Firearms licensing service update
Service status: significant delays
We're aware of the delays some applicants have experienced and recognise the impact these have had. We're committed to reducing waiting times and improving the service we provide.
The improvements we've made to the service mean applications received in 2026 are being processed much more quickly.
We aim to complete:
- renewals in 20 days
- grant applications in 33 days
The national service level expectation is that applications are processed within 120 days.
Applications submitted before 2026
A dedicated team continues to work through applications received up to the end of December 2025. These cases take longer to process due to the volume of older applications and the additional work required to review and update historic information.
Applications submitted before December 2025 are currently taking on average:
- 43 days to complete for renewal applications
- 89 days to complete for grant applications
We're focused on reducing the remaining backlog as quickly as possible.
Please note: We're aiming to respond to renewal applications in a timely manner. However, please be aware that you'll be committing an offence under the Firearms Act 1968 Section (1) if your certificate expires and you're still in possession of your weapon(s) and have not received notification of an extension.
Please do not submit renewals any earlier than 16 weeks (112 days) from the date of expiry. This helps make sure the information you provide remains current and relevant.
National data
The Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) publish national data on firearms and explosives licensing. This data gives a clear and consistent picture of activity and performance across England and Wales.
You can find firearms certificate statistics on GOV.UK and NPCC publications under the Operations Coordination Committee section.
Contact us
If you have any queries, you can contact our firearms licensing team by either:
- Online
- Phone 01223 823506. This line is open from 10am until midday, Monday to Friday.
Please note we will not be responding to queries relating to time it is taking to process applications.