Police Scotland has given firearms users notification of how it intends to process applications in the wake of the UK announcement that fees will increase from 5th February, see: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2025-01-17-firearms-holders-to-face-substantial-cost-rises.php
Police Scotland is currently in the process of writing to certificate holders who have been sent their renewal letters in the last 16 weeks.
Members should make themselves aware of the information below as they may still be able to renew at present prices, if they have a renewal letter.
Grants
Any grant application received before 5 February 2025 will incur the current fee.
Any grant application received from 5 February 2025 will be required to pay the new fee.
Renewals
Police Scotland contact certificate holders by letter to initiate renewal applications 16-weeks prior to the expiry of certificates. Certificate holders can pay for their renewal immediately upon receipt of this letter (payment details are included within the letter).
Renewals paid before 5 February 2025 using the current fees will be honoured and accepted.
Any renewal paid from 5 February 2025 will be required to pay the new fee.
Police Scotland is currently contacting up to 3,000 certificate holders who have been sent renewal letters in the last 16 weeks to highlight the change in fees and to give them the opportunity to pay the current renewal rate prior to 5 February 2025.
As Police Scotland initiate renewals 16-weeks in advance of expiry, if certificate holders have not received their renewal letter, they cannot apply “extra early” to avoid the new fees.
