Understanding the Proposed UK Shotgun Licence Changes

The UK firearms licensing system could be facing its biggest overhaul in decades. Following several high-profile incidents and ongoing government reviews, proposals are being discussed that would fundamentally change how shotguns are licensed and regulated across the UK.

For many shooters, farmers, clay competitors, and gamekeepers, these potential changes could have a major impact on everyday firearm ownership.

Here’s what’s changing — and what it could mean for certificate holders.

What Is the Current System?

At the moment, UK firearms law separates guns into two main categories:

• Section 1 firearms — typically rifles and certain restricted firearms 
• Section 2 firearms — most sporting shotguns 

Shotguns held under a Shotgun Certificate (SGC) are generally subject to less restrictive licensing rules than rifles held on a Firearm Certificate (FAC).

For example:

• Shotgun owners do not currently need to demonstrate a specific “good reason” for each individual shotgun owned.
• Section 2 shotguns can usually be purchased without individual firearm “slots” on a certificate.
• Lending rules and age restrictions are different under Section 2. 

The government is now considering whether those distinctions should continue.

Why Are Changes Being Proposed?

The proposed reforms largely stem from concerns raised after the 2021 Plymouth shooting and other incidents involving legally held firearms.

Government reviews and coroners’ reports highlighted concerns around:

• Police licensing consistency 
• Background checks 
• Medical information sharing 
• Certificate verification 
• Oversight of shotgun ownership 

In response, the Home Office has already introduced some tighter rules and is considering broader reforms to align shotgun licensing more closely with rifle licensing.

Changes Already Introduced

Some changes are already in force.

Two Referees Now Required

As of August 2025, shotgun certificate applications now require two referees instead of one. Applicants must also provide more detailed background information, including declarations of offences and convictions.

This change was introduced following recommendations after the Plymouth inquests.

What Could Change Next?

The biggest proposed reform is the possible merging of Section 2 shotgun licensing into the stricter Section 1 firearm system.

If implemented, shotgun owners could face:

“Good Reason” Requirements

Shotgun certificate holders may need to justify ownership of each individual shotgun in the same way rifle owners currently do.

That could mean demonstrating:

• Sporting use 
• Pest control requirements 
• Club membership 
• Land permissions 

Tighter Purchase Controls

Instead of being able to acquire shotguns freely within certificate conditions, owners may need individually authorised slots for each firearm.

Stricter Lending and Age Rules

Some proposals suggest tighter restrictions around:

• Lending shotguns 
• Youth access 
• Temporary possession rules 

Current Section 2 rules allow younger supervised use in some circumstances that would likely disappear under a Section 1-style system.

Possible Storage Changes

There have also been discussions around tougher storage requirements, including proposals for off-site storage in some circumstances. Rural groups have raised concerns that this could negatively affect farmers and pest control activities.

Rising Costs for Certificate Holders

Firearms licensing fees have already increased significantly.

In February 2025:

• Firearm certificate fees rose from £88 to £198 
• Shotgun certificate fees rose from £79.50 to £194 

Many shooting organisations argue that further licensing complexity could increase costs and delays even more.

What Shooting Organisations Are Saying

Groups such as British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the Countryside Alliance have criticised the proposed changes, arguing that the existing laws are already among the strictest in the world and that the real issue is inconsistent enforcement and under-resourced licensing departments.

Many within the shooting community believe:

• Better police resourcing would improve safety more effectively than new restrictions
• Digital licensing systems could reduce fraud and delays 
• Existing legislation is already sufficient when properly enforced 

What Happens Next?

At the time of writing, the Home Office is expected to continue consultations on shotgun licensing reform. While no final legislation has yet been introduced, the direction of travel suggests tighter regulation is likely.

For certificate holders, this means staying informed is more important than ever.

Final Thoughts

The proposed shotgun licence changes represent one of the most significant potential shifts in UK firearms law in recent years.

Whether the reforms ultimately improve public safety or simply increase bureaucracy remains heavily debated. What is clear, however, is that responsible shooters may soon face:

• More paperwork 
• Higher costs 
• Stricter ownership criteria 
• Greater scrutiny during licensing 

For shooters who already maintain organised records, secure storage, and responsible ownership habits, adapting may be easier than for those relying on paper notes and memory alone.

As firearms regulation continues to evolve, keeping accurate digital records of firearms, certificates, maintenance, and shooting activity is becoming increasingly valuable for UK shooters.