Botswana Police Service
In partnership with you
Botswana Police Service
In Partnership with you
Firearm Licensing
Application for permit to acquire firearm
Overview
This service allows an individual to acquire a firearm. The application process is followed by a raffle draw in which a specific number of applicants are picked.
Who is eligible?
- Any person aged 18 years and above
- Applicant should have no criminal record
How do I get this service?
Complete Form 1 (Application form available online and at all police stations)
What supporting documents are required?
Valid identification documents
How long will this service take?
Months
How much does it cost?
Free
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station
Application for Change of Ownership
Overview
The process involves the transferring of ownership of a firearm from one person to another.
Who is eligible?
- Any person aged 18 years and above
- The applicant should have no criminal record
How do I get this service?
- The firearm license owner should write a letter to the Commissioner of Police requesting for permission to transfer ownership
- In a case of inheritance, all interested parties or individuals must consent in writing to the Commissioner of Police
- The recipient should also write an acceptance letter
- Subject to approval, complete Form 1 and Form 11. (Application forms available online and at all police stations)
What supporting documents are required?
- Valid identification documents
- In case of inheritance attach copies of relevant documents such as; Arm Licence
- Marriage certificate (If the recipients is a spouse of the deceased owner)
- Firearm certificate
- For first-time firearm ownership, the applicant should provide a police clearance report
How long will this service take?
14 working days
How much does it cost?
BWP 20.00
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station
Application for Arm Licence
Overview
The service allows for the licensing of firearms and renewal thereof. The licence is valid for five (5) years.
Who is eligible?
Any registered firearm owner
How do I get this service?
- Complete Form 17 (Application form available online and at all police stations)
- Present the registered firearm before the Licensing Officer at the police station
What supporting documents are required?
- Firearm Registration Certificate
- Arm licence
- Valid identification documents
How long will this service take?
One (1) working day
How much does it cost?
BWP 10.00
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station
Application for Temporary Permit to Possess Firearm and Ammunition
Overview
This service allows individuals to apply for a permit to possess and use a firearm.
Who is eligible?
Any person aged 18 years and above
How do I get this service?
- Complete Form 5 (Application form available online and at all police stations)
- Both the applicant and firearm owner should be present at the police station
- The firearm should be presented before the licensing officer
What supporting documents are required?
- Valid identification documents for both owner and the recipient
- Firearm Certificate
How long will this service take?
One (1) working day
How much does it cost?
BWP 10.00
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station
Application for permit to import ammunition (Resident)
Overview
The service allows legal arms dealers and individual owners to import ammunition into Botswana. Note that for individual firearm owners, the quota of 100 rounds of ammunition per annum applies.
Who is eligible?
- Any registered firearm owner
- Any licensed arms dealer
How do I get this service?
Complete Form 2 (Application forms available online and at all police stations)
What supporting documents are required?
- Valid identification documents
- Firearm certificate
- Arm Licence
- Arms Dealer’s License (for Arms Dealers only)
How long will this service take?
One (1) working day
How much does it cost?
Free
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station
Application for temporary permit to possess firearm and ammunition(Non-Residents)
Overview
The service enables non-residents to import firearms and ammunition into the country. The permit is valid for 30 calendar days. Applicants are expected to start the application process at least two weeks prior to arrival in Botswana.
Who is eligible?
- Any person aged 18 years and above
- Applicant should have no criminal record
How do I get this service?
Complete Form 6 (Application form available online and at all police stations)
What supporting documents are required?
- Valid identification documents
- Arms Registration Certificate
- Proof of invitation to an event/ activity where the firearm is to be used
- Applications done through agents must be accompanied by authorisation letter from the registered firearm owner permitting another person to carry out this process on his behalf
- An Export Permit from country of origin
How long will this service take?
Fourteen (14) working days
How much does it cost?
BWP 100.00
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station.
Application for permit to export firearms
Overview
This service allows for firearms registered in Botswana to be exported temporarily or permanently to other countries. Note that the temporary export of the firearm is valid for 6 months.
Who is eligible?
Any registered firearm owner
How do I get this service?
Complete Form 9 (Application form available online and at all police stations)
What supporting documents are required?
- Valid identification documents
- Non-citizens must present a valid passport and residence permit
- Tender the original certificate of firearm before Licensing Officer
How long will this service take?
One (1) working day
How much does it cost?
Free
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station
Application for Arms and Ammunition Dealers Licence
Overview
The service allows for businesses to legally sell firearms and ammunition in Botswana. It also allows existing dealers to renew their licence. The licence is valid for three years.
Who is eligible?
- Any person of or above the age of 21
- Applicant should have no serious criminal record
How do I get this service?
Complete Form 13 (Application forms available online and at all police stations)
What supporting documents are required?
- Valid identification documents
- Inspection report from Licensing Officer
- Trading licence
- Certificate of Incorporation (first time applicants)
- Police clearance certificate (first time applicants)
How long will this service take?
One month
How much does it cost?
BWP 300.00
Where can I obtain this service?
Any police station.
Application for Firearm Exemption Certificate
Overview
The service allows for legal firearms owners to seek permission to retain their unserviceable firearms.
Who is eligible?
Any registered firearm owner
How do I get this service?
- Write a letter seeking an exemption certificate from the Commissioner of Police
- Subject to the application approval, complete Form 19 (Application form available online and at all Police Stations)
- Submit it to Central Arms Registry at Botswana Police Headquarters
What supporting documents are required?
- Valid identification documents
- Non-citizens must present a valid passport and residence permit
How long will this service take?
14 working days
How much does it cost?
Free
Where can I obtain this service?
Central Arms Registry at Botswana Police Headquarters or 1gov.gov.bw
Where can I get more information on this service?
Central Arms Registry
Botswana Police Service
Lot 4, Government Enclave
P.O Box 344
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel: (+267) 3622000/ 3622258/ 3622256/ 3622257
Fax: (+267) 3973723/ 3914202
Email: police@gov.bw
Alternatively access this service online on 1gov E-Service portal. Click on this link uatportal.gov.bw