Allow more time for medical verification

As all members are probably aware, from 1 November all GB police forces have been operating under the new Home Office Statutory Guidance on Firearms Licensing. This requires your GP or another medical practitioner to verify applications for all certificate grants and renewals.

Unfortunately, there can often be a delay in getting GPs to verify applications. This is likely to be exacerbated by the current understandable focus on getting booster vaccinations offered to all over 18s. For this reason, we would advise members to liaise with their GPs well in advance of putting in their application.

Automatic extension

Members are reminded that if they apply more than eight weeks in advance of their certificate expiring, they are entitled to an automatic eight-week extension (see Section 28B of the Firearms Act 1968). To make sure that one qualifies for this, it is advisable to be speaking to your GP at least four months before your certificate expires.

Members are also reminded that if your GP will not verify your application, or is charging an exorbitant sum, BASC offers access to a panel of medical practitioners who can carry out the verification process. 

They will, however, still need access to your GP medical notes and these can take up to 30 days to be released.

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