Firearms Licensing

21/05/2020

We have received further information from the relevant Government departments which would advise that shooting over land, Target and Clay Clubs may resume, so long as the current guidelines are applied with particular attention to social distancing and gathering.

12/05/2020

Please note our telephone lines remain open between 10am - 11am (Mon - Fri) for urgent enquiries due to home working. Our voicemail service remains unchanged but delays may occur with a response. We recommend contact via email  [email protected] which is monitored between 8am - 3pm (Mon - Fri)

03/04/2020

Until further notice and after consideration of current Government advice, the following applies

• All grant applications require a home visit. In line with current Government advice this will inevitably lead to unavoidable delays for the foreseeable future. 
• We will continue to send out renewal reminders and advise that you respond to this within 2 weeks, to avoid any unnecessary lodging of weapons. All renewal applications will be conducted by telephone.
• Telephone service – we will now be opening the telephone lines to the public on a daily basis between the hours of 10am to 11am. Please note that these hours are contrary to the voicemail automated message and may be subject to change.
• Please only call where absolutely necessary, having researched the website in the first instance.
• We will be regularly monitoring the advice given by Government and West Yorkshire Police and updating this website accordingly. Circumstances are changing on a daily basis and we will endeavour to keep you informed via this website.
• Please familiarise yourselves with the non-personal means of contacting us below. These remain up to date.
• Please do not visit HQ reception to hand deliver any licensing related items
• We ask for your patience in these difficult unprecedented times

25/03/2020

• We are currently receiving many phone calls and e mails from certificate holders asking if they can continue shooting over land.  Our response is for you to follow the latest government advice to help tackle the coronavirus emergency.
• Please do not contact the department regarding this issue as the response will be as above

About us

The Department is responsible for issuing just short of 14,000 certificates for firearms, shotguns and explosives to residents within West Yorkshire. We also provide information and advice for Police Officers, Police Staff and members of the public relating to the lawful ownership of firearms.

The primary objectives of the West Yorkshire Police Firearms Licensing Department are to;.

• Protect public safety by preventing foreseeable or avoidable harm;
• Deliver an efficient licensing process that is proportionate, rigorous, cost effective, fair and timely;
• Provide a fair and transparent service to the public.