Dear GTA Member

This broadcast provides you with the highlights only of the new firearms licensing fees which will come into force on 4 June 2026 under the Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2026. For the full details please visit the Government website at Circular 001/2026: Firearms (Variation of Fees) order 2026 – GOV.UK The 2026 Order amends various sections of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, to increase the fees charged by the police in respect of the grant or renewal of firearm and shotgun certificates (including coterminous grant and renewal), variation of firearm certificates, replacement of lost or destroyed certificates, registration as a firearms dealer and the grant of visitors’ permits.

From 4 June 2026, the new fees will be:

For coterminous grant or renewal applications there are four scenarios where the new fees apply. In all situations the fee is calculated using the fee for the firearms grant or renewal plus an additional amount for the shotgun grant or renewal. The scenarios are explained in more detail below:

  • when an applicant is granted a shotgun certificate at the same time as being granted a firearms certificate, the total fee payable will be £208. The fee for the grant of a firearm certificate will be £204 and the fee for the grant of a shotgun certificate will be £4;
  • when an applicant is granted a shotgun certificate at the same time as renewing a firearm certificate, the total fee payable will be £208. The fee for the renewal of a firearm certificate will be £135 and the fee for the grant of a shotgun certificate will be £73;
  • when an applicant is renewing a shotgun certificate at the same time as being granted a firearm certificate, the total fee payable will be £208. The fee for the grant of a firearm certificate will be £204 and the fee for the renewal of a shotgun certificate will be £4; and
  • when an applicant is renewing a shotgun certificate at the same time as renewing a firearms certificate, the total fee payable will be £160. The fee for a renewal of a firearm certificate will be £135 and the fee for the renewal of a shotgun certificate will be £25.

Firearms licensing applications received by the police on or after 4 June 2026 will incur the new fee. If an application and related payment has been received by the police on or before 3 June 2026, the police will honour the fee that has been paid. Applications to renew firearm and shotgun certificates should continue to be made within the usual timescales (please check the police force website for this information). Applicants should not apply ‘extra early’ in order to avoid paying the new fees. In these cases, the police may return applications and request that the new fee is paid. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has advised that most forces accept renewals up to four months before expiry date.

Police forces need to update related guidance and websites to reflect the new fees to be charged.

The fees charged by the Home Office or the Scottish Government in respect of Section 5 authorities, shooting club approvals and museum licences are not affected by the 2026 order and remain unchanged at present.

Best regards

Paul Green, Technical Director The Gun Trade Association