The Paperwork

What you need to hand in your applications

Let us talk in depth about what you need to do to get all of your paperwork approved by the SAP

Your first step is to get your competency training done if you haven’t done that yet, you need to go here to start the process.

Ok so now we assume that you have completed the competency training and passed everything, your training provider has given you a certificate and statement of results!

Now begins a journey into the world of filling in forms, certified copies and motivations.

Applying for Competency

For a new competency you will need the following

Completed SAPS 517 form;
On the SAPS 517 form you should also complete all the details of three people who can provide testimonials;
When submitting the application also take along at least one of the people who will provide a testimonial as the DFO (Designated Firearm Officer) will want to interview them in person;
Two colour passport photos;
Two certified copies of your ID;
Certified copy of proof of address;
Certified copies of the Competency training certificates and Statement of results (do not give the police your originals);
Also take R84-00 in cash which you will pay at the police finance office and your original ID (they don’t accept payment without ID). They rarely have change, so try and take the exact amount.

You may ask: Where do I get the SAPS 517 form?

You can download it from the SAP website. Sounds like a pain … it is …. But wait we have a solution for you!

The solution to the paperwork headache

We have partnered with Legally Armed Sandton, these guys are amazing, for a small fee they will help you get all of this paperwork done and done properly in exactly the way the SAP want it. No more going to the DFO only to have your paperwork rejected! At the end of this article there will be contact details we highly recommend having this all done professionally

Applying for your Firearm License

For a new license application you will need the following:

SAPS 271 form;
SAPS 350 dealers return;
Two colour passport photos;
Two certified copies of your ID;
Certified copy of a valid Competency certificate;
Certified copy of Proof of address;
Proof of membership of shooting club / association (only for section 16 applications);
Proof of dedicated status (only for section 16 applications);
Endorsement from the shooting association (only for section 16 applications);
Comprehensive motivation;
For section 13 applications it is recommended to have crime statistics as well as crime related newspaper articles (can be printed from the internet);
Proof of employment is not required, unless one of the reasons for getting the firearm is because of risks you are exposed to at work;
Photos of safe (one open and one closed), the bolts fixing the safe to the wall and/or floor must be visible in the photos as well as the locking mechanism of the safe, the photos should be in colour;
Also take R168-00 in cash which you will pay at the police finance office and your original ID (they don’t accept payment without ID). They rarely have change, so try and take the exact amount.

Remember, Legally Armed can help you with all Firearm applications and renewals. Use the form at the bottom of the page to contact them directly.

Ok so what else can you do to make this process easier – Join Natshoot, they have a members area that allows you to document shooting activities such as practice, competitions, and further training. They will also write a letter of endorsement for any a valid application which is great as they are an accredited national shooting association.

We also recommend that you show that you not only did the entry level competency training but that you have also done more training. The more you have done and continue to do the harder it is for the application to be refused. All of your additional training can be logged in to your Natshoot portal. To contact us for further training, click here

You can Join Natshoot Here

The Paperwork

What you need to hand in your applications

Applying for Competency

The solution to the paperwork headache

Applying for your Firearm License

Fill this in to contact Legally Armed

Links mentioned in this article