Being a Referee or Verifier

Read this guidance if you have been asked to be a ‘referee’ for someone who is applying for the grant or renewal of a firearm or shotgun certificate. 

In the case of an air weapon certificate, you will have been asked to be a ‘verifier’.  Where reference is made to a ‘referee’ in this guidance, the same information can be attributed to a ‘verifier’, unless a difference is expressly highlighted.

Applicants for firearm certificates are required to propose two referees, whilst applicants for shotgun certificates are required to provide one referee. An air weapon certificate applicant is required to provide one verifier.

As a referee you are taking on a very important role, as the applicant has identified you as someone that knows them well enough to provide a reliable and honest opinion of their character and suitability to hold a certificate which will allow them to possess firearms, shotguns and/or air weapons. 

For the police, you will provide critical information which will be used to help determine whether the individual is granted access to guns.  A certificate is valid for five years, and over that time the police may re-contact you as part of ensuring that the certificate holder remains suitable to continue to have access to guns.  Ultimately, the role you play is an important one that helps ensure public safety.

Please read the full guidance here: Being a Referee or Verifier document