Licence holders applying for or renewing firearms/shotgun certificates should account for the new fee structure; applications received on or after 5 February 2025 will be subject to the revised fees.
The BASC (British Association for Shooting and Conservation) recommends that renewals are typically accepted 20 – 24 weeks before a certificate’s expiry. Licence holders are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid lapses in certification.
Updated licensing fees
- Grant of a firearms certificate: £198
- Renewal of a firearms certificate: £131
- Grant of a shotgun certificate: £194
- Renewal of a shotgun certificate: £126
- Coterminous grant of firearm and shotgun certificates: £202
- Coterminous renewal of firearm and shotgun certificates: £155
- Registration as a firearms dealer (grant and renewal): £466
- Replacement of lost or destroyed certificates: £9
- Variation of a firearm certificate (not like-for-like): £47
- Grant of a visitor’s permit (individual): £47
- Grant of a visitor’s permit (group): £233
“Members need a system that is both effective and transparent, ensuring funding delivers meaningful improvements and consistent standards nationwide.”
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos
Why are fees increasing?
The Home Office states the increased fees are intended to enable police forces to fully recover their costs, ensuring that the licensing system is adequately funded.
In the Firearms (variation of fees) Order 2025, the Home Office has stated the following:
‘This review included a data collection exercise involving 31 police forces to assess the current costs associated with administering firearms licensing. Analysis of this data showed that the costs to police have more than doubled since the fees were last set [in 2015]. For example, the fee for renewing a shotgun certificate (the most frequent type of application) is currently £49 for five years, whereas the cost to the police is now £126.’
Effective and transparent system
Responding to the news, NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “While the government’s drive for full-cost recovery is evident, it must address the broader issues surrounding firearms licensing.
“Funding increases should not only cover costs but also deliver tangible improvements in efficiency and service delivery.
“Ensuring that fees are ring-fenced and spent efficiently to address unacceptable delays and improve service levels across all departments is crucial.
“Members need a system that is both effective and transparent, ensuring funding delivers meaningful improvements and consistent standards nationwide.”