Firearm Competency Licensing Process and Renewals — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct order of the first two steps when applying for a firearm in South Africa?
- Obtain a competency certificate, then apply for the firearm licence (Correct answer)
- Buy the firearm, then apply for competency
- Apply for the licence, then do training
- Join a club, then buy ammunition
Correct answer: Obtain a competency certificate, then apply for the firearm licence
You must first complete training and be issued a competency certificate by SAPS, and only then may you apply for the licence for the specific firearm.
Question 2: Under which section of the FCA is a firearm for self-defence usually licensed?
- Section 16
- Section 13 (Correct answer)
- Section 20
- Section 9
Correct answer: Section 13
A firearm for self-defence is licensed under Section 13 of the Firearms Control Act, which permits one handgun (not fully automatic) for that purpose.
Question 3: How many self-defence firearms may a person normally licence under Section 13?
- Up to four
- As many as they can afford
- One (Correct answer)
- Two handguns
Correct answer: One
Section 13 generally allows a person to be issued a licence for only one firearm for self-defence purposes.
Question 4: When should you apply to renew a firearm licence before it expires?
- After it expires
- On the day it expires
- Renewal is never required
- At least 90 days before the expiry date (Correct answer)
Correct answer: At least 90 days before the expiry date
An application for renewal must be made at least 90 days before the licence expires; failing to renew in time can make possession of the firearm unlawful.
Question 5: What documents typically accompany a firearm licence application?
- Competency certificate, ID, proof of address and motivation (Correct answer)
- Only a photograph
- A driving licence only
- A passport stamp
Correct answer: Competency certificate, ID, proof of address and motivation
Applications generally require your competency certificate, identity document, proof of residential address, fingerprints and a motivation for needing the firearm.
Question 6: What may disqualify a person from being declared a fit and proper person to hold a firearm?
- Being left-handed
- A history of violence or relevant criminal convictions (Correct answer)
- Living in a city
- Being over 60 years old
Correct answer: A history of violence or relevant criminal convictions
A history of violence, certain criminal convictions, dependence on substances, or being subject to a protection order can result in a person being found not fit and proper.
Question 7: What should you do if your licensed firearm is lost or stolen?
- Wait to see if it is found
- Buy a replacement quietly
- Report it to SAPS immediately (Correct answer)
- Tell only your insurer
Correct answer: Report it to SAPS immediately
A lost or stolen firearm must be reported to the South African Police Service immediately, both as a legal duty and to limit your liability for its misuse.
Question 8: What happens to your firearm licence if your competency certificate lapses and is not renewed?
- Nothing changes
- The licence automatically becomes permanent
- You receive a new firearm
- Your authority to possess the firearm can be affected and you risk unlawful possession (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Your authority to possess the firearm can be affected and you risk unlawful possession
Competency underpins your licence, so allowing it to lapse without renewal can place you in unlawful possession and lead to enforcement action by SAPS.
Firearm Competency Licensing Process and Renewals
What is the correct order of the first two steps when applying for a firearm in South Africa?