Quick Answer
When applying for a Firearms Certificate (FAC) in the UK, you must provide consent for your General Practitioner (GP) to supply a medical report to the police. This report assesses any medical conditions that might impact your safe possession and use of firearms. Your GP will also place a "firearms medical marker" on your medical record.
Applying for a Firearms Certificate (FAC) in the UK involves a thorough assessment of your suitability, and your medical history is crucial. The police, as the issuing authority, must ensure you are physically and mentally fit to possess firearms safely. This page outlines the key medical information required and what to expect during the application process.
Understanding the GP Report and the "Firearms Medical Marker"
A cornerstone of the FAC application is the medical report from your GP. You are required to give explicit consent for your GP to share relevant medical information with your local police force. This is a professional assessment by a medical practitioner with access to your full medical history.
Your GP will specifically report on conditions that could affect safe firearm handling. These commonly include, but are not limited to, severe depression or other mood disorders, suicidal ideation, psychosis, dementia, neurological conditions (like epilepsy), impulse control disorders, and a history of drug or alcohol abuse. The goal is to identify any conditions making you unsuitable to hold a firearms certificate.
Following national guidance, your GP will also add a "firearms medical marker" to your medical record. This marker alerts future consultations to any new medical diagnoses or concerns relevant to firearm ownership. For a more detailed look, read our guide on What Is the Firearms Medical Marker in England and How Does It Affect Your Certificate Application?.
What Your GP Needs to Know
It is paramount that you are honest and forthcoming with your GP about your FAC application and medical history. Your GP's role is to provide an objective medical assessment to the police, not to approve or deny your certificate. They will review your medical records for relevant conditions and may discuss these with you. Understanding what specific conditions are relevant can help you prepare. Our article, FAC Medical Requirements: What Your GP Needs to Know, provides further insights.
The Application Process and Medical Reporting
Once you submit your FAC application, your local police force will contact your GP directly to request the medical report. You will typically be asked to pay any fee charged by your GP for this service, as it falls outside of standard NHS provision. Clarify any costs with your practice beforehand.
If your GP feels they lack enough information, or a specific condition requires further evaluation, the police might request a specialist report or an independent medical examination for a comprehensive assessment. A GP declining to provide a report without valid reason can complicate the application; police forces have procedures to manage such situations.
Your Ongoing Responsibility as a Certificate Holder
Obtaining your FAC isn't the end of your medical responsibilities. As a certificate holder, you have an ongoing duty to notify the police if you develop a medical condition that might affect your ability to possess firearms safely. This includes significant changes or new diagnoses. Failing to do so could jeopardise your certificate.
Maintaining a personal shooting log or diary also supports responsible certificate holding. Regular records demonstrate commitment to safe practices and provide a clear history of firearm use, useful during renewals. Learn more about What Should You Record in a Personal Shooting Log for Your FAC in the UK? and How to Keep a UK Shooting Diary: Why It Matters for Your FAC and How to Start. Remember, actions like criminal convictions have severe consequences, as highlighted in What Happens If You Are Convicted of a Crime While Holding an FAC.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Always check the specific requirements of your local police force and the conditions stated on your firearms certificate.
Practical Bottom Line
Securing a Firearms Certificate requires a clear medical assessment from your GP, confirming your fitness to safely possess firearms. Be prepared to consent to this report, understand the role of the "firearms medical marker," and maintain open communication with your medical practitioner. Your ongoing responsibility includes reporting any significant health changes to the police, ensuring you remain a suitable certificate holder throughout its validity.