Botswana - Apply for Arms (Gun, Firearm) Change of Ownership

ProcedureEdit

Apply In-Person

This process involves the transferring of ownership of a firearm from one person to another, the firearm license owner (transferor) should write a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police requesting permission to transfer ownership. Botswana police service contact details
In a case whereby the firearm is being inherited the deceased owner’s designated family members (siblings, parents, and guardians, etc.) have to provide the request letter to the Commissioner of Police.
Please note; the recipient (transferee) should also write an acceptance letter to accompany the licensed owner’s request letter.
For a first-time firearm ownership application, the applicant should, visit the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), Botswana Police Service office first and have their fingerprints taken and obtain a police clearance report/certificate.
Both letters are to be submitted to the Commissioner of Police office at the police station within the transferor jurisdiction (area of residence) for consideration.
The Commissioner of Police office will conduct due diligence for the reasons for the transfer of ownership firearm and if the recipient complies with the selection criteria for the transfer, the commissioner will then decide if to approve or deny the transfer request for processing.
If transfer application processing is approved by the Commissioner of Police office, the applicant and the recipient, will be issued with the following forms, Application form for Permit to Acquire Firearms (change of ownership) and Application form for Registration Certificate, forms are available free at the police station inquired desk; or use these links to download; Application Form for Permit to Acquire Firearms-Change of Ownership,Application for Registration Certificate Note- this form is to be submitted in duplicates.
Submit the completed forms, along with the attachments (mentioned below under the “Required Documents” section of this page) to the licensing office at the nearest police station for processing and approval, pay the prescribed processing fee, and obtain an acknowledgment letter confirming submission of the application.
On receipt of the application file for transfer ownership of the firearms, the licensing officer shall, as soon as practicable, forward the application, together with his recommendation thereon, to the Central Arms Registry: Provided that, where the applicant is an individual, a licensing officer shall not recommend the transfer of a permit unless he/she has personally interviewed the applicant and exam the condition of the firearm in question, and is satisfied that the recipient;
- Has a good reason for the transfer the firearms.
- Is of sound mind, temperate habits, and of good character without any serious criminal conviction, and would use the arms applied for without danger to the public safety or peace.
- is not less than 18 years of age.
- The firearm is in good condition etc.
Upon receipt of the licensing office recommendation and the application file, the Central Arms Registry office will forward it, to the Arms and Ammunition Quota board to further assess, processing and considerations.
If the board approves the transfer request, the recipient of the firearm will be registered by the Central Arms Registry office, the firearm license/permit and the firearm registration certificate will be drawn up as directed by the board, signed and stamped by the licensing office, once notified by the Central Arms Registry office.
The firearm permit/license and the registration certificate will then be made available for withdrawal by the recipient at the specific licensing office, where the application was lodged, upon payment of the required permit fee and against his/her identification document and the acknowledgment letter.
All registered firearms will be licensed and regulated by the licensing office at the police station within the applicant's parish.

Appeals

Where any person is aggrieved by the refusal of issue of any license, certificate, or permit, he/she may appeal in writing to the Minister, whose decision shall be final.
Notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof; shall be lodged to the Commissioner office within 14 days after the date on which the appellant first received notice, whether written or oral, of the decision by which he is aggrieved and the Commissioner shall cause the notice of appeal to be sent to the Minister without delay.

Required DocumentsEdit

Valid National Identification document (Omang).
Non-citizens must present a valid passport and residence permit.
In case of inheritance attach copies of relevant documents such as;
Death certificate.
Marriage certificate.
Firearm certificate.
For first-time firearm ownership, the applicant should provide a police clearance report.

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

Central Arms Registry
Botswana Police Headquarters
Physical Address: Lot 4, Government Enclave
Postal address: Private Bag 0012
Gaborone
Botswana
Tel. (+267) 3622000
Fax. (+267) 3973723
Email: [email protected]

Botswana Police Service:Public Relations Officer
P/Bag 0012, Gaborone
Physical Address: CBD, Gaborone
Zambezi Towers Floor 3
Tel: +267 399 3815 / 19 / 20/ 21 / 74 / 78
Fax: +267 397 2404
Email: [email protected]
Botswana police service contact details

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
Botswana Police Service
Private Bag 0400
Gaborone, Botswana

Physical Address:
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
,Botswana Police Service
Zambezi Towers, Central Business District
Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 3993803/ 3993882
Email: [email protected]

BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE - TOLL-FREE NUMBERS

Kasane 0800 600 048
Maun 0800 600 040
Nata 0800 600 057
Masunga 0800 600 030
Gantsi 0800 600 115
Letlhakane 0800 600 055
Francistown 0800 600 027
S/Phikwe 0800 600 063
Serowe 0800 600 073
Palapye 0800 600 074
Mahalapye 0800 600 075
Molepolole 0800 600 131
Mochudi 0800 600 094
Mogoditshane 0800 600 107
Jwaneng 0800 600 142
Gaborone (PHQ) 0800 600 144
Kanye 0800 600 138
Ramotswa 0800 600 102
Lobatse 0800 600 108
Tsabong 0800 600 122

EligibilityEdit

To be eligible both parties should meet the following requirements;

The transferor should be the registered owner of the firearm in question.
The transferee (recipient) should be above the age of 18.
Both parties should have no criminal record.
Both parties should be of sound mind.

FeesEdit

Application processing fee BWP 20.00.

ValidityEdit

Firearm license/permit is valid for one year from the date when it was granted or last renewed.

Documents to UseEdit

Sample DocumentsEdit

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing TimeEdit

The time around for processing the application is within 14 working days.

InstructionsEdit

Please provide other instructions related to the certificate/documents.
e.g. The state office holds birth records since January 1908.

Required InformationEdit

Details of the owner and recipient of the firearm

Full name/age
Nationality
Conduct details (residential address/ postal address/telephone/email/mobile number/fax)
Occupation
Employer's name and address
Arms for which permit is required (type/caliber/maker name/serial number)
Registration Certificate Number
Reasons for requiring arms (if for stock protection, state number of stock, ranches, and boreholes owned)
Applicant declaration (signature/thumbprint)

Need for the DocumentEdit

Transfer of ownership of a firearm is the process that involves the transferring of ownership of a firearm from a registered owner to another person and should be approved and registered by the Central Arms Registry office.
The firearms license allows the licensee to buy, own, possess, or carry a firearm and ammunition. It is often subject to several conditions or restrictions, especially concerning storage requirements or the completion of a firearms safety course, as well as background checks.

Information which might helpEdit

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External LinksEdit

OthersEdit

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