De Winnaar Firearm Solutions
Client Zone.
Everything you need to prepare for a firearm licence or competency application—clear document checklists and downloadable blank SAPS forms in one place.
Application requirements
Prepare the right documents
Select an application type below to see the documents and supporting information you should prepare.
01 · Firearm licenceNew Firearm Application
- Completed SAPS 271 form
- Completed SAPS 538 form for storage facilities
- 2 identification photographs
- R183.00 per firearm application, payable in cash to SAPS
- 1 copy of the applicant’s identity document
- Copy of the competency certificate
- Private purchase: copy of the previous owner’s ID and firearm licence card
- Estate application: deceased’s ID, death certificate, executor’s letter and the designated executor’s ID
- Dealer purchase: copy of SAPS 271 and SAPS 350(a)
- Association members: membership proof, dedicated hunter or sport shooter proof, endorsement, letter of good standing and log certificates
02 · Expired licenceNew Application Where a Licence Has Expired
- Completed SAPS 271 form
- Completed SAPS 538 form
- Annexure B
- 2 identification photographs
- R183.00 per firearm application, payable in cash to SAPS
- 1 copy of the applicant’s identity document
- Copy of the competency certificate
- Copy of the expired licence cards or licence tickets
- Association members: membership proof, dedicated hunter or sport shooter proof, endorsement, letter of good standing and log certificates
03 · RenewalFirearm Licence Renewal
- Completed SAPS 518(a) form
- Completed SAPS 538 form
- Annexure A
- 2 colour identification photographs
- R92.00 per firearm, payable in cash to SAPS
- Copy of the applicant’s identity document
- Copy of the competency certificate
- Photograph of the safe
- Association members: membership proof, dedicated hunter or sport shooter proof, endorsement, letter of good standing and log certificates
- Licence cards that are about to expire
04 · CompetencyNew Competency Certificate
- Completed SAPS 517 form
- 2 identification photographs
- R92.00, payable in cash to SAPS
- 2 copies of the applicant’s identity document
- Proficiency certificates and statement of results or points
- 3 testimonials
- Proof of residential address
05 · Competency renewalCompetency Certificate Renewal
- Completed SAPS 517(g) form
- 2 identification photographs
- R92.00, payable in cash to SAPS
- 2 copies of the applicant’s identity document
- Expired or soon-to-expire competency certificate
- 2 testimonials
- Proof of address showing the applicant’s initials, surname and physical address
06 · Further competencyFurther Competency Application
- Completed SAPS 517(a) form
- 2 identification photographs
- R92.00, payable in cash to SAPS
- 2 copies of the applicant’s identity document
- Copy of the current competency certificate
- New training certificate or certificates
- 2 testimonials
- Proof of address showing the applicant’s initials, surname and physical address
Forms & instructions
Public SAPS document library
Choose a document below. Available forms and guides open in a new tab, ready to view, save or print.
| Reference | Description | Form | Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPS 271 | Application for a New Firearm Licence | Open PDF ↗ | Open guide ↗ |
| SAPS 518(a) | Firearm Licence Renewal | Open PDF ↗ | Open guide ↗ |
| SAPS 538 | Regulation 86(8) Certificate – Renewal Transitional Period | Open PDF ↗ | Open guide ↗ |
| SAPS 517 | Application for a Competency Certificate | Official PDF ↗ | Open guide ↗ |
| SAPS 517(a) | Application for a Further Competency Certificate | Open PDF ↗ | Open guide ↗ |
| SAPS 517(g) | Competency Certificate Renewal | Open PDF ↗ | |
| Annexure A | Safe-keeping Facilities Declaration | Open PDF ↗ | |
| SAPS 539 | Permission to Store a Firearm | Open PDF ↗ | Open guide ↗ |
| Annexure A | Firearm Licence Renewal Annexure | Open PDF ↗ |
Use the latest applicable form and confirm current requirements with SAPS or your designated firearms officer before submission. You can also check the official SAPS firearms forms directory ↗.
Supporting references
Useful legislation and SAPS documents
These references can help clients understand the wider process. Administrative documents may normally be completed or issued by the police station.
Legislation
Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000
Open the official South African Government page for the Act and related documents. Always verify later amendments and current regulations.
Official source ↗SAPS guidance
Transportation of Firearms
SAPS circular concerning possession of firearms in public and transportation requirements, dated 5 May 2022.
Open PDF ↗Processing document
SAPS 523 – Acknowledgement of Receipt
Receipt document used when firearm-related documentation is received by a police station.
Open PDF ↗Processing document
SAPS 523(a) – Remittance Advice
Payment and remittance document associated with firearm applications at the police station.
Open PDF ↗SAPS directive
Expired Firearm Licences – High Court Judgment
SAPS directive dated 9 October 2026 concerning the High Court judgment on expired firearm licences.
Open directive ↗Safe storage standards
SANS 953-1 and SANS 953-2
Obtain current licensed standards for firearm safes and strongrooms directly from the South African Bureau of Standards.
Need assistance?
Not sure which checklist applies to you?
Contact Andre for practical guidance before you begin preparing your application.