Youth Permits
It may be possible for a young person between the ages of 16 and 18 to apply for a firearm certificate, but only under certain specific conditions.
Under article 7(2) of the Firearms (NI) Order 2004, the Chief Constable may grant a firearms certificate to a young person for an airgun, shotgun or .22 rifle, only if the firearm is to be used for pest control or the protection of livestock on agricultural land occupied by the young person or on which he works and also resides.
Under article 7(3) of the Firearms (NI) Order 2004 the Chief Constable may grant a firearms certificate to a young person for an airgun or shotgun for sporting purposes, provided he is under the direct supervision of a person who has attained the age of 21 years and has held a firearm for that type of firearm for at least three years. Such supervision will be for a period of at least 12 months. In practice, to enable full supervision of the young shooter, the firearm will require to be held on licence by the supervisor.
Any airgun that is capable of discharging a missile with a kinetic discharge energy greater than 1 Joule (0.737 ft lbs) must have a firearm certificate. Airguns below that level do not require a license.
Our specially trained officers are here to help with your enquiries and you can contact the Firearms and Explosives Branch by email: firearms@psni.pnn.police.uk or call your local police on 0845 600 8000 for more information.
