1. Find a firearm training provider near you (follow the link to The SA Professional  Firearm Trainers Council to help you find a trainer) and buy the proficiency material. The seller will explain how the testing works.
2. Apply for competency by using certified copies of the proficiency certificates and statement of results, to apply at the DFO for the police station in the area that you live.
3. Once competency is approved, you can apply for a licence for a firearm.

You will need the following documents:

1. Download and complete the SAPS 517 form from the SAPS website (use black ink),
2. Certified copy of your ID,
3. Certified copies of your proficiency certificate and statement of results,
4. Two colour passport photos,
5. R84 cash payment fee if the year is 2023 (ask on the Firearms Policy Campaign’s Facebook group if it is no longer 2023).

Note: Your DFO will probably ask for proof of address to make sure you live in the area that they are responsible for. They do this because they do not have the resources to carry out official inspections as they are required. Your DFO will also explain how they want the character references. Some DFOs want affidavits, others want phone numbers for a telephone interview, and some will want a physical interview. The purpose of this interview is to confirm that you are (1) a fit and proper person to possess a firearm, (2) not dependent on any substance with a narcotic or intoxicating effect, and (3) that you are mentally stable and not inclined to violence.

You will need the following documents:

1. Download and complete the SAPS 271 form from the SAPS website (use black ink),
2. Motivation dependent on the purpose you need the firearm for (this is often attached as an additional document rather than filled in on the field in the 271 form),
3. Certified copy of your ID,
4. Two colour passport photos,
5. Copy of your competency certificate,
6. R168 cash payment fee if the year is 2023 (ask on the Firearms Policy Campaign’s Facebook group if it is no longer 2023).
7. Three character references from friends and family that have known you at least a few years. One should be from a person that lives with you, otherwise you may use a friend or colleague if you live alone.

Note: Your DFO will probably ask for proof of address to make sure you live in the area they are responsible for, and also for photos of your safe showing that you have it and that it is properly installed. They do this because they do not have the resources to carry out official inspections as they are required.

1. Download and complete the SAPS 518(g) form from the SAPS website (use black ink),
2. Certified copy of your ID,
3. Certified copies of your proficiency certificate and statement of results,
4. Copy of your previous/existing competency certificate,
5. Two colour passport photos,
6. R84 cash payment fee if the year is 2023 (ask on the Firearms Policy Campaign’s Facebook group if it is no longer 2023).
7. Three character references from friends and family that have known you at least a few years. One should be from a person that lives with you, otherwise you may use a friend or colleague if you live alone.

Note: Your DFO will probably ask for proof of address to make sure you live in the area that they are responsible for. They do this because they do not have the resources to carry out official inspections as they are required. Your DFO will also explain how they want the character references. Some DFOs want affidavits, others want phone numbers for a telephone interview, and some will want a physical interview. The purpose of this interview is to confirm that you are (1) a fit and proper person to possess a firearm, (2) not dependent on any substance with a narcotic or intoxicating effect, and (3) that you are mentally stable and not inclined to violence.

1. Download and complete the SAPS 517(a) form from the SAPS website (use black ink),
2. Motivation dependent on why you still need the firearm since you first licenced it (this is often attached as an additional document rather than filled in on the field in the 271 form),
3. Certified copy of your ID,
4. Two colour passport photos,
5. Copy of your competency certificate,
6. R84 cash payment fee if the year is 2023 (ask on the Firearms Policy Campaign’s Facebook group if it is no longer 2023).
   
   

Note: Your DFO will probably ask for proof of address to make sure you live in the area they are responsible for, and also for photos of your safe showing that you have it and that it is properly installed. They do this because they do not have the resources to carry out official inspections as they are required.

1. Section 13: Self-defence with a single handgun or shotgun, usually proved by reference to local crime statistics for where you live, work, or travel past. Valid for 5 years. It is recommended that you only licence handguns in terms of this section.
   
   
2. Section 14: Self-defence with a restricted firearm (self-loading rifle or self-loading shotgun), usually proved by reference to local crime statistics for where you live, work, or travel past. Valid for 2 years. It is not recommended to licence in terms of this section, and to rather acquire dedicated status and licence under section 16.
   
   
3. Section 15: Occasional hunting/sport shooting with a single handgun and three manually operated long guns (two handguns are allowed if you do not have a section 13 licence). Valid for 10 years. Club membership is NOT a requirement, and you only need to motivate a desire to engage in such activity if it is your first firearm. If you already have a firearm, attach some photos of shot targets as proof of activity, and motivate why you need this additional firearm.
   
   
4. Section 16: Dedicated hunter/sport shooter status. Valid for 10 years. You can have as many licences as you can motivate for in terms of this section (theoretically unlimited). You MUST belong to a registered club, and you are allowed to possess self-loading rifles and self-loading shotguns for this section.
   
   
5. Section 17: Private collector. Valid for 10 years. You MUST belong to an recognised collector’s association, and have a specific theme for your collection.

Yes you may carry it, and the police should not have a problem with it.

Sections 13 to 17 all have a clause in them, stating that “A firearm in respect of which a licence has been issued in terms of this section may be used where it is safe to use the firearm and for a lawful purpose”.

Carrying a firearm for self-defence is a lawful purpose. If a police officer challenges you about this, refer them to these sections of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

There is nothing that they can charge you with.

1. The original owner should first apply for a new licence in terms of the Fidelity court order from the Constitutional Court. They will need to present it for inspection when they make application using the SAPS 271 form, and must then keep it locked in their safe until the licence is decided. You may then apply for your own licence for that firearm using the SAPS 271 form.
   
   
2. If the original owner is deceased, the firearm will form part of their estate, and may be licenced by you directly with the relevant approval and documents from the executor of the deceased estate.

Firearm free zones are defined in section 140 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, and make it a criminal offence to carry even a licenced firearm on such premises.

These zones must be gazetted in the Government Gazette. To the knowledge of the Firearms Policy Campaign, there are no such known zones in existence, but the accessible notices in the Government Gazette might not be accurate and up to date.

Other legislation might also prohibit the carrying of a firearm on certain premises, such as the regulations to the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 does.

Many of these premises often have a sign indicating that firearms are not allowed on the premises, but the lawfulness of these signs are not known.

The Firearms Policy Campaign does not purport to give specific advice regarding what you should do under these circumstances.

Do note that the security for these places will sometimes scan you with a metal detector, or subject you to a body search, and will not allow you to enter if they detect a firearm.

Technically, it is not. However, it can be construed as making a threat or even pointing a firearm (which is an offence in terms of section 120(6) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

You should never reveal the presence of your firearm unless you absolute intend to fire it. If you do reveal it, either by brandishing or pointing, IMMEDIATELY report it to a police station.

You should do this because the other person might accuse you of unlawfully threatening or pointing a firearm at them.