Every firearm needs its own licence (section 11). Which section you apply under depends on why you want the firearm and what kind it is.
The main licences for gun owners
LicenceValid forHow many
Section 13Self-defenceHandgunShotgun (not self-loading)
1
Section 14Restricted self-defenceSelf-loading rifle or shotgun
1
Section 15Occasional hunting and sportHandgun (only 1)RifleShotgun
Up to 4
Section 16Dedicated hunting and sportHandgunRifle incl. self-loadingShotgun (5 shots max if self-loading)
∞ No limit
Section 17Private collectionAs your association approves
∞ No limit
Limits worth knowing
- Self-defence: at most one section 13 and one section 14 licence.
- Section 15: at most four, but only three if you also have a section 13 licence, and only one section 15 licence may be for a handgun (section 15(3)).
- Sections 16, 16A and 17 have no number limit in the Act, but every new licence still needs its own motivation.
What each one needs
- Section 13: a real self-defence need you can’t reasonably meet another way.
- Section 14: reasons why a section 13 firearm wouldn’t protect you enough. It’s granted rarely.
- Section 16: dedicated status, with a sworn statement from a SAPS-accredited hunting or sport-shooting association that you’re a registered dedicated member. Read about dedicated status.
- Section 16A: a sworn statement from an accredited professional hunting association.
- Section 17: a sworn statement from an accredited collectors’ association.
Business licences
Section 20 licences are for businesses such as security companies, accredited trainers, game ranchers and hunting outfitters. They’re valid for 10 years for game ranching and hunting businesses, and 5 years for others.
Proposed changes are not law yetA draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill would limit self-defence licences, the number of firearms and ammunition. As at mid-2026 it had been reported in the news but not passed. The rules on this page are the law as it stands.
Not sure which applies to you?Use the free checklist. It takes two minutes.