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The SAPS 518(a) form explained

The SAPS 518(a) is the form for renewing a firearm licence issued under the current Firearms Control Act. It is six pages, and most of it is simple. Here is what each part asks.

Which form is it?

The SAPS 518(a) is the "Application for the renewal of a firearm licence, permit, certificate or authorization". It renews a licence under the current Act. A licence from the previous Act was renewed on the SAPS 517(e), and a competency certificate is renewed on the SAPS 517(g), which is handed in together with the 518(a).

Section by section

Part	What it asks
A and B	For SAPS only: the date stamp, the application reference number and the station's details. Leave blank.
C. Type of licence	Mark with an X what you are renewing, for example "Licence to possess a firearm for self-defence" (section 13) or "for occasional hunting and sports-shooting" (section 15).
Details of the original licence	The licence number, date issued and expiry date, exactly as on your licence card.
D. Particulars of applicant	Your ID type and number, surname, initials, full names, residential and postal address with postal codes, phone numbers and email. A business fills in the juristic person and responsible person parts instead.
Other information (items 37 to 39)	Three yes or no questions: was it handed in at least 90 days before expiry; after the due date but before expiry; or after expiry. If you were late, write the reason.
Declaration	That you know a false statement is an offence (section 120(9)(f)).
E. Signature of applicant	A colour passport photo (plain background, no hat or sunglasses, your name and ID number on the back), your signature in black ink inside the border, and a flat fingerprint.
F and G	Only if an interpreter helped you, or a nominee or authorised person acts for you.
H	For the Designated Firearms Officer: the recommendation and the safe inspection report.
Annexure A	The firearm's details (make, type, calibre, serial number) character for character as on the licence.

What the form does not ask

The 518(a) has no space for why you still need the firearm. That goes in a motivation letter handed in with it, written for the section of your licence. See how to write a motivation letter.

What goes with it

• Certified copy of your ID and proof of address not older than 3 months.
• Your competency certificate, and the SAPS 517(g) competency renewal with it.
• Your motivation letter, and for dedicated status (section 16) your association's letter.
• The SAPS fee, paid at the station.

Hand it in at least 90 days before the expiry date: use the free renewal date checker to find your date.

This is general information about South African firearm law and SAPS procedure, not legal advice, and we are not SAPS. Where your situation is unusual, a past conviction, a pending case, a firearm inherited from a deceased estate, speak to a firearms attorney.

Frequently asked questions