Shotgun License Solicitors

If you intend to own a shotgun and buy cartridges, you will need a shotgun certificate, commonly referred to as a shotgun licence. A shotgun certificate or licence may be issued to someone who has a good reason to own a shotgun and whom the police have assessed as not posing a threat to public safety or the peace.

At Renshaw Derrick, our shotgun licence solicitors assist with shotgun licence applications and advise on the best course of action if you have had a shotgun certificate refused. We also provide representation for those who have been accused of breach of a shotgun licence or had a shotgun licence revoked and wish to appeal.

Our team has extensive experience in dealing with issues relating to shotgun ownership. We offer representation to individuals, gun clubs, shooting grounds and registered firearms dealers.  

If you have questions about obtaining a shotgun licence, please feel free to contact us. You can do this by sending an email to mail@renshawderrick.co.uk, calling us on 01202 552777, or filling in our simple online enquiry form.

How our shotgun licence solicitors can help you

Our expert shotgun licence solicitors in Bournemouth can help you with various shotgun certificate matters, including:

  • Advice on shotgun ownership issues
  • Assistance with a shotgun licence application
  • Appealing revocation of a UK shotgun licence
  • Advice and representation during police investigations for shotgun licence violations
  • Advice on the sale of shotguns

Why choose Renshaw Derrick’s shotgun licence solicitors?

Our shotgun licence solicitors will ensure that you have the advice and guidance you need if you are dealing with difficulties relating to a shotgun certificate. We have wide experience in assisting with firearms law and a sound understanding of police requirements in obtaining authorisation to buy or own a shotgun.

We will provide clear advice to you and ensure that we are available to discuss any worries you may have or to answer your questions. If it is alleged that you have breached the terms of your shotgun ownership, we can put together a strong defence on your behalf.

Our firm is proud to be acknowledged as members of the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme for our independently recognised skills in this area.

For information about our team, visit Our People page.

Shotgun licensing fees

Our fees for shotgun licence advice and representation will be based on the time involved and the level of expertise your case requires. To discuss our costs, please give us a call and we will be happy to provide you with a quote.

Punishments for using a shotgun without a licence

Shotgun penalties are imposed for a range of offences, including failure to have a valid shotgun certificate and breaching the terms of a licence. They include:

  • Fines
  • Revocation of the shotgun certificate
  • Forfeiture of the shotgun and ammunition
  • Being prohibited from owning a firearm or ammunition under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968
  • In the most serious cases, a prison sentence

Frequently asked questions about shotgun licences

Can I still get a shotgun licence with a criminal record?

If you have been convicted of a crime and received a sentence of three years or more in prison, you are banned for life from obtaining a shotgun licence.

If you have been convicted of a crime with a prison sentence of between three months and three years, you are banned from having a shotgun certificate for five years from the date on which you are released.

What convictions stop you from getting a shotgun licence?

Convictions that stop you from having a shotgun certificate are those where you have received a sentence of more than three years in prison.

What are shotgun certificate refusal reasons UK?

Other shotgun certificate refusal reasons in the UK include:

  • Mental health issues, which will be taken into account but will not necessarily prevent you from being authorised
  • Physical issues that could affect your ability to safely own a shotgun, such as epilepsy
  • Evidence of aggressive behaviour, including domestic abuse
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • An irresponsible approach to firearms

How much is a shotgun licence?

Shotgun licensing fees are imposed by local police forces. The costs are generally:

  • Shotgun certificate fee £79.50
  • Shotgun certificate renewal £49

How hard is it to get a shotgun licence in the UK?

It is relatively straightforward to get a shotgun certificate in the UK, provided you can satisfy the police that you are eligible and will not be a danger to public safety or the peace. They will also look for evidence that you want the shotgun for a ‘good reason’ and not just based on desire. A good reason could be for reasons of your profession, sport, as a collector or for recreation.

You will need to complete an application form, provide a passport photo of yourself and pay the shotgun certificate fee.

You will also need a referee who is willing to state that they believe you are fit to own a shotgun.

For some shotguns, known as Section 1 shotguns, you will need a firearms licence. This refers to Section 1 of the Firearms Act 1968.

A Section 1 shotgun is subject to a higher level of restriction than other shotguns. It includes shotguns with any of the following:

  • A magazine that holds more than two rounds
  • A barrel that is less than 24 inches in length
  • Overall length of less than 40 inches
  • A self-loading mechanism or pump-action

How much does a shotgun certificate cost in the UK?

The basic shotgun certificate generally costs £79.50, and you will also need to provide a passport photo. The cost of varying a shotgun certificate is £20.

Who can give a reference for a shotgun licence?

A shotgun certificate referee needs to be of good character and must have known you for at least two years.  They will need to provide their opinion on your fitness to own a shotgun and do this freely and without payment. The individual cannot be a family member, a police officer or a firearms dealer.

How long until I can apply for a shotgun licence if I had it revoked?

If your shotgun licence is revoked, you have 21 days in which to appeal this by contacting the Crown Court.

Otherwise, you can reapply for a certificate if your circumstances change and you believe you satisfy the eligibility criteria.

However, this is unlikely to be an immediate option and you will need to prove that your circumstances have significantly changed enough in order to address the reasons why your licence was revoked.

For more information, see our Firearms Licensing page.

Get in touch with our shotgun licensing solicitors in Bournemouth, Dorset today

If you have questions about obtaining a shotgun certificate, please feel free to contact us. You can do this by sending an email to mail@renshawderrick.co.uk, calling us on 01202 552777, or filling in our simple online enquiry form.