Possessing a shotgun without a certificate

s.2Firearms Act 1968

Having a shot gun in your possession, or buying or acquiring one, without holding a shot gun certificate, unless an exemption applies.

Possessing a shotgun without a certificate · Firearms Act 1968, s.2Card 80 / 195

Points to prove

Shot gun – s.1(3)(a): a smooth-bore gun (not an air gun) with a barrel of at least 24 inches, no barrel bore over 2 inches, no magazine or a fixed magazine holding no more than two cartridges, and not a revolver.
Acquire – s.57(4): hire, accept as a gift or borrow.
Shot gun certificate – s.57(4): a certificate granted by a chief officer of police authorising a person to possess shot guns.

The offence is “subject to any exemption under this Act”. Common ones include:

Carrying for a certificate holder – s.11(1): carrying a shot gun belonging to a certificate holder, under their instructions and for their use, for sporting purposes only.
Approved clay shooting – s.11(6): using a shot gun at a time and place approved by the chief officer of police for shooting at artificial targets.
Borrowing on private premises – s.11A: borrowing a shot gun from a certificate holder on private premises for hunting, shooting game or vermin, or shooting at artificial targets, while in the presence of the lender (or another qualifying certificate holder).
Police permit – s.7: possession in accordance with a police permit.
Antiques – s.58(2): an antique firearm possessed as a curiosity or ornament.

A shot gun with a barrel shortened below 24 inches is no longer a “shot gun”. It becomes a s.1 firearm, and shortening it is an offence under s.4.
Failing to comply with a condition of a shot gun certificate is a separate summary offence (s.2(2)): 6 months and/or a level 5 fine.
Since 29 June 2026, possessing a sound moderator or flash suppressor for a s.1 firearm without a firearm or shot gun certificate is a summary offence under s.2A (level 3 fine).

Legislation: Firearms Act 1968, s.2 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Either way
Maximum penalty: 5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

What are the points to prove for possessing a shotgun without a certificate?

1. Had in their possession, or purchased or acquired 2. A shot gun 3. Without holding a certificate authorising them to possess shot guns

What is the maximum sentence for possessing a shotgun without a certificate?

5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)

Is possessing a shotgun without a certificate a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Possessing a shotgun without a certificate is an either-way offence: it can be tried in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

What Act and section is possessing a shotgun without a certificate?

Possessing a shotgun without a certificate is an offence under the Firearms Act 1968, s.2.