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How to Apply for a UK Firearms Certificate Variation: Adding, Removing, and Upgrading

FAC & Licensing 20 March 2026 10 min read By Ashley Marshall

A complete guide to applying for a UK firearms certificate variation, covering costs, processing times, good reason requirements, and one-for-one replacements.

How to Apply for a UK Firearms Certificate Variation: Adding, Removing, and Upgrading

Quick Answer

A firearms certificate variation lets you add new firearms, remove disposed ones, change calibres, or update conditions on your existing FAC. You apply using Form 201 (Part 2) through your local police force, and it typically costs £20 for a standard variation. Processing times range from 2 to 12 weeks depending on your force, though straightforward one for one replacements are usually faster than requests for additional slots.

# How to Apply for a UK Firearms Certificate Variation: Adding, Removing, and Upgrading ## Quick Answer A firearms certificate variation lets you add new firearms, remove disposed ones, change calibres, or update conditions on your existing FAC. You apply using **Form 201 (Part 2)** through your local police force, and it typically costs **£20 for a standard variation**. Processing times range from 2 to 12 weeks depending on your force, though straightforward one-for-one replacements are usually faster than requests for additional slots. ## What Is a Firearms Certificate Variation? A firearms certificate variation is a formal amendment to the conditions, quantities, or types of firearms listed on your Section 1 certificate. Unlike a renewal (which replaces an expiring certificate), a variation modifies your existing, in-date FAC. You'll need a variation whenever you want to: - **Add a new firearm** to your certificate (additional slot) - **Remove a firearm** you've sold, gifted, or had destroyed - **Change calibre** (swapping a .308 for a .243, for example) - **One-for-one replacement** (same calibre, different rifle) - **Add a new condition** (like acquiring a sound moderator separately listed) - **Change your address** (requires notification and sometimes re-inspection) The key principle: your certificate must always accurately reflect what you hold. Holding a firearm not covered by your certificate is a criminal offence under the Firearms Act 1968. ## How Do You Apply for a Variation? The process is relatively straightforward, though timelines vary by force. ### Step 1: Download Form 201 (Part 2) Get the form from your police force's website or from [Gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-form-201). You want Part 2, the variation section, not the full grant application. ### Step 2: Complete the Form You'll need to provide: - Your current certificate number and expiry date - Details of the firearm(s) you want to add or remove - **Good reason** for each firearm you're requesting - Details of where you'll use it (club, land permission, etc.) - Storage arrangements (if your current cabinet capacity is changing) ### Step 3: Submit and Pay Post the completed form to your Firearms Licensing Department with the fee. Most forces now also accept online submissions or email, though paper remains the default for many. **Current fees (2025/26):** | Variation Type | Fee | |---|---| | Standard variation (add/remove/change) | £20 | | Variation to change address | Free (notification only) | | Replacement certificate (lost/damaged) | £4 | ### Step 4: Wait for Processing Your Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO) may need to visit if you're adding firearms beyond your current cabinet capacity. For simple one-for-one swaps, many forces process these without a home visit. ## What Counts as 'Good Reason' for Adding a Firearm? This is where most applications succeed or stumble. UK law requires you to demonstrate a genuine reason for possessing each Section 1 firearm. "I want one" is not good reason. **Accepted good reasons include:** - **Target shooting** at a Home Office Approved club (most common). You'll need a letter from your club confirming membership and that the calibre is appropriate for their range. - **Pest control/vermin** on land where you have written permission. The calibre must be suitable for the quarry. - **Deer stalking** with appropriate calibre (.240 or above for most deer species in England and Wales; specific requirements in Scotland under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996). - **Collecting** (for deactivated or antique firearms, though this rarely requires a variation). - **Humane dispatch** if you work with livestock and need a specific firearm. **Common mistakes:** - Requesting a calibre that doesn't match your stated purpose (asking for a .50 BMG for rabbit control won't fly) - Not having supporting documentation ready (club letter, land permission letter) - Vague descriptions of intended use ## How Long Does a Variation Take to Process? Processing times vary enormously by police force. Based on community reports and BASC data: | Force Type | Typical Timeframe | |---|---| | Rural forces (like Dorset, Devon & Cornwall) | 2-4 weeks | | Mid-sized forces | 4-8 weeks | | Metropolitan/large urban forces | 6-12 weeks | | One-for-one replacements (any force) | 1-4 weeks | A one-for-one replacement in the same calibre is the quickest variation. You're not asking for anything new, just swapping one rifle for another. Some forces process these within days. Adding an entirely new slot takes longer because your FEO needs to be satisfied that your storage is adequate and your good reason is genuine. **Pro tip:** If your variation is taking longer than 8 weeks, contact your Firearms Licensing Department for an update. BASC and the Firearms Licensing Consultancy can also chase on your behalf if you're a member. ## Can You Be Refused a Variation? Yes. The police can refuse a variation on the same grounds they could refuse a grant: - Insufficient good reason - Concerns about public safety - Inadequate storage - Medical concerns flagged by your GP - Relevant criminal history If your variation is refused, you'll receive written reasons and have the right to appeal to the Crown Court within 21 days. Before appealing, consider whether your application could be strengthened and resubmitted. Appeals cost money and take time, so it's often worth addressing the specific concern first. ## What About One-for-One Replacements? A one-for-one replacement is the simplest variation. You're selling or disposing of one firearm and acquiring another in the same calibre. Your total holding doesn't increase. **The process:** 1. Notify your force that you've disposed of the old firearm 2. Apply to vary your certificate to acquire the replacement 3. Many forces handle this as a single transaction Some forces allow you to acquire first and dispose second (within a reasonable timeframe), while others insist you dispose first. Check with your licensing department before buying. **Record keeping matters here.** Your shooting log should reflect every acquisition and disposal with dates, serial numbers, and the details of the other party. This is exactly the kind of thing [Vectis Shooting Log](https://www.vectisshootinglog.com) handles automatically, keeping your records clean and audit-ready. ## Do You Need a Variation to Buy Ammunition? Not usually. Your FAC already specifies the calibres you're permitted to possess and maximum quantities. You can buy ammunition in those calibres from any registered firearms dealer (RFD) without a variation. You will need a variation if: - You want to increase your maximum ammunition holding - You want to add a new calibre for ammunition only (without acquiring a firearm in that calibre) - Your certificate conditions restrict where you purchase from (rare, but it happens) Keep accurate ammunition records. Your certificate specifies a maximum holding, and exceeding it is an offence. Track every purchase, every round fired, and your current stock level. ## What Happens When You Move House? Moving address isn't technically a variation, but it does require action on your part. You must notify your chief officer of police within 7 days of moving. **If you're moving within the same force area:** - Notify the licensing department of your new address - An FEO may visit to inspect storage at the new property - Your certificate will be updated (sometimes a new certificate is issued) **If you're moving to a different force area:** - Notify both the old and new force - The new force will want to inspect your storage - Processing can take longer as the file transfers between forces **Never move firearms to a new address before your storage has been approved.** If there's a gap, arrange temporary storage with an RFD or ask a fellow certificate holder to store them on your behalf (with appropriate authority). ## How Do You Remove a Firearm From Your Certificate? When you sell, gift, or have a firearm destroyed, you must notify your police force. The buyer (or dealer) and seller both have notification obligations. **For a private sale:** 1. Verify the buyer's certificate covers the firearm type and calibre 2. Complete the transaction face-to-face (posting firearms requires an RFD) 3. Both parties notify their respective forces within 7 days 4. Record the transaction details: date, firearm description, serial number, buyer/seller details **For sale to an RFD:** 1. Take the firearm to the dealer 2. The dealer records the transaction in their register 3. You notify your force within 7 days **For destruction:** 1. Take the firearm to a proof house or RFD for deactivation/destruction 2. Obtain a certificate of destruction 3. Notify your force ## Key Takeaways - A variation costs just **£20** and lets you add, remove, or change firearms on your FAC - Always have your **good reason** and supporting documents ready before applying - **One-for-one replacements** are the fastest and simplest variations - Notify your force within **7 days** of any disposal, acquisition, or address change - Keep detailed records of every transaction; your shooting log is your audit trail - If refused, you have **21 days to appeal** to the Crown Court ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does a firearms certificate variation cost in the UK? A standard variation costs £20, regardless of whether you're adding, removing, or changing firearms. Address changes are free (notification only), and replacement certificates for lost or damaged documents cost £4. ### Can I apply for multiple changes in one variation? Yes. You can add multiple firearms, remove others, and change conditions all in a single variation application for one £20 fee. Grouping changes together is more efficient than submitting separate applications. ### Do I need a home visit for every variation? Not always. One-for-one replacements and removals often don't require a visit. If you're increasing your total holding or changing storage arrangements, your FEO will likely want to inspect. Each force has its own policy on this. ### How long is a variation valid for? A variation modifies your existing certificate, so it's valid for the remaining life of that certificate. When your FAC comes up for renewal, the varied conditions carry forward unless you request further changes. ### Can I use my firearm while the variation is being processed? You can continue using firearms already on your certificate. You cannot possess or use a new firearm until the variation is granted and the firearm is recorded on your certificate. ### What happens if I forget to notify the police about a disposal? Failing to notify within 7 days is a criminal offence under the Firearms Act. In practice, most forces will accept a late notification with an explanation, but repeated failures could affect future applications or renewals. ### Can my RFD submit a variation on my behalf? Some forces allow dealers to submit variation paperwork alongside a purchase, but you remain responsible for ensuring it's done. Always confirm with your licensing department what they accept. ### Do I need a variation to fit a sound moderator? If the sound moderator is listed as a separate item on your certificate (which is common), you'll need a variation to add one. Some certificates already include a condition covering moderators for listed calibres. Check your certificate wording carefully. ### What's the difference between a variation and a renewal? A renewal replaces your expiring certificate with a new 5-year certificate. A variation amends your current, in-date certificate. You can apply for a variation at any time during your certificate's validity. Renewals must be submitted at least 8 weeks before expiry. ### Can I appeal if my variation is refused? Yes. You have 21 days from the date of the refusal letter to lodge an appeal with the Crown Court. The court will consider whether the police decision was reasonable. Legal representation is recommended, and organisations like BASC offer legal support to members.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a firearms certificate variation cost in the UK?

A standard variation costs £20, regardless of whether you are adding, removing, or changing firearms. Address changes are free, and replacement certificates for lost or damaged documents cost £4.

Can I apply for multiple changes in one variation?

Yes. You can add multiple firearms, remove others, and change conditions all in a single variation application for one £20 fee. Grouping changes is more efficient than submitting separate applications.

Do I need a home visit for every variation?

Not always. One-for-one replacements and removals often don't require a visit. If you are increasing your total holding or changing storage arrangements, your FEO will likely want to inspect.

How long is a variation valid for?

A variation modifies your existing certificate, so it is valid for the remaining life of that certificate. When your FAC comes up for renewal, the varied conditions carry forward unless you request further changes.

Can I use my firearm while the variation is being processed?

You can continue using firearms already on your certificate. You cannot possess or use a new firearm until the variation is granted and the firearm is recorded on your certificate.

What happens if I forget to notify the police about a disposal?

Failing to notify within 7 days is a criminal offence under the Firearms Act. In practice, most forces will accept a late notification with an explanation, but repeated failures could affect future applications.

Can my RFD submit a variation on my behalf?

Some forces allow dealers to submit variation paperwork alongside a purchase, but you remain responsible for ensuring it is done. Always confirm with your licensing department what they accept.

Do I need a variation to fit a sound moderator?

If the sound moderator is listed as a separate item on your certificate, you will need a variation to add one. Some certificates already include a condition covering moderators for listed calibres.

What is the difference between a variation and a renewal?

A renewal replaces your expiring certificate with a new 5-year certificate. A variation amends your current, in-date certificate. You can apply for a variation at any time during your certificate validity.

Can I appeal if my variation is refused?

Yes. You have 21 days from the date of the refusal letter to lodge an appeal with the Crown Court. Legal representation is recommended, and organisations like BASC offer legal support to members.

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