Apply for a Weapons Permit - London, England
In London, England the primary route for lawful possession of firearms or other regulated weapons is via a certificate issued by the local police firearms licensing unit; municipal councils do not issue separate "weapons permits." Applications, checks and enforcement are carried out under national firearms and weapon controls and administered in London by the Metropolitan Police Service and partner agencies. This guide explains who to contact, what to expect from the application process, enforcement pathways and practical next steps current as of February 2026.
Penalties & Enforcement
Control and enforcement in London are carried out under national legislation and local police licensing processes. Specific monetary fines for licensing breaches are not specified on the cited licensing pages; criminal offences under the Firearms Act and related statutes are enforced by the Metropolitan Police Firearms Licensing Unit and by criminal courts.[1][2]
- Enforcer: Metropolitan Police Service Firearms Licensing Unit and local policing teams handle licensing, inspections and seizure.
- Controlling instruments: Firearms and weapons are regulated under national law and enforced locally by the police; see the Firearms Act and police licensing guidance.
- Court actions: Criminal prosecutions are brought in the criminal courts for offences under the Firearms Act; civil enforcement and licence revocation are handled by the police.
- Inspection and complaints: report to the Metropolitan Police firearms licensing contact points or use the local police contact page to make complaints or report suspected illegal possession.
Escalation, sanctions and defences
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited licensing pages; criminal penalties for unauthorised possession are set in statute and pursued by prosecutors.[1]
- Escalation: matters progress from licence warnings and revocation to criminal prosecution where evidence supports it; precise escalation timelines are not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: licence refusal or revocation, seizure of weapons, conditions imposed on certificates, and criminal charges leading to court orders.
- Defences and discretion: police exercise discretion when granting or refusing certificates; statutory defences or "reasonable excuse" provisions apply where set out in legislation or case law, but specifics should be checked with the licensing unit.
Common violations
- Possession without a valid certificate — enforcement usually leads to seizure and criminal investigation.
- Failure to comply with certificate conditions — may lead to revocation or additional conditions.
- Unauthorised transfer or sale of a regulated weapon — may lead to prosecution.
Applications & Forms
Applications for firearm or shotgun certificates in London are submitted to the Metropolitan Police firearms licensing section; the official process and application guidance are published by the police and by GOV.UK. The cited pages describe how to apply and where to submit but do not publish a single nationally required paper form number on the guidance page used here, so applicants should follow the Metropolitan Police instructions for their borough or contact the licensing unit for the current application form and fee details.[1][2]
How the decision is made
The police will assess suitability, safety, storage arrangements, medical and criminal-history checks, and any public-safety considerations before granting a certificate; the process may include home visits and references. Timelines and exact processing fees are set locally and applicants should confirm details with the licensing unit.
FAQ
- Who issues weapons permits in London?
- The Metropolitan Police Service Firearms Licensing Unit issues firearm and shotgun certificates in London; municipal councils do not issue separate weapons permits.
- How long does an application take?
- Processing times vary by case and borough; the licensing pages recommend contacting the Metropolitan Police for current processing estimates.
- Can I appeal a refusal?
- Yes; refusals can be challenged through the courts and by internal review routes, but the cited guidance does not set a single statutory time limit on appeals and applicants should seek the licensing unit's instructions and legal advice.
How-To
- Identify whether you need a firearm certificate or a shotgun certificate by checking Metropolitan Police guidance and GOV.UK requirements.[1]
- Contact the Metropolitan Police firearms licensing unit for the application form, current fee information and local submission method.[1]
- Prepare supporting documents: proof of identity, secure storage details, references and any medical disclosures requested.
- Submit the application and pay any fee as instructed by the licensing unit; expect background checks and possible home inspection.
- If refused, request any internal review routes from the licensing unit and consider court appeal options within the applicable legal timescales.
Key Takeaways
- Weapons certificates in London are issued by the Metropolitan Police, not by the city council.
- Contact the Metropolitan Police firearms licensing unit for the current application form and fee information.
- Non-compliance can lead to licence revocation, seizure and criminal proceedings under national law.
Help and Support / Resources
- Metropolitan Police - Firearms and shotguns guidance
- GOV.UK - Firearm and shotgun certificates
- Legislation.gov.uk - Firearms Act 1968 (contents)