Circular 005/2025: The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025
Published 5 August 2025
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
© Crown copyright 2025
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Provision of information by applicants for a firearm or shotgun certificate or a firearms dealer certificate
1. This circular sets out changes to the Firearms Rules 1998 which will take effect from 2 July 2025, and introduce changes relating to:
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the prescribed forms for applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate or to be registered as a firearms dealer, introducing a requirement for all applicants for a firearm or shotgun to provide two referees.
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the inclusion of Annex A to the prescribed firearm and shotgun application form providing a guide for referees.
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a new reference in the prescribed forms to neuro-developmental issues as a potential relevant medical condition which may need to be declared in certain cases by the applicant and reported by their GP.
2. Section 53 of the Firearms Act 1968 gives the Secretary of State a power to make rules prescribing the form of certificates and other things that need prescribing under the Act. The rules made under section 53 are the Firearms Rules 1998 (“the Firearms Rules”).
3. The prescribed form to apply for or renew a firearm or shotgun certificate is Form 201. The prescribed form to apply to be a registered as a firearms dealer is Form 116.