Coming into effect in November 2021 in England and Wales, and January 2022 in Scotland, was guidance for firearms licensing, including arrangements for medical checks.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing a licence, all firearms licensing units in England, Wales and Scotland require a medical proforma to be submitted as part of a licence application.

A licence will not be granted to an applicant without a signed medical proforma.

What is a medical proforma, and why do I need one?

A medical proforma is a document that is used to certify that the applicant is of sound mind and body, and does not have any medical conditions that may prevent them from safely handling and using firearms.

As outlined by the Home Office, relevant medical conditions that might affect your suitability to hold a licence include, but are not limited to:

  • (i) Acute Stress Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma;
  • (ii) suicidal thoughts or self-harm;
  • (iii) depression or anxiety;
  • (iv) dementia;
  • (v) mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness;
  • (vi) a personality disorder;
  • (vii) a neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or epilepsy;
  • (viii) alcohol or drug abuse; and,
  • (ix) any other mental or physical condition which may affect the safe possession of firearms or shotguns.

How Can I Obtain A Medical Proforma For My Firearm/Shotgun Licence?

The medical certification system was initially designed so that applicant's GPs would provide the necessary review of their medical records. This means you can go direct to your GP to obtain one. There is no set fee for using your GP, meaning every GP could charge a different price. It is also important to point out that this process could take a while, meaning that if your licence is up for renewal and you have not received your medical proforma in time, you may be forced into putting your firearms into storage.

If your GP cannot, or will not, fill out a medical proforma for you, don't worry. There are a few private companies out there that will offer this service for a flat fee, usually starting at around £60 (if you are part of a shooting organisation, such as the BASC, you may receive a discount). Instead of you going direct to your GP, these companies will obtain a copy of your medical records from your GP Practice, and subsequently fill out a medical proforma.

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When Should I Obtain A Medical Proforma For My Firearm/Shotgun Licence?

If your licence is up for renewal, make sure you start this process a couple months in advance in case of any delays. If your licence is up for renewal and you have not received your medical proforma in time, you may be forced into putting your firearms into storage. If this is the case, Henry Krank can help you with your gun storage needs. Read more here.

It can take up to 30 days for your GP to provide a copy of your medical notes, and if you choose to use a private company to complete your medical proforma, it may take a further 5-10 working days for your proforma to be filled out and sent across. You can then send the completed proforma along with your renewal or grant application to your firearms licensing unit.

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My Licence Is About To Expire, What Should I Do?

If your licence is about to expire, and you will not receive your renewal in time, you must place your firearms into storage.

Henry Krank, based in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, operates a secure gun storage facility so you can leave your firearms with us for as long as you need to.

Gun storage is priced at £2.50 per gun per week. A minimum charge of £35 applies for up to 8 guns, £45 for 9 guns or more.

If you wish to store your firearms at Henry Krank, fill out our contact form here.