Firearm licenses in South Africa are issued under different sections of the Firearms Control Act, depending on why you want the firearm. Section 13 covers self-defense, Sections 15 and 16 cover hunting and sports shooting, and other sections cover collectors and businesses. Each section has its own limit, supporting documents and validity period.
In short
Most first-time owners apply under Section 13 for self-defense. Hunters, sports shooters, collectors and businesses each use a different section.
Firearm license sections at a glance
| Section | What it is for | How many firearms | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Self-defense | One | 5 years |
| 14 | Self-defense, restricted firearm | One | 2 years |
| 15 | Occasional hunting or sports shooting | Up to four | 10 years |
| 16 | Dedicated hunting or sports shooting | No limit | 10 years |
| 16A | Professional hunting | No limit | 10 years |
| 17 | Private collection | No limit | 10 years |
| 19 | Public collection | Not specified | 10 years |
| 20 | Business purposes | Not specified | 5 years |
A license is valid unless it is cancelled or terminated in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000.
Section 13: self-defense
A person may possess only one firearm under this section: a handgun that is not fully automatic, or a shotgun that is not fully or semi-automatic.
The license is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Section 14: restricted firearm for self-defense
A person may possess only one restricted firearm under this section: a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun that cannot readily be converted into a fully automatic firearm.
The license is valid for two years.
Section 15: occasional hunting or sports shooting
A person may possess up to four firearms under this section: a handgun that is not fully automatic, or a rifle or shotgun that is not fully or semi-automatic. The barrel, frame or receiver of such a firearm counts as a firearm and must also be licensed.
If you hold a Section 13 self-defense license, you may apply for three licenses under this section. Applications under Sections 13 and 15 together may not exceed four firearms.
The license is valid for 10 years.
Supporting documents for occasional hunting
- The species of game you want to hunt
- Proof of taking part in hunting activities
- A letter saying where the hunting will take place
- A declaration from the farm owner where the hunting will take place
- A detailed motivation of your interest in hunting
Supporting documents for sports shooting
- Proof that you take part in sports shooting
- Written proof of the sports shooting discipline you want to take part in
- Proof that you belong to a sports shooting association, club or organization
- The success you have achieved in sports shooting
- A detailed motivation of your interest in sports shooting
Section 16: dedicated hunting or dedicated sports shooting
The Act sets no limit on the number of firearms under this section. They include a handgun that is not fully automatic, a rifle or shotgun that is not fully automatic, and any semi-automatic shotgun made to fire no more than five shots in succession without reloading. The barrel, frame or receiver of such a firearm must also be licensed.
The license is valid for 10 years.
Supporting document
- Proof of dedicated membership of an accredited sports shooting organization or hunting association
Section 16A: professional hunting
The Act sets no limit on the number of firearms under this section. The firearms are the same kinds as under Section 16.
The license is valid for 10 years.
Supporting document
- Proof of dedicated membership of an accredited professional hunting association
Section 17: private collection
You may apply for a license for any firearm that has collectible value and has been approved for collection by an accredited collectors' association, and you must belong to that association.
You may also apply to collect certain prohibited firearms and devices covered by section 4 of the Act. There is no limit on the number of firearms under this section.
The license is valid for 10 years.
Section 19: public collection
The Registrar may issue a license to possess a firearm, and a permit to possess ammunition, in a public collection. The firearm and ammunition may only be displayed in an accredited museum, under the prescribed safety measures.
A firearm under this section may only be used on an accredited shooting range, following that range's rules and any conditions the Registrar sets. The holder may not possess more than 200 rounds of ammunition unless the Registrar approves a higher number in writing.
The license is valid for 10 years.
Section 20: business purposes
The Registrar may issue a license under this section to:
- A security company
- A person accredited to provide training in the use of firearms
- A person accredited to provide firearms in theatrical, film or television productions
- A person accredited as a game ranger
- A person accredited to conduct business in hunting
- Any person accredited to use firearms for another business purpose that the Registrar decides
Supporting documents
- Security company: proof of registration with SIRA
- Firearm training, productions, game rangers and hunting businesses: a certified copy of the accreditation certificate
- The surnames and ID numbers of all trainers in the business
- A motivation that supports the application
The license is valid for five years.
Additional licenses
You may apply for additional licenses under Sections 13, 14, 15, 16 and 16A. These requirements must be met:
- You must live at the same premises as the holder of the main license
- You must meet all the requirements for the license for that kind of firearm
- The additional license counts towards the maximum number of firearms allowed in that category
- It is valid for the same period as the main license
- It is cancelled if the main license is cancelled or terminated
