New firearms licensing fees will come into effect from 4 June 2026, following a 3% rise agreed by Government
New firearms licensing fees will come into effect from 4 June 2026, following a 3% rise agreed by Government.
Applications received by police forces on or after 4 June 2026 will be charged at the new rate. Applications and payments received on or before 3 June 2026 will be processed at the current fee level.
The new fees include:
- Grant of a Firearm Certificate: £204
- Renewal of a Firearm Certificate: £135
- Grant of a Shotgun Certificate: £200
- Renewal of a Shotgun Certificate: £130
- Coterminous Grant: £208
- Coterminous Renewal: £160
The increase also applies to firearms dealer registrations, visitor permits, certificate variations, and replacement certificates.
While we are disappointed to see fees increase again at a time when many certificate holders are still not receiving the level of service that was promised following the previous fee rise, we do recognise that an inflation-linked increase is more sensible than imposing a very large increase once every ten years or so.
Livia Brynin from the National Gamekeepers' Organisation says:
“Whilst we recognise that an inflation-linked increase is more reasonable than seeing very large fee rises every decade or so, many certificate holders will understandably feel frustrated that fees are increasing again when the level of service in some areas has still not improved following the last rise.
"Any future increases must be matched by clear improvements in service standards, consistency, and turnaround times for lawful firearms owners.”
"We would continue to urge police forces and Government to focus on improving consistency, reducing delays, and ensuring that lawful firearms owners receive the efficient and professional licensing service they are entitled to expect."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation: The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, there are 13,000 members of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation. www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
