The Firearms Licence Checker helps ensure that firearms, parts and ammunition are being sold legally, and prevents the misuse of invalid or fake licence cards. The tool helps firearms dealers and private sellers to meet their obligations by confirming that the firearms licence presented at the point of sale is valid. 

You cannot tell by looking at a firearms licence card if it has expired, been revoked or been granted an expiry extension. The Firearms Licence Checker instantly confirms if a licence card is current and legitimate.  The tool only confirms the information available on the licence card. No other personal information is required or revealed. 

Step 1: Open the tool

Open the Firearms Licence Checker and select Begin.

Step 2: Enter the seller's licence details

In the Seller Details section, enter the family/surname, first name, firearms licence number and version number (if applicable) exactly as shown on the card. Select Check Seller Details. The message 'Licence validation successful' should display. You can then carry on to the next step.

Note: If you cannot validate the licence details, call us for help on 0800 844 431. We're available 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Step 3: Check the buyer's licence

Examine the firearms licence card presented by the buyer and look at the photo on the licence card to ensure the person is who they say they are.  If the licence details or photo do not match the buyer, you should not continue with the transaction. 

Step 4: Enter the buyer's licence details

In the Buyer Details section, enter the buyer's family/surname, first name, firearms licence number and version number (if applicable) exactly as shown on the card. Select Check Buyer Details. If the licence is valid, the message 'Licence validation successful' should display. You can then carry on to the next step.

If you receive a caution alert 'Could not validate buyer licence' alert displays, check that the details have been entered correctly. If you still receive the caution alert, then the licence holder may not have a valid licence and you should not proceed with the sale.

Note: If you cannot validate the licence details, call us for help on 0800 844 431. We're available 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Step 5: Complete the sale

Follow any remaining instructions in the tool and complete the sale.

The Firearms Licence Checker can also be used by businesses to verify the identity of customers who use firearms licence cards as identification, for example banks and airlines.

To validate an ID using the Firearms Licence Checker, enter the customer’s firearms licence card details into the Seller Details section of the tool.

From 24 June 2023, some transactions between dealers and firearms licence holders must be recorded using the Dealer Transactions form.  

For transactions entered into this online form, you no longer need to use the Firearms Licence Checker, as the Dealer Transactions form will validate the customer’s licence details. 

Record dealer transactions online