Firearm Licence Types

Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000

Firearm licence types in South Africa

Every licence is tied to a reason for owning the firearm. The reason decides which firearms you may hold, how many, and how long the licence lasts before you renew.

How long each licence lasts

Validity as listed on the SAPS 271 application form. Each grid line is one year.

s.14Restricted self-defence

2 yrs

s.13Self-defence

5 yrs

s.20Business purposes

5 yrs

s.15Occasional hunting / sport

10 yrs

s.16 / 16ADedicated / professional

10 yrs

s.17 / s.19Private / public collection

10 yrs

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The licence types

Filter by purpose, or read through every type in order of section number.

Self-defence

Section13

Firearm for self-defence

For a person who needs a firearm to protect life and cannot reasonably meet that need in another way. You must give a good motivation.

Valid: 5 years
Firearms: One firearm: a handgun, or a shotgun that is not fully or semi-automatic.
Use: Defence against an unlawful attack on your life, used safely and lawfully.

Section14

Restricted firearm for self-defence

For firearms the Act classes as restricted, such as semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. It needs a specific motivation for why a non-restricted firearm is not enough.

Valid: 2 years
Firearms: Restricted firearms only.

Hunting and sport shooting

Section15

Occasional hunting and sport shooting

For people who hunt or shoot for sport now and then. Proof of club or association membership is not compulsory; a statement from shooting or hunting colleagues can support the motivation.

Valid: 10 years
Firearms: A handgun suited to hunting, or a hunting rifle or shotgun that is not fully or semi-automatic and not restricted.
Limit: Four firearms in total, including a self-defence firearm.
Ammunition: Up to 200 rounds per licensed firearm.

Section16

Dedicated hunting and sport shooting

For committed hunters and sport shooters. A SAPS-accredited hunting or sport-shooting association must declare you a dedicated hunter or sports person after you meet its training criteria.

Valid: 10 years
Limit: More than four firearms are possible, backed by your association and a need for each.
Status: Dedicated status ends if you let your association membership lapse. You may hold it with more than one association.
Ammunition: The 200-round limit does not apply to dedicated hunters and sports persons.

Section16A

Professional hunting

A licence for people who hunt professionally. It appears on the current SAPS 271 form alongside sections 13 to 16.

Valid: 10 years

Collections

Section17

Private collection

For collectors who keep firearms for their historical, technical or personal interest. A collector's competency certificate covers a specific category of firearm.

Valid: 10 years
Ammunition: A separate permit under section 18 covers ammunition held in a private collection, valid 10 years.

Section19

Public collection

For museums and similar institutions that hold firearms for the public. The firearm licence comes with a permit for the ammunition.

Valid: 10 years

Business

Section20

Firearm for business purposes

For firearms a business needs to operate. The SAPS 271 form lists these uses:

Uses: Game rancher and hunting business, security business, training, other business purposes.
Valid: 5 years on the current form. Older SAPS notices list 2 years for business other than hunting, so confirm with your station.
Limit: No fixed number for businesses such as security companies or shooting instructors.

Side by side

Section	Purpose	Valid	Key point
13	Self-defence	5 years	One firearm, with a motivation
14	Restricted firearm, self-defence	2 years	Restricted firearms only
15	Occasional hunting / sport	10 years	Four firearms in total
16	Dedicated hunting / sport	10 years	Accredited association must declare you dedicated
16A	Professional hunting	10 years	Listed on SAPS 271
17	Private collection	10 years	Ammunition permit under section 18
19	Public collection	10 years	Licence plus ammunition permit
20	Business purposes	5 years	Several business categories

Rules that apply to every licence

Renew early

Apply to renew at least 90 days before the licence expires. Late renewal can lead to a fine.

Report a loss fast

Report a lost, stolen or destroyed firearm to the nearest police station within 24 hours of finding out.

Update your address

Tell SAPS in writing within 30 days of a change of physical address.

One licence per firearm

Each firearm needs its own licence, and you need a competency certificate before you apply.

Check before you act. This page is a general guide, not legal advice. Limits, validity periods and forms can change, and sources do not always agree. Confirm details with your Designated Firearms Officer at SAPS or the Central Firearms Registry before you apply or renew.