue. You should begin the renewal process at least three months before expiry. ### Can my renewal be refused if I have a medical condition? Having a medical condition does not automatically disqualify you. The police assess each case individually, considering the nature of the condition and whether it affects your fitness to possess firearms. Conditions like depression, epilepsy, or substance misuse may require further medical evidence. ### Do I need to be a member of a shooting club to renew? Not necessarily. Club membership is one form of good reason, but it is not the only one. If your original certificate was granted on the basis of club membership, you should maintain that membership. If you shoot on private land, valid land permissions serve as your good reason instead. ### What should I do if I have moved since my last renewal? If you have moved to a new address, you must notify your police force and arrange for your new security arrangements to be inspected. Moving to a different police force area means your file will be transferred, which can add several weeks to the process. ### Is the renewal process different in Scotland? The process is broadly similar but administered by Police Scotland rather than local constabularies. Scottish certificates use different forms and may have slightly different requirements. Contact Police Scotland's firearms licensing department for specific guidance. ### Can I add new firearms as part of my renewal application? You can request additional firearms as part of your renewal by completing the relevant section of the form. However, this may trigger a more detailed review and could extend processing times. Many certificate holders prefer to submit a separate variation after their renewal is granted.

Related Knowledge Centre answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a firearms certificate in 2026?

The standard renewal fee is £49, set by the Home Office. This applies whether you are renewing a firearms certificate alone or a combined firearms and shotgun certificate. The fee has not changed since 2015.

Can I apply for renewal online?

Some police forces now offer online renewal through their licensing portals. However, many still require postal applications using Form 201. Check your local force website for their preferred method.

What happens if my certificate expires while my renewal is being processed?

If you applied before expiry, Section 7(1) of the Firearms Act 1968 provides a continuation of authority. Your existing certificate remains valid until the application is determined, provided you submitted before the expiry date.

Do I need to declare all my firearms on the renewal form?

Yes. You must list every firearm and quantity of ammunition you currently hold. Failing to declare items could result in refusal or criminal investigation.

How often do I need to renew my firearms certificate?

Firearms certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue. You should begin the renewal process at least three months before expiry.

Can my renewal be refused if I have a medical condition?

Having a medical condition does not automatically disqualify you. The police assess each case individually, considering the nature of the condition and whether it affects your fitness to possess firearms.

Do I need to be a member of a shooting club to renew?

Not necessarily. Club membership is one form of good reason, but not the only one. If your original certificate was granted on the basis of club membership, you should maintain that membership.

What should I do if I have moved since my last renewal?

You must notify your police force and arrange for your new security arrangements to be inspected. Moving to a different force area means your file will be transferred, which can add several weeks.

Is the renewal process different in Scotland?

The process is broadly similar but administered by Police Scotland rather than local constabularies. Scottish certificates use different forms and may have slightly different requirements.

Can I add new firearms as part of my renewal application?

You can request additional firearms by completing the relevant section of the form. However, this may trigger a more detailed review and could extend processing times.

Track Your Shooting with Vectis Shooting Log

The digital shooting diary for UK firearms certificate holders. Manage ammo, log sessions, prepare for certificate renewals.

Start Free Trial