Suffolk Constabulary's frequently asked questions in relation to firearms licensing are as follows:

How much will my shotgun/firearm certificate cost?

For either a shotgun or firearm certificate for the first time - £50
For both a shotgun and a firearm certificate for the first time - £60
To renew either a shotgun certificate or a firearm certificate -£40
To renew both a shotgun and firearm certificate at the same time - £50
To vary a firearm certificate - £26

Who do I make cheques payable to?

Please make cheques payable to Suffolk Constabulary.

What is a Firearm?

"Firearm", within the definition of the Firearms Acts, means a lethal barrelled weapon of any description, from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged. It includes any prohibited weapon, whether it is such a lethal weapon as aforesaid or not, and any component part of such a weapon, and any accessory to such weapon designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by the firing of the weapon.
Therefore the definition includes firearms such as rifles, as well as shotguns and air guns.

But which firearms do I need to have a certificate for?

You will need a firearms certificate for rifles, muzzle loading pistols and some types of shotgun. These are normally either short barrelled (Under 24 inches) or have a magazine, which takes more than two cartridges or has a removable magazine.  These firearms are often called “section 1 firearms”.

You will need a Shotgun Certificate for conventional shotguns, which are guns with smooth bored barrels, which are at least 24 inches in length, and if the gun has a magazine it must not be detachable and should not hold more than two cartridges.

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Who can Countersign my shotgun certificate application?

See details on  having the form Countersigned

Who can act as a referee for my firearm certificate application?

See details on how to apply for a firearm certificate.

Do I need a certificate for a signal pistol?

Yes, a signal pistol is classed as a section one firearm and you will need a Firearm Certificate.  If it is for emergency signalling at sea and it is the only firearm on a certificate, the certificate will be issued free of charge.  Single use distress flares are not classed as firearms and do not require a certificate.

I live in London but shoot in Suffolk. Can Suffolk Constabulary issue me with a certificate?

No, the Police Force for the area in which you reside must issue your certificate.

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Must I declare all previous convictions?

Yes, all convictions no matter how old including all traffic convictions and any offences committed abroad.

Do I need to install a gun cabinet before I get the certificate?

No, you may be granted a certificate before you install your security.  It may be better to wait until the Firearms Enquiry Officer has seen you, as he or she will give advice on the best location to keep your guns.  For further information see security advice.

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What do I do if I change address?

If you change address it is a legal requirement to notify the Police Force which issued your certificate. If you are a Suffolk Constabulary certificate holder or you have moved to Suffolk you may notify your change of address by using the attached form. Please print out the form, complete it and send it to: Firearm Services Unit, Suffolk Constabulary FHQ, Martlesham Heath, IPSWICH, Suffolk, IP5 3QS.

Please retain your old certificate/s until the Firearm Services team contacts you.

Firearms Change of Address Form - 71.5kb - (pdf)  - opens in a new window.

What happens if I buy or sell a shotgun or firearm?

You must show your certificate to the person who is giving or selling the shotgun to you. The seller will need to complete table two, which is on the back of your certificate. Once table two is complete, the gun is now ‘on the certificate’ and the certificate does not need to be returned to the police. However, both you and the person selling or giving the gun must notify the Firearm Services Unit, of the transaction in writing. Please complete the appropriate column of the Firearm Gun Transaction Notification form or write to us with full details of the shotgun and the details of both parties involved. Notifications should be sent by Recorded Delivery or Registered Post within seven days to:

Suffolk Constabulary, Firearm Services Unit, Police Headquarters, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3QS.

It is an offence not to notify either the acquisition or the disposal of a gun.If you buy or sell a shotgun or firearm please complete the appropriate column of the Firearm Gun Transaction Notification form and send it by Recorded Delivery or Registered Post within seven days to: Suffolk Constabulary, Firearm Services Unit, Police Headquarters, Martlesham Heath,  Ipswich IP5 3QS.

Firearm Gun Transactions Notification Form - 64.8kb - (pdf)  - opens in a new window.

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