This release presents statistics on firearm and shotgun certificates issued by police forces in England and Wales under the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended). A firearm or shotgun certificate is a licence issued by the police. It allows an individual to possess a firearm or shotgun, as well as any associated ammunition. Firearm and shotgun certificates are valid for 5 years and the holder must apply to renew a licence before the expiry date.

This release includes data, trends and police force comparisons on:

• firearm and shotgun certificates on issue
• types of weapons included on firearm and shotgun certificates
• the age and gender of certificate holders
• applications, renewals and revocations of firearm and shotgun certificates
• registered firearms dealers
• visitors’ permits
• lost and stolen firearms and shotguns