Guide
Firearm Licence Renewal in South Africa (SAPS 518(a))
This guide explains the firearm licence renewal process at a practical level: what renewal is for, what you usually need to prepare, and where GunCerts fits into the workflow for section 13, 15, and 16 renewals.
What firearm licence renewal is.
Firearm licence renewal is the process of renewing an existing SAPS firearm licence before it expires.
This page is relevant if you are renewing a licence under section 13 (self-defence), section 15 (occasional hunting or sports shooting), or section 16 (dedicated hunting or dedicated sports shooting).
The core process is similar across those sections, but the reason for holding the firearm and some of the supporting documents can differ depending on the section.
GunCerts does not replace SAPS. It helps you prepare the renewal application and supporting documents more cleanly before submission.
GunCerts
How the app helps with firearm licence renewal.
GunCerts is most useful in the preparation stage, before you go to the DFO. Instead of chasing documents across folders, chats, and your photo library, the app helps you keep the renewal paperwork in one structured workflow and generate the relevant SAPS 518(a) application form from the information you capture.
- keep ID, address, firearm licence, competency, and supporting proof together in one place
- generate the relevant SAPS 518(a) firearm licence renewal form for section 13, 15, or 16 renewals
- prepare section-specific supporting documents in a cleaner pack before submission
- useful reminders to reduce stress around the 90-day renewal window and avoid last-minute scrambling
See how GunCerts works if you want to understand the app flow before downloading it.
What to keep in mind before you start.
- apply at least 90 days before the licence expiry date
- make sure you have a valid and relevant competency certificate for the firearm category you are renewing
- check the licence section on the firearm you are renewing, because section 13, 15, and 16 do not all rely on the same motivation and supporting proof
- confirm whether your DFO expects extra supporting items beyond the standard form and identity documents
As a practical guide, section 13 licences usually run for five years, while section 15 and section 16 licences usually run for ten years.
If you lodge the renewal within the prescribed period, the existing licence generally remains valid until SAPS has decided the application.
Exact requirements can vary by station. Always check with your local DFO to ensure you obtain current application requirements.
A practical firearm licence renewal workflow.
Check timing
Confirm the section and start the renewal at least 90 days before expiry.
Prepare documents
Complete SAPS 518(a) and gather the licence, competency, and supporting documents.
Build the pack
Use GunCerts to organise the paperwork into a cleaner renewal pack.
Submit to DFO
Lodge the renewal, pay the fee, and keep your proof of submission.
Documents commonly needed for firearm licence renewal.
- your ID document and current contact details
- the firearm licence you are renewing
- your valid competency certificate for the relevant firearm category
- two recent passport-size colour photos
- proof of address
- photos of your firearm storage/safe
- supporting statements
- your motivation (not always required: check with your DFO)
In practice, section 15 renewals often rely on proof of occasional hunting or sport-shooting activity, while section 16 renewals commonly rely on dedicated-status proof, association membership, or good-standing letters.
Some DFOs also ask for items such as a copy of your training certificate, endorsements, invitations or landowner letters, or recent activity proof. Requirements differ depending on the DFO, so always check with them.
Use the support FAQ if you want extra practical detail about manufacturer addresses, barcode scanning, or document variation between stations.
GunCerts
Use the app to create this renewal pack.
These supporting documents are exactly where many renewal applications become messy. GunCerts helps you collect the pieces into a single renewal workflow so you can review what you have before you submit, while also generating the relevant SAPS 518(a) form for the renewal.
- store the firearm details with the related licence and competency documents
- keep section-specific proof, membership, endorsements, and safe photos attached to the same renewal flow
- generate the SAPS 518(a) application form together with a more structured paperwork bundle for printing and submission
- track timing with reminders so the 90-day submission period is easier to manage
- reuse relevant information if you have multiple firearms
Common firearm licence renewal questions.
No. GunCerts helps you prepare the firearm licence renewal application bundle. You still print and submit it yourself.
Yes. That is the core purpose of the app: organising the information and preparing the renewal application bundle in a clearer format.
No. The core renewal documents overlap, but the section still matters. Section 13 usually focuses on self-defence need, section 15 often needs occasional hunting or sports-shooting support, and section 16 usually needs dedicated-status proof from an accredited association.
Yes. Proof of ID, proof of address, passport-size colour photos, and safe photos should be treated as part of the required supporting set for firearm renewal preparation. Take them with you when you submit the renewal.
Training records, endorsements, invitations, landowner letters, association proof, or activity records are sometimes requested by DFOs, especially for section 15 and section 16 renewals. It is a good idea to check with your local DFO before submission so you can prepare the right supporting evidence.
Read the competency renewal guide if you also need help with the SAPS 517(g) flow.
Get Started
Prepare the renewal before you go to SAPS.
If you already know the renewal is coming up, the practical next step is to start collecting the paperwork now rather than waiting for the last few weeks. GunCerts helps you do that without changing the official SAPS process, while generating the SAPS 518(a) form and keeping your reminders and supporting documents in one place.
Get the app or view pricing if you want to use GunCerts to prepare your firearm licence renewal pack.