At SimplyMedicals, we understand that applying for or renewing a firearms or shotgun license can feel complex—especially with recent updates to the medical requirements. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing an existing license, it’s essential to understand what these changes mean for you.
What Are Firearms Medicals and Why Are They Important?
A firearms medical is a mandatory part of the firearms or shotgun license application process in the UK. It involves a review of your medical history to assess whether you are fit to own and operate a firearm safely. Conditions such as depression, substance misuse, or certain neurological disorders must be disclosed and assessed.
In the past, General Practitioners (GPs) were sometimes reluctant to provide this service due to time constraints or ethical concerns. This led to inconsistent experiences for applicants across different regions.
Recent Changes to Firearms Medical Requirements
As of recent Home Office guidance updates, all firearms and shotgun license applications must now be accompanied by a medical report provided by a registered medical practitioner. Crucially, this report must be based on a review of the applicant’s full medical records and explicitly state any relevant conditions, or confirm if none are present.
Some of the key changes include:
- Mandatory Medical Reports: Police forces can no longer proceed with an application unless a suitable medical report is provided.
- GPs Not Required to Provide Reports: While your GP may still be consulted, they are not obliged to write the report. This has opened the door for specialist providers—like SimplyMedicals—to fill the gap.
- Five-Year Validity: Medical reports are valid for up to five years, unless a change in health occurs that would affect your fitness to hold a license.
These changes aim to standardise the process and improve public safety while giving applicants more clarity and choice.
How SimplyMedicals Can Help
At SimplyMedicals, we make the firearms medical process straightforward, affordable, and stress-free. We offer:
- Fast Appointments – Book online at a time that suits you, including evenings and weekends.
- Experienced Medical Professionals – Our team is familiar with the requirements set by local police forces and the Home Office.
- Full Record Reviews – We assist in obtaining your full GP records if needed, ensuring your report meets current legal standards.
We also liaise with applicants and their GP surgeries where necessary, helping reduce delays and get your report submitted on time. With competitive pricing and nationwide coverage, SimplyMedicals is your trusted partner for firearms medicals.
If you’re planning to apply for or renew a firearms or shotgun license, make sure you’re prepared. Contact SimplyMedicals today to book your firearms medical or learn more about our other services, including taxi and HGV medicals.
Stay compliant, stay safe—with SimplyMedicals.
Ultimately, It all starts with your firearms medical .
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