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Shotgun Certificate vs Firearms Certificate: Key Differences Every UK Shooter Should Know

FAC & Licensing 17 April 2026 10 min read By Ashley Marshall

A shotgun certificate covers Section 2 shotguns, while a firearms certificate covers rifles and high-capacity shotguns. Here are the key legal, cost, and practical differences UK shooters need to understand.

Shotgun Certificate vs Firearms Certificate: Key Differences Every UK Shooter Should Know

Quick Answer

A Shotgun Certificate (SGC) permits ownership of Section 2 shotguns, typically those with a magazine capacity of two rounds or fewer, without limiting the total number of shotguns held. In contrast, a Firearms Certificate (FAC) is required for Section 1 firearms such as rifles and high capacity shotguns, and specifies each individual firearm and the quantity of ammunition permitted.

## Quick Answer A shotgun certificate (SGC) covers Section 2 shotguns with a magazine capacity of two rounds or fewer, while a firearms certificate (FAC) covers Section 1 firearms including rifles and high-capacity shotguns. The biggest practical difference is that an SGC does not limit the number of shotguns you can own, whereas an FAC specifies exactly which firearms and how much ammunition you're permitted to hold. Both require police approval, but the application processes, costs, and legal tests differ significantly. ## What Is the Difference Between a Shotgun Certificate and a Firearms Certificate? The core distinction comes down to UK firearms law. Under the Firearms Act 1968, Section 2 shotguns (smooth-bore firearms with a barrel of at least 24 inches and a magazine holding no more than two cartridges) sit under the shotgun certificate regime. Everything else, including rifles, pistols (where permitted), and shotguns that exceed the Section 2 criteria, falls under the firearms certificate. The practical impact is huge. An SGC holder doesn't need to justify owning each individual shotgun, while an FAC holder must demonstrate "good reason" for every single firearm they wish to acquire. ## Do I Need Good Reason for a Shotgun Certificate? No, and this is one of the most misunderstood aspects of UK firearms law. For a shotgun certificate, the burden of proof sits with the police. They must show a reason why you *shouldn't* have one, rather than you proving why you should. The legal test under Section 28 of the Firearms Act 1968 states that the chief officer of police shall grant a certificate unless they have reason to believe you're a danger to public safety, or that you're prohibited from possessing a shotgun. For a firearms certificate, the position is reversed. Under Section 27, **you** must demonstrate good reason for possessing each firearm. Common good reasons include: - **Target shooting** at a Home Office approved club - **Deer stalking** with appropriate land permissions - **Pest control** on land where you have written authority - **Collecting** (historic or antique firearms) This difference alone means the FAC application is more involved, with supporting evidence required for each firearm you wish to hold. ## How Do the Application Processes Compare? Both applications go through your local police firearms licensing department, but the detail required varies. ### Shotgun Certificate Application - Complete Form 201 (available from your local police force) - Provide one counter-signatory (a person of good standing who has known you for at least two years) - Passport-style photograph - Details of your secure storage arrangements - Fee: currently £79.50 for a grant, £49.00 for renewal - No requirement to name specific shotguns at application ### Firearms Certificate Application - Complete Form 201 (same form, different sections) - Provide two referees who have known you for at least two years - Passport-style photograph - Full details of intended firearms, calibres, and ammunition quantities - Evidence of good reason for each firearm (club membership letters, land permissions, stalking invitations) - Secure storage details appropriate to the firearms requested - Fee: currently £88.00 for a grant, £62.00 for renewal Both processes include a home visit from a Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO) who will inspect your security arrangements and conduct an interview. ## What About Storage Requirements? Security requirements differ between the two certificates, though Home Office guidance applies to both. For shotguns under an SGC, the minimum requirement is a gun cabinet securely fixed to the wall or fabric of the building. The cabinet should meet the standards in the Home Office Guide on Firearms Licensing Law (2024 edition). Most forces accept BS 7558-rated cabinets. For firearms held on an FAC, the requirements are typically stricter. Your FEO may require: - A higher-rated cabinet (particularly for larger collections) - Separate ammunition storage - Enhanced security measures for certain firearm types - Additional locks or alarm systems depending on the risk assessment The police take a proportionate approach. A single .22 rifle for target shooting won't attract the same security demands as a collection of six centrefire rifles. ## Can I Hold Both Certificates at the Same Time? Yes, and many UK shooters do. If you enjoy clay pigeon shooting with a Section 2 shotgun and target rifle shooting at your local club, you'll need both an SGC and an FAC. There's no restriction on holding both simultaneously. When you hold both, renewal dates may differ. Some police forces will align your certificates to the same renewal date if you ask, which simplifies the process. It's worth requesting this when you first apply for the second certificate. A coterminous certificate (combined SGC and FAC on a single document) is available in many forces. This means one application, one home visit, and one renewal date. The fee is the same as the individual certificates combined, but the administrative convenience is significant. ## How Long Does Each Certificate Last? Both shotgun certificates and firearms certificates are valid for five years from the date of grant. Renewal applications should be submitted at least eight weeks before expiry, though many licensing departments recommend applying 16-20 weeks ahead given current processing times. According to BASC's 2024 licensing survey, average processing times across England and Wales range from 6 weeks to over 26 weeks depending on police force. Metropolitan areas tend to be slower, while rural forces often process applications more quickly. If your certificate expires before a renewal is processed and you submitted your renewal on time, you can continue to possess your firearms lawfully under Section 7(1) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988. Keep proof of your submitted renewal application safe. ## What Happens if My Application Is Refused? Both SGC and FAC refusals can be appealed through the Crown Court. The appeal process is the same regardless of certificate type: 1. You receive written notice of refusal from your police force 2. You have 21 days to lodge an appeal with the Crown Court 3. The court will hear evidence from both you and the police 4. The court can grant, vary, or uphold the refusal BASC and other shooting organisations offer legal support and advice to members facing refusal or revocation. If you're considering an appeal, getting specialist legal advice early is important. ## Which Certificate Do I Need for Semi-Automatic Shotguns? This catches a lot of people out. A semi-automatic or pump-action shotgun with a magazine capacity of more than two rounds falls under Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968. That means it requires a firearms certificate, not a shotgun certificate. Common examples: | Shotgun Type | Magazine Capacity | Certificate Required | |---|---|---| | Over-under (standard) | 2 rounds | SGC | | Side-by-side (standard) | 2 rounds | SGC | | Semi-auto (2+1 magazine) | 2 rounds | SGC | | Semi-auto (3+ magazine) | 3+ rounds | FAC (Section 1) | | Pump-action (3+ magazine) | 3+ rounds | FAC (Section 1) | If you fit a magazine extension to a Section 2 shotgun that increases capacity beyond two rounds, it immediately becomes a Section 1 firearm and you must hold an FAC with the correct authority. ## How Does Ammunition Work Under Each Certificate? Under an SGC, there's no legal limit on the quantity of shotgun cartridges you can purchase or hold. You don't need to record individual purchases, though keeping a rough stock record is good practice. FAC ammunition is very different. Your certificate specifies exactly how much ammunition you're authorised to possess for each calibre. Typical allowances might be: - .22 LR: 500-1,000 rounds - .308 Winchester: 150-300 rounds - .243 Winchester: 100-250 rounds Every purchase must be recorded, and you should maintain an accurate ammunition register showing acquisitions, expenditure, and current stock. A police inspection may include checking your ammunition records against your physical stock. This is where a digital tool like [Vectis Shooting Log](https://www.vectisshootinglog.com) becomes invaluable. It tracks your ammunition transactions automatically, keeping you compliant without the hassle of paper ledgers. ## Key Takeaways - An SGC covers Section 2 shotguns (two-round magazine max); an FAC covers rifles and Section 1 shotguns - You don't need good reason for an SGC, but you do for every firearm on an FAC - Both certificates last five years and require a home visit - You can hold both certificates simultaneously, or apply for a coterminous certificate - Storage requirements are proportionate but typically stricter for FAC firearms - Semi-auto and pump-action shotguns with 3+ round capacity need an FAC - FAC ammunition is limited and must be recorded; SGC cartridges are not restricted by quantity ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does a shotgun certificate cost in the UK? A shotgun certificate grant currently costs £79.50, and a renewal costs £49.00. These fees are set by the Home Office and are the same across all police forces in England and Wales. Scottish fees are set separately by Police Scotland. ### Can I buy a rifle on a shotgun certificate? No. Rifles are classified as Section 1 firearms and require a firearms certificate. Your SGC only authorises you to possess Section 2 shotguns. You would need to apply for an FAC with the appropriate calibre and good reason before purchasing any rifle. ### How many shotguns can I own on an SGC? There is no legal limit on the number of Section 2 shotguns you can own with a valid SGC. You must have secure storage for all of them, and your local police force must be notified when you acquire or dispose of a shotgun. Each transaction should be recorded on your certificate. ### What is the minimum age for a shotgun certificate in the UK? You can apply for a shotgun certificate from the age of 18. However, young people aged 15-17 can use a shotgun under the supervision of someone aged 21 or over who holds a valid SGC. Children under 15 have more restrictive conditions on supervised use. ### Do I need to be a member of a shooting club for an SGC? No. Club membership is not required for a shotgun certificate. You don't need to demonstrate good reason, so club membership isn't a factor in the police decision. That said, being an active club member can strengthen any application by demonstrating responsible use. ### How long does it take to get a firearms certificate? Processing times vary significantly by police force. According to BASC data, typical times range from 8 to 26 weeks across England and Wales. Some rural forces process applications within 6-8 weeks, while metropolitan forces may take considerably longer. Submit your application well in advance of when you need it. ### Can I take my shotgun abroad on an SGC? Travelling abroad with firearms requires additional documentation regardless of certificate type. Within the EU, you need a European Firearms Pass (EFP). For other countries, you'll need to check the specific import requirements of the destination country. Your police force or shooting organisation can advise on the paperwork needed. ### What is a coterminous firearms and shotgun certificate? A coterminous certificate combines your SGC and FAC onto a single document with a single renewal date. This means one application process, one home visit, and one fee payment cycle. Most police forces in England and Wales offer coterminous certificates, and it's worth requesting one if you hold both. ### Is my SGC valid across the whole of the UK? An SGC granted in England or Wales is valid across England and Wales. Scotland has its own licensing system under Police Scotland, and Northern Ireland operates a separate firearms certificate system. If you move to Scotland or Northern Ireland, you'll need to apply under the local system. ### What should I do if I lose my shotgun certificate? Report the loss to your local police firearms licensing department immediately. You can apply for a replacement certificate, for which a small fee applies. While waiting for the replacement, do not acquire, dispose of, or transport any shotguns, as you cannot prove your authority to possess them without a valid certificate.

Related Knowledge Centre answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a shotgun certificate cost in the UK?

A shotgun certificate grant currently costs £79.50, and a renewal costs £49.00. These fees are set by the Home Office and are the same across all police forces in England and Wales. Scottish fees are set separately by Police Scotland.

Can I buy a rifle on a shotgun certificate?

No. Rifles are classified as Section 1 firearms and require a firearms certificate. Your SGC only authorises you to possess Section 2 shotguns. You would need to apply for an FAC with the appropriate calibre and good reason before purchasing any rifle.

How many shotguns can I own on an SGC?

There is no legal limit on the number of Section 2 shotguns you can own with a valid SGC. You must have secure storage for all of them, and your local police force must be notified when you acquire or dispose of a shotgun.

What is the minimum age for a shotgun certificate in the UK?

You can apply for a shotgun certificate from the age of 18. Young people aged 15-17 can use a shotgun under the supervision of someone aged 21 or over who holds a valid SGC. Children under 15 have more restrictive conditions.

Do I need to be a member of a shooting club for an SGC?

No. Club membership is not required for a shotgun certificate. You don't need to demonstrate good reason, so club membership isn't a factor in the police decision. Being an active club member can strengthen any application though.

How long does it take to get a firearms certificate?

Processing times vary significantly by police force. According to BASC data, typical times range from 8 to 26 weeks across England and Wales. Some rural forces process applications within 6-8 weeks, while metropolitan forces may take considerably longer.

Can I take my shotgun abroad on an SGC?

Travelling abroad with firearms requires additional documentation regardless of certificate type. Within the EU, you need a European Firearms Pass. For other countries, check the specific import requirements of the destination country.

What is a coterminous firearms and shotgun certificate?

A coterminous certificate combines your SGC and FAC onto a single document with a single renewal date. This means one application process, one home visit, and one fee payment cycle. Most police forces in England and Wales offer these.

Is my SGC valid across the whole of the UK?

An SGC granted in England or Wales is valid across England and Wales. Scotland has its own licensing system under Police Scotland, and Northern Ireland operates a separate firearms certificate system.

What should I do if I lose my shotgun certificate?

Report the loss to your local police firearms licensing department immediately. You can apply for a replacement certificate for a small fee. While waiting, do not acquire, dispose of, or transport any shotguns.

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