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Frequently Asked Questions
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General
General questions about Written Aim and firearm licence motivation support.
What does Written Aim prepare? +
Written Aim prepares structured firearm licence motivation documentation and supporting packs based on the information supplied by the applicant. See our firearm licence guides for an overview of the different licence sections.
Which licence sections does Written Aim support? +
Written Aim supports Section 13, Section 15, Section 16 and Section 20 applications, as well as firearm licence renewals.
Does Written Aim guarantee approval? +
No. The licensing decision remains with SAPS/CFR. Written Aim prepares the documentation and supporting pack for submission.
Is Written Aim affiliated with SAPS? +
No. Written Aim is an independent firearm licence document-preparation service. For official information, visit the SAPS Firearms page.
How do I receive my documents? +
Completed documents are delivered electronically once the applicable process has been completed.
New Applications
Questions about starting a new firearm licence application through Written Aim.
How do I start a new application? +
Use the New Application start page, choose the applicable licence section and complete the guided process.
Which section should I choose? +
The correct section depends on the lawful purpose of the firearm. Section 13 is for self-defence, Section 15 for occasional hunting or sport shooting, Section 16 for dedicated hunting or sport shooting, and Section 20 for qualifying business purposes.
What happens after I start? +
You complete the intake, provide the required information and supporting documents, and Written Aim prepares the motivation pack from the information supplied.
Can I ask for help before I begin? +
Yes. If you are unsure which section applies, contact Written Aim before starting the intake.
Where can I find the official SAPS application requirements? +
SAPS publishes official guidance for applying for a new firearm licence, including the SAPS 271 process and supporting-document requirements.
Renewals
Questions about firearm licence renewals and the Written Aim renewal process.
Can Written Aim assist with renewals? +
Yes. Written Aim prepares structured renewal motivation documentation for supported firearm licence sections.
How do I start a renewal? +
Use the Renewal start page and complete the guided renewal process.
Do renewal prices differ by section? +
Yes. Renewal pricing differs between licence sections. See the full price list.
What documents are normally needed for a renewal? +
Required documents depend on the section and circumstances, but commonly include identity, competency, existing licence details, supporting documents relevant to the licence purpose, and safe-storage information where applicable.
Where can I read the official SAPS renewal guidance? +
SAPS publishes a dedicated firearm licence renewal guide.
Section 13
Self-defence licence questions.
What qualifies for a Section 13 firearm licence? +
A Section 13 licence is for self-defence. The application should explain the applicant’s circumstances and lawful need for a firearm for personal protection.
Do I need dedicated status for Section 13? +
No. Dedicated hunter or dedicated sport shooter status is not required for a Section 13 application.
Do I need to prove that I am in immediate danger? +
The application should explain why the firearm is required for personal protection and clearly describe the applicant’s circumstances and lawful self-defence need.
What supporting documents are commonly needed? +
Supporting material commonly includes identity, residence, competency, safe-storage information and relevant annexures that support the motivation.
Can I apply for Section 13 without dedicated status? +
Yes. Section 13 does not require dedicated hunter or sport shooter status. The application instead focuses on lawful self-defence and responsible firearm ownership.
Section 15
Occasional hunting and sport shooting questions.
What qualifies for a Section 15 firearm licence? +
Section 15 applies to individuals who participate in hunting or sport shooting on an occasional basis. Dedicated status is not required, but lawful purpose must still be clearly demonstrated.
Do I need dedicated status for Section 15? +
No. Dedicated status is not required for a Section 15 application.
What supporting documents are commonly needed? +
Common supporting documents may include competency, certified ID, proof of residence, hunting or shooting participation information, safe-storage information and other relevant annexures.
How many firearms can I licence under Section 15? +
Section 15 is subject to the limits that apply to occasional status. Applicants should ensure that their intended application remains within the current regulatory limits.
Can structured assistance improve a Section 15 motivation? +
Structured drafting can help ensure that the lawful purpose, intended hunting or sport shooting use, and supporting annexures are presented clearly and consistently.
Section 16
Dedicated hunting and sport shooting questions.
What qualifies for a Section 16 firearm licence? +
Section 16 applies to applicants who hold valid dedicated hunter or dedicated sport shooter status through an accredited association and who can demonstrate a lawful hunting or sport shooting purpose.
Do I need dedicated status for Section 16? +
Yes. Dedicated status is a core requirement for a Section 16 application.
What supporting documents are commonly needed? +
Typical supporting documents include dedicated-status confirmation, association membership, competency, certified ID, proof of residence, endorsements where required, safe-storage information and relevant annexures.
Why does firearm suitability matter? +
The motivation should explain why the specific firearm type and calibre are appropriate for the applicant’s dedicated hunting or sport shooting activities.
Can structured assistance improve a Section 16 motivation? +
Structured drafting can help align the motivation with dedicated status, association documentation, endorsements and the stated lawful purpose.
Section 20
Business and professional-use licence questions.
Who can apply for a Section 20 firearm licence? +
Section 20 applies to qualifying accredited business purposes and the application must relate to the authorised business activity.
Is business accreditation required for Section 20? +
Yes. The applicable business must meet the accreditation or registration requirements relevant to the particular Section 20 category.
What should a Section 20 motivation explain? +
The motivation should explain the authorised business purpose, why the firearm is required, how it will be used and how the supporting business documentation relates to the application.
What supporting documents are commonly needed? +
Requirements vary by business type, but commonly include accreditation or registration evidence, a detailed motivation, relevant business details, competency and other supporting documents applicable to the specific category.
Where can I read the governing legislation? +
The Firearms Control Act is available from the South African Government website.
Motivations & Examples
Questions about motivation structure, examples and supporting documents.
What is a firearm licence motivation example? +
A motivation example shows how an application may be structured to explain lawful purpose, applicant circumstances and supporting documentation. See our motivation examples.
Can I copy a motivation example for my own application? +
No generic example should simply be copied. Each application should reflect the applicant’s own circumstances, lawful purpose, firearm use and supporting documents.
Are motivations different for Sections 13, 15, 16 and 20? +
Yes. Each licence category has a different lawful purpose and supporting requirements. Use the relevant licence guide for the section you are applying under.
What documents usually support a firearm licence motivation? +
Supporting documents can include competency certification, proof of association membership where applicable, safe-storage information, training or participation records, and other annexures that support the lawful purpose.
Can structured assistance improve a motivation? +
Structured assistance can help make the lawful purpose, applicant circumstances and supporting annexures easier to follow and professionally presented.
Documents & Process
Questions about intake, documents, delivery and what Written Aim does.
What information do I need to provide? +
The exact information depends on the licence section and your circumstances. The guided intake asks for the information needed to prepare the applicable motivation pack.
Does Written Aim submit my application to SAPS? +
No. Written Aim prepares the documentation. The applicant remains responsible for the SAPS application and submission process unless a specific service states otherwise.
What happens after I complete the intake? +
Written Aim uses the submitted information to prepare the structured motivation and supporting pack applicable to the service selected.
How do I receive my completed documents? +
Completed documents are delivered electronically.
Can I send additional supporting information? +
Yes, where the intake or support process allows for additional relevant documents or information.
Where can I download official SAPS firearm forms? +
Official firearm forms, including SAPS 271 and SAPS 530, are available from the SAPS firearm forms page.
Refusals & Appeals
Questions about refused applications and the appeal process.
What should I do if my firearm licence application is refused? +
Start by reviewing the refusal reason carefully. Our refusal guide explains the practical next steps.
Can I appeal a firearm licence refusal? +
Yes. SAPS confirms that qualifying decisions under the Firearms Control Act may be appealed to the Appeal Board. See the official SAPS Right to Appeal guidance.
Can I reapply after a firearm licence refusal? +
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, an applicant may choose to submit a new application with improved documentation and a clearer motivation.
Does a refusal mean I cannot apply again? +
No. A refusal does not necessarily prevent a future application. The issues identified in the refusal should be addressed before the next step is chosen.
Can new documents be added during an appeal? +
Yes. Appeals can include additional supporting information relevant to the refusal reason.
Do I need to submit a new licence application after a refusal? +
Not necessarily. An appeal allows the refusal decision to be reviewed before a completely new application is considered.
Can a better motivation improve an appeal submission? +
A revised and clearly structured motivation can help address the concerns raised in the refusal and present supporting information more clearly. See our appeal guide.
How long do firearm licence appeals take? +
Appeal processing times vary depending on the review workload and complexity of the matter.
Official SAPS & FCA
Direct links to official firearm legislation, forms and SAPS guidance.
Where can I read the Firearms Control Act? +
The Firearms Control Act, 2000 is available on the South African Government website.
Where can I find SAPS firearm information? +
The SAPS Firearms information hub links to licence categories, applications, renewals, appeals, forms and accreditation information.
Where can I find new licence application guidance? +
See the official SAPS new firearm licence guidance.
Where can I find renewal guidance? +
See the official SAPS renewal guidance.
Where can I download SAPS firearm forms? +
Use the official SAPS firearm forms page.
Payments & Written Aim
Questions about pricing, payments and the Written Aim service.
Where can I see current prices? +
Current New Application and Renewal prices are listed on the Written Aim Pricing page.
How do I pay? +
The applicable start flow directs you through the current payment process before continuing to the intake where required.
Is my information handled confidentially? +
Written Aim treats applicant information as confidential and uses it only as required to provide the requested service.
How can I contact Written Aim? +
You can contact Written Aim by WhatsApp on 060 689 8309 or by email at info@writtenaim.co.za.
Still Need Help?
Use the guides or contact Written Aim.
If your question is specific to your own circumstances, the guides can help you understand the licence sections, or you can contact us directly.
Ready to move forward?
Choose the correct application path and complete the guided Written Aim process.