At ShootCert, we aim to make the process of obtaining your firearms medical certificate as straightforward and professional as possible. Every application is handled carefully, with clear instructions and full transparency about the steps involved. However, from time to time, applicants apply and then later decide to cancel, often asking for a refund.
It’s important to understand why this is a significant issue for us and why refunds are seldom possible once you have applied.
Why Refunds Are Rare
Our margins are already fine to keep costs as low as possible for everyone. As soon as your application is submitted, our administrative processes begin. If your GP notes have already been received, the costs are locked in – we must still pay the GMC-registered doctor assigned to your case, regardless of whether you later decide to withdraw. Unlike many industries, we cannot simply “stop the clock” and absorb these costs.
This means that while we will always take a fair and reasonable view in cases of genuine error or exceptional circumstances, refunds are not normally granted.
The Integrity of Medical Information
Cancellations are permitted, but there is a deeper issue that goes beyond costs. Once we have received and reviewed your medical notes, we cannot simply “unlearn” what they contain.
If the notes reveal information that raises concern about your fitness to hold a firearm or shotgun licence, we have a professional and legal obligation to share that information with the police. Public safety must always come first.
This is one of the reasons why cancellations do not automatically undo the process — our duty of care continues even if you no longer wish to proceed with your application.
The Impact of Cancellations
Cancellations don’t just affect us financially – they can also impact the wider integrity of the service. We exist to give shooters, licensing departments, and the police confidence in the quality and independence of our medical certificates. If we allowed frequent or automatic refunds, the entire system could be undermined, potentially risking the sustainability of the service we provide to the shooting community.
Social Media and Shooting Organisations
We know that frustrations can sometimes spill over onto social media or be raised with shooting organisations. While we respect everyone’s right to express their views, taking that approach in relation to a refund request will result in us refusing to process any future applications for that individual. That is not a decision we take lightly, but it protects the integrity of ShootCert and ensures we remain a trusted and independent service for the shooting community.
What You Can Do Before Applying
We encourage all applicants to carefully read our FAQs and Terms and Conditions before applying. These documents explain the process, timelines, and responsibilities involved. By taking a few minutes to review them first, you can be certain you’re comfortable with how the service works before you commit.
ShootCert exists to give certainty and clarity to firearms licensing. Please make sure you are ready to proceed before applying.