Firearm Certificate Renewals

Message For All Firearm Certificate Holders

First time applications for a Firearm Certificate

Any individual wishing to apply for a firearm certificate is advised to consult the Garda Commissioner’s Guidelines as to the Practical Application and Operation of the Firearms Acts, prior to making an application.  These guidelines outline the practical application and operation of any provision of the Firearms Acts or of any regulation made under any provision of those Acts.  It also offers guidance in relation to applications for firearm certificates and authorisations under this Act and to the conditions which may be attached to those certificates and authorisations. 

Each first time applicant is required to complete Form FCA1 and each section as to the ‘good reason’ for acquiring the firearm must be completed in full by the applicant before An Garda Síochána can accept the application.

It should then be returned to the local Garda Station for consideration by the relevant Superintendent (or Chief Superintendent if a restricted firearm application). 

Renewal application for a current Firearm Certificate

The fifth significant renewal phase of three (3) year firearm certificates commenced on the 1st August 2024.  The majority of renewals will take place towards the latter end of 2024 and will continue on throughout 2025 and 2026.

Each current holder of a firearm certificate (with the exception of a Firearm Training Certificate) should receive a PRE-POPULATED version of the Firearms Renewal Form (FCR) in the post, approximately three months prior to the expiry of their current certificate.  This is the only this form acceptable to An Garda Síochána when renewing a firearm certificate.

All details relevant to the current firearm certificate, including the firearm, referees, G.P, land details etc will be listed on the renewal form.  These details should be carefully reviewed to ensure they are correct.  Please note that there may be additional information required since the previous renewal e.g. Maximum Ammunition Capacity of the particular firearm.  Corresponding are included to facilitate any changes, for example a change of referee, doctor etc.  The firearm owner can make the changes on the renewal form, if any, and when the form is signed it should then be returned to the local Station for consideration by the relevant Superintendent (or Chief Superintendent if a restricted firearm application).

If a firearm certificate holder does not receive a pre-populated Firearms Renewal Form (FCR) prior to the expiry of their current certificate, please immediately contact your local Garda Station. Failure to do so may result in an individual being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.  The co-operation of all firearm certificate holders is essential in ensuring that firearm certificate renewals are properly managed and processed on time.  An Garda Síochána wishes to thank all firearm owners for their continued co-operation in this area.

Progression of first time & renewal applications

When a decision is made to grant the application by the Superintendent (or Chief Superintendent), the applicant will receive a Grant Notice Letter by post and following payment, will then receive his/her (new) three year certificate by post.   Please allow 3 to 5 working days for postage to arrive.  The current fee structure with each class of firearm certificate costing €80 (with the exceptions of a Firearm Training Certificate costing €40) has remained the same since the introduction of the new processes in 2009.

Applications to substitute a Firearm Certificate

An application to substitute a current firearm certificate shall continue to be made on Form FCA1 with Section 3.4 of particular importance.  Please consult the Commissioner’s Guidelines for further guidance.

Applications for Non-Resident Firearm Certificate

Any individual not ordinarily resident in Ireland may apply for a Non-Resident Firearm Certificate to allow him/her to shoot recreationally in Ireland with a cost of €40.  Please consult the Commissioner’s Guidelines for further guidance.

Imports/Exports

All information regarding the requirements/information on importing and exporting a firearm can be obtained on the Department of Justice website www.justice.ie