Service Delivery Targets
If there is no concern for public safety or with regard to
firearms, doubt over the fitness of the applicant and they fulfil
the legislative criteria including:
- the relevant application form is fully completed honestly and
accurately
- four photographs for each application is submitted including
signing one themselves, signed and dated as a current true likeness
by the countersignatory or referees
- send a cheque or postal order for the correct amount payable to
Essex Police
- in the case of firearms, both referee forms are submitted,
properly, accurately and honestly completed
Essex Police will process the application within the following
timescales from the date of receipt of the completed
application:
- Grant of a firearm or a shot gun certificate
*8 - 10 weeks
- Renewal of a firearm or shot gun certificate (including
variation to acquire additional firearms)
6 - 8 weeks
- Change of address
4 weeks
- 'one for one' variation on an identical or similar
calibre
2 weeks
- 'one for one' variation on none identical or similar calibres
and amendment of certificates for additional 'good reason' or
use
4 weeks
- Grant or renew a European Firearms Pass (Note: This can only be
issued to the expiry dates of a valid FAC or SGC) 1 week
- Issue a temporary permit (Section 7), providing any delay is
due to Police
1 week
* the time scale is longer for a grant due to DVLA enquiries and
possibly Interpol enquiries
To aid applicants with the above, we send out renewal packs
three months prior to the expiry of the certificate. This includes
the application forms and notes for guidance which can also be
downloaded here. A prompt completion of the application will ensure
that certificates are renewed prior to expiry which is our
goal.
Unfortunately we cannot make a commitment for Visitors Firearms
or Shot Gun Permits as there is a requirement to undertake checks
with Interpol.
Applicants are requested to give as much lead time as possible
with such applications.