Application form

Download a grant pack (Shotgun certificate application - Form 103)

View an example of an accurately completed application form

Fees

The grant of a shotgun certificate is £50.00. Cheques or postal orders must be made payable to 'Avon and Somerset Constabulary'. Cash should not be sent through the post.

Co-terminous certificates

If you are applying for the grant or renewal of a firearm certificate and you already possess a shotgun certificate, you may request for both certificates to expire on the same day by making them co-terminous. This process will save you money in the long run making future co-terminous renewals £50.00 in total.

Counter-signatories

Counter-signatories must be one of the class of persons mentioned on Part D of the application form. The term 'persons of similar standing' can include members of professional bodies ie: architects, accountants, surveyors, etc. Also acceptable is a person who has, or has held, a post in Her Majesty's Forces and also qualified teachers from recognised schools.

Security

Firearms and shotguns should be stored so as to prevent access by unauthorised persons which include other members of an applicant's household. All guns should be stored out of sight and under lock and key. Gun cabinets, gun clamps and gun rooms are the best forms of secure storage.

Gun Cabinets

1. To be made of steel at least 2mm thick and conform to BS 7558 (1992).
2. Have two five lever-locks fitted inside the cabinet.
3. To be secured to the fabric of the house in a protected area (ie not a garage or an outhouse).
4. Be out of sight from casual visitors.

Ammunition

Should be stored in a separate lockable compartment and may form part of the cabinet. Ammunition boxes should remain ventilated.

Transporting guns

1. Always keep your shotgun in its case or cover whilst transporting it.
2. Never transport a loaded shotgun.
3. If staying away from home overnight, your shotgun should be stored preferably with a registered firearms dealer or in a secure cabinet of another certificate holder.
4. If it is necessary to leave your shotgun in a vehicle, it must be stored out of sight, preferably in a locked boot. Consideration should be given to removing the bolt, trigger and/or fore-end of the shotgun, and always ensure that you lock the vehicle securely.
5. If it is necessary to leave the shotgun in a vehicle on regular occasions, consider having a lockable metal storage case secured to the structure of the vehicle.

Please use this checklist to ensure you have included everything we need to process your application efficiently:

• Indicate whether the application is a Grant or Renewal application
• Complete all parts of the application form.
• Read, sign and date the ‘authorisation’ at question 16 and the ‘declaration’ at Part E.
• Counter signatory must have known you personally for at least two years and meets the required status.
• Counter signatory has read Part A, read and signed Part D, and signed one of your photographs as a true likeness.
• Include 4 passport sized photographs - one signed by you, one certified by your countersignory.
• Cheque (signed) for correct fee made payable to: Avon and Somerset Constabulary
• If ‘co-terminous’ application have you completed both a Shot Gun and a Firearm application form.
• Send to the correct PO Box number 2781.
• Have you put enough postage on? It can take several weeks to be returned to you by the Royal Mail if undelivered.