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ShootCert
Medical Certificates for Shotgun/Firearm License Applications
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Last updated: 27 April 2026
Terms and Conditions for Firearms Medical Assessment with ShootCert.co.uk
1. Introduction
1.1. These Terms and Conditions govern the application process for a firearms medical assessment through ShootCert Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”).
1.2. By applying for a firearms medical assessment, you (“the applicant”, “you”, “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
2. Eligibility
2.1. You must be at least 14 years old to apply.
2.2. You must provide accurate and truthful information throughout the application process.
2.3. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all legal and regulatory requirements for holding a firearms or shotgun certificate.
3. Application Process
3.1. All applications must be submitted via ShootCert.co.uk.
3.2. You must complete the medical assessment form fully and accurately.
3.3. We will process your application based on the medical information provided by you and your GP or medical professional.
3.4. Failure to provide required information or supporting documents may result in a delay or rejection of your application.
4. Fees and Payment
4.1. The applicable fee for the firearms medical assessment is displayed on our website and must be paid in full at the time of application.
4.2. All payments are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in these Terms and Conditions.
4.3. If additional medical records are required, you may be liable for any additional fees charged by your GP or medical provider.
5. Medical Assessment and Reporting
5.1. Our assessment is based solely on the medical information provided by you and your GP or relevant medical professional.
5.2. We do not provide a fitness-to-hold certificate but submit a factual medical report to the relevant licensing authority.
5.3. We are not responsible for the final decision made by the licensing authority regarding your firearms or shotgun certificate.
6. Accuracy of Information
6.1. You confirm that all information provided is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.
6.2. Any attempt to provide false or misleading information may result in the rejection of your application and may be reported to relevant authorities.
7. Processing Times
7.1. We aim to process applications within the timeframe stated on our website. However, this is subject to medical records being received in a timely manner.
7.2. We are not responsible for delays caused by third parties, including your GP or licensing authority.
8. Complex Medical Notes
8.1. In rare cases where your medical notes are highly complex and extend well beyond several hundred pages, we reserve the right to either offer you a full refund or propose an additional charge based on the complexity of the review. We can only determine the level of complexity once we have received and assessed your medical records.
8.2. The extra charge will be in addition to our standard fee and will be quoted to you beforehand in writing via email.
8.3. If you choose not to proceed with the additional charge, a full refund of the initial fee will be issued.
9. Data Protection and Confidentiality
9.1. We process your personal and medical data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
9.2. Your data will only be shared with relevant parties involved in the firearms licensing process.
9.3. For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
10. Cancellation and Refund Policy
10.1. Applicants may request to cancel their application at any time. However, refunds are seldom possible once an application has been submitted and payment made.
10.2. Where medical notes have already been requested or received, ShootCert incurs costs that cannot be recovered, including payment to the assigned doctor. For this reason, cancellation does not entitle the applicant to a refund.
10.3. Refunds will only be issued in exceptional cases where ShootCert is unable to process the application due to an internal error on our part.
10.4. Once ShootCert has received and/or reviewed your medical records, we have a professional and legal obligation to act on any information relevant to firearms licensing. This duty continues even if you choose to cancel your application, and cannot be undone.
10.5. If you fail to provide the required information or supporting documentation, no refund will be issued.
11. Limitation of Liability
11.1. ShootCert Ltd is not liable for any decisions made by the licensing authority regarding your firearms or shotgun certificate.
11.2. We are not responsible for any costs, losses, or damages resulting from delays in processing or rejection of an application.
11.3. Our liability is limited to the fees paid for our services.
11.4 ShootCert accepts no liability for any fees charged by GP practices or third parties for supplying, copying, preparing, or sending medical records or documentation, whether these are provided directly to ShootCert or to the applicant. All such costs are borne solely by the applicant and are non-refundable under all circumstances, including where an application is cancelled or where a refund is not granted under Clause 10.
12. Complaints and Disputes
12.1. If you have a complaint, you must contact us directly using the details provided on our website. This gives us the opportunity to investigate and resolve the matter properly.
12.2. We will always endeavour to handle complaints in a fair, timely, and professional manner. However, applicants who choose to raise refund disputes through social media platforms, public forums, or third-party organisations rather than with us directly may have future applications refused. This protects the integrity of our service and ensures all applicants are treated consistently.
12.3. Any disputes arising under these Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
13. Business Bulk Order Discount Codes
13.1. Businesses and organisations may bulk purchase ShootCert Business Discount Codes for use by their personnel.
13.2. Unused discount codes may be refunded in full if a refund request is made within 14 days of the purchase date. After 14 days, no refunds will be issued.
13.3. If any discount code has been redeemed against an application, no refund will be permitted, regardless of the time elapsed (see Clause 10: Cancellation and Refund Policy).
13.4. The purchase of a bulk discount code does not exempt the applicant from any additional fees that may apply under Clause 8: Complex Medical Notes.
13.5. All other terms contained within these Terms and Conditions apply equally to any individual using a ShootCert Business Discount Code.
13.6. Discount Codes are for the exclusive use of the purchasing business or organisation and its personnel. They may not be sold, transferred, or distributed outside of that organisation.
14. Amendments
14.1. We reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice.
14.2. Any changes will be effective immediately upon being posted on our website.
15. Contact Information
For any queries regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us via the details provided on our website.
By submitting your application, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
Start typing the address beginning with a house or building number:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/
You should also be able to find your NHS Number on any letter or document you have received from the NHS, including prescriptions, test results, and hospital referral or appointment letters. If you cannot find your NHS Number in these ways, use the link above or you can ask your GP practice to help you.
ShootCert Ltd operates shootcert.co.uk, which provides Medical Information Proforma Services. This page is used to inform website visitors regarding our policies with the collection, use, and disclosure of Personal Information if anyone decides to use our services. If you choose to use our service, then you agree to the collection and use of information in relation to this policy. The Personal Information that we collect is used to identify you and to provide and improve our services. We will not use or share your information with anyone except as described in this Privacy Policy. The terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy.
For a better experience, while using our Service, we may require you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information, including but not limited to your name, phone number, date of birth, and postal address. The information that we collect will be used to contact or identify you.
We store your data on secure servers in the United Kingdom using compliant third party encryption methods. Emails sent to and from shootcert.co.uk containing your data are ISO27001:2013 certified and compliant with the ISB 1596 NHS Secure Email Standard.
We want to inform you that whenever you visit our website, we collect information that your browser sends to us which is called Log Data. This Log Data may include information such as your computer’s Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, browser version, pages of our service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, and other statistics.
Cookies are files with a small amount of data that is commonly used as an anonymous unique identifier. These are sent to your browser from the website that you visit and are stored on your computer’s hard drive.
Our website uses these “cookies” to collect information and to improve our Service. You have the option to either accept or refuse these cookies and know when a cookie is being sent to your computer. If you choose to refuse our cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our website.
We may employ third-party companies and individuals due to the following reasons:
We want to inform our Medical Information Proforma Services users that these third parties have access to your Personal Information. The reason is to perform the tasks assigned to them on our behalf. However, they are obligated not to disclose or use the information for any other purpose.
We value your trust in providing us with your Personal Information, thus we are striving to use commercially acceptable means of protecting it. But remember that no method of transmission over the internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure and reliable, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
Our Service may contain links to other sites. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that site. Note that these external sites are not operated by us. Therefore, we strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of these websites. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.
Our Services do not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. In the case we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we immediately delete this from our servers. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so that we will be able to do the necessary actions.
Shootcert operates as both a data controller and a data processor.
Our data protection officer is James R.
You have the right to be informed about the collection and use of your data which is outlined in the policy.
* You can contact us to request this information. If you believe that any of the information we hold about you is incorrect, please get in touch so that we can put that right.
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. Thus, we advise you to review this page periodically for any changes. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. These changes are effective immediately after they are posted on this page.
If you have any questions or suggestions about our Privacy Policy, do not hesitate to contact us.
Version 1.1 Updated 21 Dec 2020
Some practices will provide the report for you, though many either decline or charge a high fee.
If your GP can’t help, or their fee is unreasonable, you can apply with ShootCert, where a GMC-registered doctor will complete your medical certificate quickly and efficiently.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
No – we’ve got that covered. We’ll provide everything the police need: the signed medical consent form and our completed ShootCert medical pro forma (the last pages of the latest Form 201). You simply attach these to your firearms application.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
A Subject Access Request (SAR) is simply the legal term for asking to see the personal data an organisation holds about you. In this case, it’s how we obtain a copy of your full medical notes from your GP.
A third-party SAR is when ShootCert submits that request on your behalf—with your written permission. Learn more.
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to access this information.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
Don’t leave it to the last minute. For renewals, apply about 4–5 months before your current licence expires. This gives your GP plenty of time to send us your medical notes and keeps everything on track. It also allows time for your GP to locate and send missing records.
Tip: If your renewal is still a way off, sign up for our Renewal Reminder Service.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
No phone line – and that’s deliberate. To keep everything clear, accurate and traceable, we handle all enquiries in writing. This means you’ll always have a record of what’s been said, and we can quickly locate previous conversations if needed.
Use the contact form on this site to get in touch – it’s the fastest way to reach us. We’ll reply by email, and in rare cases (for example, to clarify something complex) our admin or doctor may call you or your GP directly.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert, During your application, After you have received your certificate
Almost – but not everything.
You’ll need to ensure your GP receives your Subject Access Request (SAR), confirms your identity, and confirms you are registered with the practice.
If you’ve provided a correct GP email address and your practice has acknowledged receipt, we will usually deal directly with your GP by email from that point onwards (and keep you in the loop).
If you did not provide a valid GP email address, or there are ongoing email delivery issues, your SAR and any reminder letters must be printed and hand-delivered to your GP practice.
If you selected our Print & Post service, we’ll send you everything you need by post – but you will still need to hand-deliver the SAR and any reminder letters to your practice.
From time to time, we may need your help to keep things moving. If so, we’ll update you via email and your Progress Dashboard with clear instructions and send any pre-written letters you need, so you’ll always know exactly what to do.
If your GP requires anything further (such as additional consent or information), we’ll notify you with clear guidance.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
You can now check the latest status of your application at any time using our Progress Dashboard.
This provides real-time updates on your application, including any actions you may need to take or information we require from you.
You’ll also receive email notifications when there are important updates, but the Progress Dashboard is the quickest way to view the most up-to-date information in one place.
If you have any relevant updates from your GP, you can also use the feedback option within the Progress Dashboard to send this directly to us, helping to keep your application moving smoothly.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
You can use our GP Practice Finder during your application to locate your NHS practice name and address.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
No problem - we've got two easy options:
Option 1 – Print yourself (recommended):
We'll email you a set of pre-written letters. Simply print them and hand-deliver them to your GP practice as soon as possible.
Option 2 – We print for you:
No printer? We'll print everything for you - letters, reminders and supporting documents - and post them to your home address. You then take the pack to your GP practice. Simply select our Print & Post add-on service when you apply.
If your GP practice tells you they haven't received our emails, or we receive a delivery failure notification, don't worry. Email systems can occasionally block or reject legitimate messages. In these situations, the quickest way to keep your application moving is to print and hand-deliver the pre-written letters we provide to your GP practice as soon as possible. This helps avoid unnecessary delays while ensuring your practice receives everything they need to process your Subject Access Request (SAR).
Tip: Always take some photo ID with you, as your GP practice may need to confirm your identity before processing your request.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert, During your application
The clock starts once your GP practice has confirmed receipt of your Subject Access Request (SAR) letters. From that point, the biggest variable is your GP practice, as they are legally allowed up to 30 days to provide your medical records.
This is why we strongly recommend applying as early as possible, particularly for licence renewals. Applying early provides valuable time to deal with any unexpected delays, such as:
Once we have received your complete medical records and they have been checked, we aim to issue your medical certificate within 5-10 working days.
For a full step-by-step guide to the process and expected timescales, please see our How It Works page.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert, During your application
Yes – if you can’t give us a GP email address and you don’t have a printer, we’ll print your pre-written consent letters and send them to your home.
You’ll then need to hand-deliver them to your GP practice. Why? Because it gets the best results, it encourages your practice to engage with the request, and it lets them confirm your identity if needed. Take some photo ID with you just in case.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
You can find your local territorial police firearms licensing department using our Police Firearms Contacts page
https://www.shootcert.co.uk/police-firearm-contacts/
(Opens in new window)
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
No – we can’t accept medical notes by email. Scans or photos can’t guarantee the records are complete and unaltered. We can only use original, sealed copies sent directly from your GP (or handed to you, still sealed).
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert, During your application
Most practices cooperate without issue – but occasionally a GP may try to charge a high fee. The BASC legal team and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) are clear: a full set of notes is not considered excessive, and charges should only apply if a request is “manifestly unfounded or excessive.”
If your GP demands an unreasonable fee, we’ll push back. We have a proven process, backed by ICO guidance, to challenge unfair charges. We’ll give you ready-made complaint letters and handle the evidence for you. It can take time, but we don’t give up – and neither should you.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert, During your application
Yes – but there are strict rules.
ShootCert
PO Box 1700
NORTHAMPTON
NN2 1LE
(Couriers like DHL, DPD or Evri can’t deliver to PO Boxes.)
Breaking these rules can stop our doctor from completing your certificate.
Already holding a hard copy? [See this answer instead.]
This FAQ relates to: During your application
Not always. If you’re not registered with an NHS GP, we can’t obtain your medical notes through the usual SAR process. Learn more about Defence Medical Services (DMS).
If you are currently serving, please contact us first so we can confirm whether we’re able to handle your case.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
Absolutely. Every ShootCert doctor is GMC-registered and holds a current licence to practise – either as a GP or on the GMC Specialist Register. This isn’t just our standard; it’s a Home Office requirement for firearms medical certificates. Learn more.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
Normally, we send the certificate straight to you. You then attach it to your shotgun or firearm application and send it to your police firearms department.
In rare cases, if our doctor believes the report needs police attention, we may send a copy directly to the firearms department as well.
This FAQ relates to: After you have received your certificate
For both first-time and renewal applications, police firearms departments now expect your entire medical history to be checked – even for renewals. To keep things consistent and avoid delays, ShootCert requires your full record for every application.
If you’ve used ShootCert before, we only need records back to your last consultation date, plus a reasonable overlap to ensure nothing’s missed.
Our pre-written consent letters explain this clearly to you and your GP once you apply and pay.
This FAQ relates to: During your application
Usually, no. Police guidance says our doctor must get your notes directly from your GP, so we know they’re complete and authentic.
But there are a few exceptions:
ShootCert
PO Box 1700
NORTHAMPTON
NN2 1LE
(Couriers like DHL, DPD, Evri can’t deliver to PO Boxes.)
Your notes must always be the latest full record, not just a summary.
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert, During your application
ShootCerts doctors require sight of your full medical record to enable the doctor to confirm whether you are or have been diagnosed or treated for any relevant medical conditions, including mental health conditions.
You do have the right to withhold certain information from the medical history provided; however, you acknowledge that in doing so, the completed medical proforma certificate may be considered unfit for purpose. For example:
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
We usually get an acknowledgement from your GP when they receive your Subject Access Request (SAR), and we’ll let you know when we do.
If there’s no acknowledgement within 10 days, or if we still haven’t received your notes by day 25, you’ll get an email from ShootCert to prompt you to follow up with your GP.
If another 5–10 days pass without progress, tell us. We’ll provide you with a formal reminder letter for your GP, highlighting their legal obligation to respond.
If you hear back from your practice at any stage, please let us know so we can update your case file.
This FAQ relates to: During your application
We work hard to keep our emails secure and reliable. All notifications from shootcert.co.uk are sent via SendGrid to protect our domain reputation and improve delivery.
Sometimes, though, email providers can be extra cautious, and our messages may land in your spam or junk folder.
If you still can’t find them, get in touch via our contact form and we’ll happily resend anything you’ve missed.
This FAQ relates to: During your application
You’ll need a medical certificate every time you apply, whether it's your first application, a renewal or a variation to your licence. According to the Home Office and BASC, a medical proforma is mandatory for all shotgun or firearm licence applications
Most firearms and shotgun certificates are valid for five years, so expect to submit a fresh medical certificate at each renewal
Since 2021, the Home Office guidance has made this requirement clear and non-negotiable: applications must be accompanied by a medical report from a GMC-registered doctor, or the application will not proceed
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert
A firearms medical certificate doesn’t have an official expiry date, but the police expect it to be recent – usually no more than six months old when you submit it with your application.
You’ll need a new certificate every time you apply for a shotgun or firearm licence, including at renewal (normally every five years). Older certificates can’t be reused, even if nothing has changed.
Check with your local firearms department for their guidance.
This FAQ relates to: After you have received your certificate
If you believe part of your report is inaccurate or unexpected, let us know which section you’re concerned about and why. We’ll check the original medical notes and explain exactly where the information came from. If it’s our error, we’ll correct and re-issue your report. If the issue lies within your GP records, you may need to request an amendment directly with your GP practice.
Read the full guidance here: https://www.shootcert.co.uk/information-disputes/
This FAQ relates to: After you have received your certificate
Refunds are rare, but here’s how it works:
If we can’t issue a certificate because your medical history is unusually complex, we’ll refund you in full – no problem. Please see our full Terms (Section 8) on what options are available to you in this situation.
If you change your mind after paying, we can’t refund you. As soon as your payment is made, the process starts instantly – letters go out, your GP is contacted, and multiple parties are notified. Once this happens, it can’t be reversed. Please read our Cancellation and Refund Policy Terms (Section 10).
Please read the full guidance here: https://www.shootcert.co.uk/refunds-and-cancellations/
This FAQ relates to: Before you apply with ShootCert, During your application, After you have received your certificate
We handle your data with care and security at every stage:
This FAQ relates to: After you have received your certificate
(about 10 minutes)
Before you start, spend a few minutes with our FAQs. They explain the process clearly and prepare you for the Subject Access Request (SAR) – the legal step that allows ShootCert to obtain your medical notes directly from your GP practice.
(about 5 minutes)
Our quick online form generates all the paperwork you need instantly.
As soon as you submit, you’ll receive a signed and personalised consent pack, including letters tailored to your chosen GP communication method.
Everything is ready to send without any extra effort.
If we emailed your GP practice, check in with them a few days later to make sure they’ve received your SAR email and will action your request.
If you’re taking hard-copy SAR letters to your practice, please do this as soon as possible and ask them to confirm they’ll process your request.
Take some photo ID with you and make sure you’re registered with the practice, as they may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
This quick check can save days or even weeks by spotting any delivery issues early and helping keep your application on track.
(usually within 30 days, but sometimes longer)
Your GP practice will now prepare and send your medical records to ShootCert. Most requests are completed within 30 days, although delays can sometimes occur due to staff shortages, high workloads or difficulties locating older records.
We’ll keep you updated through your Progress Checker, and if you hear anything from your GP practice, you can let us know there too. Working together helps keep your application moving.
(5 – 10 working days)
As soon as we receive your records, one of ShootCert’s verifying GMC-registered doctors gets to work. Within 5–10 working days, your completed firearms medical certificate will be ready for you to attach to your licence application.