Section 20 Firearm Licence Motivation
Structured motivation support for accredited businesses and applicants applying for a firearm licence for an authorised business purpose.
What is a Section 20 firearm licence?
A Section 20 firearm licence is issued for specified business purposes. Depending on the business category, this may include security services, firearm training, theatrical or film use, game-ranger activities, business in hunting, or another business purpose accredited by the Registrar. See the SAPS Firearms information hub for official category and accreditation resources.
The application should clearly identify the authorised business purpose and explain why the firearm is required for that purpose in line with the Firearms Control Act.
A clear motivation supports a clear application.
A Section 20 motivation should clearly connect the accredited business activity, the intended firearm use, the specific firearm and the supporting business documentation.
Business Purpose
Explain the specific accredited business purpose for which the firearm will be used.
Accreditation
Provide the relevant business accreditation or registration required for the applicable category.
Firearm Suitability
Explain why the firearm is appropriate for the stated business activity.
Supporting Evidence
Align the motivation with the accreditation, business records and supporting annexures.
What is typically included?
Supporting documents differ according to the type of business, but Section 20 applications commonly require proof of accreditation or registration together with a motivation supporting the business use.
Accreditation / Registration
Relevant proof of accreditation or registration for the applicable business category.
Business Motivation
A structured motivation explaining the business purpose and why the firearm is required.
Business Details
Supporting business information and authorised-person details where applicable.
Core Documents
Competency, identity, safe-storage information and other supporting documents required for the specific business category.
Structured drafting for accredited business-purpose applications.
Written Aim assists with structuring the business-purpose motivation and organising the supporting information supplied by the applicant or accredited business.
Because Section 20 requirements differ by business category, the final motivation pack should reflect the actual accreditation, business purpose, firearm use and supporting documentation relevant to that application.
Common Section 20 questions.
These are the questions most closely related to Section 20. More topics are available in the full Written Aim FAQ centre.
Who can apply for a Section 20 firearm licence?+
Is business accreditation required for Section 20?+
What should a Section 20 motivation explain?+
What supporting documents are commonly needed?+
Ready to start your Section 20 application?
Complete the guided intake and let Written Aim prepare your motivation pack.