What happens if I lost my competency certificate?

Losing your firearm competency certificate in South Africa can be concerning, but there are steps you can take to rectify the situation:

  1. Report the Loss: As soon as you realize your competency certificate is lost, report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the relevant authority responsible for firearm licensing. This report helps prevent potential misuse of the lost certificate.
  2. Apply for a Duplicate: You’ll need to apply for a duplicate competency certificate. Contact SAPS or the designated authority to obtain the necessary forms and information about the process for requesting a duplicate certificate.
  3. Documentation and Fees: You might need to provide certain documentation, such as identification, proof of residence, and an affidavit stating the loss of the original certificate. Additionally, there might be administrative fees associated with obtaining a duplicate certificate.
  4. Verification and Processing: Once you’ve submitted the required documents and paid any applicable fees, the authorities will verify your information and process your request for a duplicate competency certificate.
  5. Wait for Issuance: The timeframe for issuing a duplicate certificate can vary, but you should receive your duplicate competency certificate after the processing period.

Remember, while waiting for the duplicate certificate, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure the security of your firearms and prevent unauthorized access or use, especially since the loss of the certificate might mean increased vulnerability to potential legal issues related to firearm ownership.

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