License Categories

SECTION 13 – Licence to possess a firearm for self-defence 

A person may only possess one firearm for the purpose of this section, a shotgun that is not fully or semi-automatic, or a handgun that is not fully automatic. The licence, which is issued in terms of this section, is valid for five years from the date of issue, unless it is cancelled or terminated in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000.

SECTION 14 – Licence to possess a restricted firearm for self-defence

A person may only possess one restricted firearm for the purpose of this section, which is a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun, which cannot readily be converted into a fully automatic firearm. The licence, which is issued in terms of this section, is valid for two years, unless it is cancelled or terminated in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000.

SECTION 15 – Licence to possess a firearm for occasional hunting or sports shooting 

A person may possess four firearms for the purpose of this section, which is a handgun not fully automatic; a rifle or shotgun, which is not fully/semi-automatic; or the barrel, frame or receiver of such a handgun, rifle or shotgun, which is regarded a firearm and must also be licensed. If a person is in possession of a firearm licence for self-defence in terms of section 13, he/she may only apply for three firearm licences for the purpose of this section. Applications in terms of sections 13 and 15 collectively may not exceed four firearms. The licence, which is issued in terms of this section, is valid for 10 years, unless it is cancelled or terminated in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000.

Supporting documents for occasional hunting could include the following:

  • Species of game an applicant wishes to hunt
  • Proof of participation in hunting activities
  • A letter indicating where hunting will take place
  • A declaration from the farm owner where hunting will take place
  • Detailed motivation regarding his/her interest in hunting

Supporting documents for sports shooting could include the following:

  • Proof of participating in sports shooting
  • Written proof of discipline of sports shooting in which the applicant wishes to participate in
  • Although not required for this section, proof of belonging to a sports shooting association, club or organisation
  • Success achieved in sports shooting activities in the past
  • Detailed motivation regarding his/her interest in sports shooting.

SECTION 16 – Licence to possess a firearm for dedicated hunting or dedicated sports shooting 

The Firearms Control Act, 2000, does not put a limitation on the number of firearms a person may possess under this category.
The firearms for the purpose of this section include:

  • a handgun, which is not fully automatic;
  • a rifle or shotgun, which is not fully automatic;
  • or the barrel, frame or receiver of a handgun, rifle or shotgun, which is regarded as a firearm and must also be licensed.

The licence, which is issued in terms of this section, is valid for 10 years, unless it is cancelled or terminated in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000.

Supporting documents (section 16):

  • Documentary proof of dedicated membership of an accredited sports shooting organisation or hunting association

Supporting documents (section 16A):

  • Documentary proof of dedicated membership of an accredited professional hunting association.

SECTION 16A – Licence to possess a firearm for professional hunting