Proformas and Referees: Navigating Medical and Social Checks for Your License
Applying for a shotgun or firearm certificate in 2026 is no longer a simple matter of filling out a form and waiting for a visit. The “Suitability Assessment” has become a multi-agency operation involving your GP, two independent referees, and a deep-dive into your social history. Central to this process is the firearms medical proforma—a mandatory document that serves as the foundation of your fitness to be entrusted with a weapon.
Under the Home Office Statutory Guidance (Updated 2025/2026), the police cannot grant a certificate without a medical report from a GMC-registered doctor. This guide breaks down the to-do list for every applicant, ensuring you understand the role of your medical practice and the legal responsibilities of your chosen referees.
Medical proforma: Your first to-do
Since the legislative updates in late 2025, you are responsible for initiating the medical check before you submit your application to the police. The firearms medical proforma is a standardized document that you must take to your GP.
What the Doctor must check:
Your GP (or a private GMC-registered doctor with access to your full medical records) must review your history for “Relevant Medical Conditions.” These include, but are not limited to:
- Mental Health: History of depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm.
- Neurological Conditions: Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, or stroke.
- Substance Abuse: Any history of alcohol or drug misuse within the last 10 years.
- Dementia: Any cognitive impairments that could affect safe handling.
Good to Know: As of 2026, your GP is not asked to “recommend” you for a license. Their job is solely to provide the factual medical history to the police. The final decision on suitability always rests with the Police Licensing Department, not the doctor.
The 2026 Firearms Marker System
Once your license is granted, the work of the medical authorities doesn’t end. Under the NHS/Police Information Sharing Agreement, a digital “Firearms Marker” is placed on your patient record.
If you visit your doctor in three years for a mental health crisis or a serious physical injury, the system automatically alerts the GP that you hold a firearms license. The GP then has a professional duty to inform the police if they believe you pose a risk to yourself or the public. This ensures “Continuous Assessment” rather than a check that only happens every five years.
Choosing your referees: The new “Rule of Two”
A significant change in the Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025 is the alignment of shotgun and firearm referees. Previously, you only needed one referee for a shotgun. Now, you must provide two referees for all certificate types.
Referee eligibility checklist:
- Residency: They must be resident in Great Britain.
- Duration: They must have known you personally for at least two years.
- Character: They must be of “good character” (no serious criminal record).
- Independence: They cannot be a family member, an in-law, or a partner.
- Occupation: They cannot be a registered firearms dealer or a police employee.
To-Do: Always speak to your referees *before* you list them. The Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO) will likely call or visit them. If they are surprised by the call, it can reflect poorly on your organization and honesty.
Authority and fees: Who charges what?
Because providing the firearms medical proforma falls outside of “Core NHS Work,” GPs are entitled to charge a fee. In 2026, these fees vary wildly between practices.
Estimated vetting costs (2026)
| Service | Estimated Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Standard GP Proforma | £50 – £150 | Local GP Practice |
| Private Medical Provider | £60 – £85 | GMC-Registered Specialist |
| Referees | £0 (Legal requirement) | Personal Contacts |
Pro Tip: If your GP refuses to complete the form on “moral grounds,” you have the right to use a private provider like ShootCert or similar, provided they receive your full medical notes directly from your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does a speeding ticket count as a conviction on my proforma?
A: No, the proforma covers medical health. However, you must declare all fixed penalty notices (including speeding) on your main police application form. In 2026, failing to declare a speeding ticket is seen as a lack of integrity and can lead to refusal.
Q: My GP is taking too long with my proforma. What should I do?
A: There is no legal timeframe for GPs to complete the form. However, if your renewal is due, BASC recommends submitting your application with a note saying the medical is in progress to avoid your current license expiring.
Q: Can a cousin be a referee?
A: Yes. Cousins are generally not considered immediate family under the current Home Office guidelines, whereas siblings, parents, and in-laws are strictly prohibited.
Q: Does the police visit my referees?
A: Often, yes. For a first-time grant, the FEO will frequently conduct a phone interview or a short visit with at least one referee to verify your temperament and lifestyle.
The foundation of trust
The firearms medical proforma and the vetting of your social circle are designed to ensure that the UK’s shooting community remains the safest in the world. While the process may feel invasive, it is the price of maintaining the privilege of firearm ownership in 2026. By choosing reliable referees and being proactive with your GP, you demonstrate the “integrity” that the police look for in a certificate holder.
For those struggling with the technicalities of the medical check or clubs looking to advise their members on the 2026 updates, our expert partner provides the strategic guidance needed to navigate the licensing journey smoothly. Ensuring your “medical and social” ducks are in a row is the first step toward a successful home visit.
