SAPS 517e previous act renewal

SAPS & firearms

Use Application for renewal of licence - SAPS 517(e) when you are renewing a firearm licence under the previous Act. Download the form and its instructions, gather the papers listed below, and take them to designated firearms officer (DFO) at the police station nearest to where you reside. If you also need a competency certificate, prepare its separate application as well.

Official downloads

Get the previous Act licence renewal formwww.saps.gov.za Read the form instructionswww.saps.gov.za

How to use it

Use the required ink Write in black ink that cannot be erased. Read each question before answering, and check your entries against your records before handing in the form.

Official instructions

Complete your sections As the applicant, complete Sections D, E and F. Read the instructions for each field and make sure the answers are clear.

Official instructions

Check the firearm details For each licence you want to renew, record the type of firearm, calibre, serial number, make and the date licence was issued. Compare the details with the original licence, permit or authorisation you are bringing.
Describe the safe When asked about the safe, record a short description of the type of safe in which the firearm(s) are kept. If the form asks how it is mounted, record the manner in which the safe is mounted. Use the form instructions if you are unsure which field applies.

Official instructions

Check the attached photograph Follow the instructions for the photograph attached to the form: The photo must be a full front view of the head and shoulders of the applicant. The applicant may not wear the applicant may not be wearing a hat or sunglasses on the photograph.

Official instructions

Document checklist

Renewal form Get the application for renewal under the previous Act and read its instructions before filling it in.
Identity document Bring your official identity document with the application papers.
Licence and certificates Bring the original firearm licence, permit or authorisation for the firearm you want to renew. Also bring your training certificate and your competency certificate, if it has already been issued.
Photographs For a combined renewal and competency application, bring Four unobscured passport size colour photographs, not older than three months. If you are renewing a licence without a competency application, confirm the photograph requirement with your DFO.

Fees listed in the renewal guidance

Item	Official information	Checked
Competency certificate	R70,00 Source: www.saps.gov.za	15 Oct 2026
Each firearm licence renewal	R70,00 Source: www.saps.gov.za	15 Oct 2026

Check your answers before submitting

Check each answer against your records before you hand in the form. Provides information which he/she knows is false on this application form.

Questions & answers

Is this the form for a competency certificate?

No. Application for renewal of licence - SAPS 517(e) is for renewing a licence under the previous Act. The competency certificate application uses Application for a competence certificate - SAPS 517.

When should Section G be completed?

Section G is only for cases where only be completed if the applicant cannot read or write or does not understand the contents of this form. If an interpreter is used, that person must complete the section.

What must I do before applying for a competency certificate?

You must successfully complete the prescribed test at an accredited training provider. Once you receive training certificate from an accredited training provider or Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta), you may apply to SAPS for a competency certificate.

What happens at the DFO for a competency application?

The DFO takes a full set of fingerprints for the competency certificate application.

How many photographs are listed for a combined application?

For a licence renewal and competency application together, the guidance lists Four unobscured passport size colour photographs, not older than three months. For a licence renewal alone, confirm the photo count with your DFO.