Character Reference For Gun License Samples of a character reference letter for a person applying for …
- Home /
- Blog /
- SAPS Police Forms
- / Download Firearm Licence Motivation Form
Download Firearm Licence Motivation Form
What is a firearm motivation letter?
Your reason’s for requiring a firearm must be fully motivated in a three- to five-page motivation letter. Five to ten pages of supporting documentation must also be presented in support of the firearm licence motivation.
The documents you need to attach to your motivation letter will depend on your reason for the firearm licence motivation (i.e. self-defence, sport shooting, hunting, collecting or business). They can include:
- Proof of business ownership
- Letter from your employer
- Crime statistics
- Newspaper articles
- Proof of membership to a sports shooting/hunting organisation
- Record of shooting activities
- Sport participation results
- A testimonial/recommendation letter from a friend/acquaintance in reference to your character
- Dedicated status certificate
- Endorsement certificate
- Hunting photos
- Trophy certificates
- Hunting licenses
- Removal permits
- Training certificates
- A firearm competency motivation letter is not a requirement but can be included
According to Damian Enslin, Attorney, Notary and Conveyancer at Michael Matthews & Associates , it is advisable to also submit a motivation when applying for firearm licence renewal. “The amount of space allocated on the SAPS 518(a) and Annexure A renewal form is not enough to substantiate the reason for the firearm, and thus it is highly recommended that a separate motivational letter and supporting documents be submitted with the application,” says Enslin.
For more expert tips on writing a firearm motivation letter see our blog post .
You can download an example of a firearm motivation letter for self-defence below.
Download DOC
Related Documents
Download SAPS 523 – Firearm Remittance Advice Documentation
Download SAPS 523(a) – Firearm Remittance Advice Application
Download SAPS 517(e) – Firearm Licence Renewal using Previous Act
Download Firearm Ownership Transfer SAPS 534 Form
Download Permission To Store Firearm SAPS 539 Form
Download Temporary Firearm Licence SAPS 518 Form
Download Firearm Licence Renewal SAPS 518(a) Form
Download Competency Certificate Renewal SAPS 517(g) Form
Download Licence to Possess a Firearm SAPS 271 Form
Download Competency Certificate SAPS 517 Form
Download Request For Vehicle Police Clearance (RPC) SAPS 263 Form
Download Request For Access To Record SAPS 512(n) form
DOC
Search
Contact Us
Have a Question or Suggestion?
We would love to hear from you.
Contact Us
- Register
- Help
- Home
- Forum
- FAQ
- Calendar
- Forum Actions
- Mark Forums Read
- Quick Links
- Who’s Online
- New Posts
- What’s New?
- GunBroker
- Paid Membership
- Advanced Search
-
- Forum
- General Category
- Firearm Licensing and Re-licensing
- STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.
Thread: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.
Thread Tools
- Show Printable Version
Display
- Switch to Hybrid Mode
- Switch to Threaded Mode
02-09-2014, 21:22
#421
PeaceOfficerView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2009
- Location
- Johannesburg
- Posts
- 5,286
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.
Originally Posted by aMATTeur
It seems I can’t edit the post again but I’m not too concerned. It’s just my address. I have modified the draft based on your suggestion.
ThanksYes – and anyone scouring the internet now knows that you own a gun and travel out of town/country often. Like any respectable dame, ones’ whereabouts should remain a mystery to all.
Reply With Quote 02-09-2014, 21:33
#422
ShaunTView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- Aug 2014
- Age
- 34
- Posts
- 10
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.I can’t say anything about your motivation letter. But I did learn something……… you are a very interesting person
Reply With Quote 23-09-2014, 13:29
#423
CaptainhookView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2014
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 9
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.My Howa 30.06 licence was approved on 15 September. I feel obliged to this website who helped me with the motivation to pay it back. A Motivation is one thing, but thats only half of it….the other half is testimonial letters. The police took 3 of my 4 letters….2 from friends and 1 from my spouse. Its better to have more letters than not enough….here is the first of 4 accepted letters:
Address
..
..
..
..
Tel:
Date:
To Whom It May ConcernI, the undersigned, herewith declare that FULL NAMES (ID XXXXXXXXX) has requested me to provide a character and competency reference in pursuit of him obtaining a rifle license in the Republic of South Africa.
I have known NAME for more than .. years and can vouch for his character. NAME is a responsible citizen of sound mind and sober habits. NAME and I have participated in numerous hunting expeditions in South Africa and he has a respect for firearms and the use thereof.
I support his application unreservedly and am available to respond to any further information that may be required in this regard.Yours sincerely,
Name:
ID: Reply With Quote 23-09-2014, 13:32
#424
CaptainhookView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2014
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 9
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.Here is the second example of 4 letters
Address:
..
..
..
..
Tel nr:
Date:
To Whom It May ConcernI, the undersigned, have known the applicant, FULL NAMES (ID XXXXXXXXXXX) for .. amount of years. I’ve come to know NAME as a calm, relaxed person and very laid back in nature. He is a non-violent person and will avoid confrontation best he can and will rather settle the dispute in an adult like and civil manner.
When presented with a problem NAME will try solve it best to his abilities and take those around him into consideration rather than himself.NAME is sober of habits and does not use drugs or experiment with them. He is a stable, dependable and law abiding citizen of South Africa.
Yours sincerely,
Name:
ID: Reply With Quote 23-09-2014, 13:35
#425
CaptainhookView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2014
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 9
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.The 3rd type of testimonial letters….if you have someone sign this it should be accepted….the ID numbers are very important:
Address:
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………..
Tel:
Date:
To Whom It May ConcernI, the undersigned, have known FULL NAMES (ID XXXXXXXXXXX) for ….. number of years and have no reason to believe he should not attain a firearm license. He has sober habits and has always been level headed in my view. Any questions please feel free to call.
Yours sincerely,
Name:
ID: Reply With Quote 23-09-2014, 13:39
#426
CaptainhookView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2014
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 9
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.This is the testimonial letter from the spouse….feel free to use it:
Address:
.
.
.
.
Tel: ..
Date:
To Whom It May ConcernI, SPOUSE FULL NAME (ID XXXXXXXXXXXXX), have been married to FULL NAME (ID XXXXXXXX) since 5 June 2010 and have no objection or reason to believe he should not attain a firearm license. He has always been level headed in my view. Any questions please feel free to call.
Yours sincerely,
Reply With Quote 23-09-2014, 13:50
#427
CaptainhookView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2014
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 9
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.Here is my successful motivation for a Howa 30 06 1500. I do not participate in any shooting club….which is what makes this motivation nice!
MOTIVATION FOR COMETANCY AND A NEW FIREARM LICENCE
Full Name: xxxxxxx
Surname: xxxxxxxIdentity Number: xxxxxxxxx
IN TERMS OF THE FIREARMS CONTROL
ACT 2000
(ACT NO 60 OF 2000)1 Peters Place
Some suburb
Some town
0157Cell: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Enquiries: Mr.XXXXXXXXXDate: 16 June 2014
The Commanding Officer
SAPS: Central Firearms Register
PretoriaName: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Identity number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
MOTIVATION FOR COMPETANCY AND A NEW FIREARM LICENCE IN TERMS OF THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT 2000 (ACT NO 60 OF 2000)
Attached find my application for competency and my motivation for a new application of the following firearm:
Rifle: 30.06 Make: Howa 1500 Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXX
For your further attention.
Kind regards,
______________
Name XXXXXXXXXXXX
INDEX
Serial Number Details Page Number 1 Personal Information 4 2 Type of application 4 3 Statutory requirements 4 4 Applicants background 5 5 Criminal record 6 6 Firearm licences for renewal 6 7 New application 7 8 General 7 9 Annexure A: Copy of Identity Document 10 Annexure B: Proof of residence 11 Annexure C: Copy of Training Certificates 12 Annexure D: Photos of safe & SABS certificate 13 Annexure E: Hunting photos 14 Annexure F: Letter of the owner of the game farm 15 Annexure G: PMP ballistics chart 16 Annexure H: Letter from family members that hunted with me 17 Annexure I: Letter from spouse to declare that she has no objection to me owning a firearm MOTIVATION FOR A NEW FIREARM LICENSES IN TERMS OF THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT 2000 (ACT NO 60 OF 2000)
Name: XXXXXXXXX
Surname: XXXXXXXXXXXX Identity number: XXXXXXXXXXXX1. PERSONAL INFORMATION
I the undersigned,
Name: XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Surname: XXXXXXXXXXXXXIdentity number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Motivate my application for a new firearm licences as follows:
I am a South African citizen and reside at ADDRESS.
Attached find copy of my identity document as Annexure A and proof of residence as Annexure B.
2. TYPE OF APPLICATION
I hereby apply for a firearm competency and firearm licence under the following Sections of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000).
· Section 15 Licence to possess a firearm for occasional hunting and Occasional sport-shooting.
3. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Proficiency certificate
I have completed my prescribed training as required by Section 9 (q) and has successfully completed the prescribed testing on the knowledge of the firearms control act.
My prescribed training as stipulated in paragraph 3.1 was completed at Lyttelton Firearm Training Centre a SASSETA and SAPS accredited training provider, attached find copy of training certificates.My application for competency was also submitted with this application for a new firearm licence.
Annexure C.
Occasional hunter
I hereby apply in terms of Section 15 for occasional hunting and occasional sport-shooting status.
Safes and safe custody
I am in possession of a prescribed SABS safe bought from Rebel Rifle Safe SA complete with a SABS document and a serial number as stipulated in regulation 86 of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) and this safe is bolted with Rawl bolts to the wall. See annexure D for fotos of safe and SABS certificate.
4. APPLICANTS BACKGROUND
As a young boy I was introduced to firearms by my father. My first hunting experience was when I was 10 years old. The men in our family went for a week hunting trip to Aranos district, Namibia. During that trip I shot my first Springbok. After that we occasionally went hunting whenever opportunity permitted.
From my first hunting expedition I was schooled in the importance of firearm safety during a hunt and therefore I have an extensive knowledge w.r.t. the following aspects: Safe and efficient handling of a firearm during a hunt, permits, ordinances and proclamations, safe custody and transporting of firearms, firearm and ammunition control, nature conservation and hunting ethics. This has shown me how to track animals and hunt them in an ethical manner.
During the last five (5) years I actively hunted and have shot the following game species, Springbok, Blesbok, Swartwildebees, and Blouwildebees. I have hunted in Bethulie, Ficksburg, Danielskuil, and Odendaalsrus.
See Annexure E for some hunting photos with descriptions.
I had some missed opportunities due to the fact that I dont own a firearm. The one incident that I can use as an example is: 2 years ago my work colleagues invited me to go hunting with them, we only had the Saturday to hunt 3 Blesbok. This was a difficult task because we werent allowed to hunt the ones that had a tag in the ear and there was apparently quite a few of them. The hides were small and it could only fit 2 people safely. We were 3 guys and one firearm. The farm had more hides available, but not more firearms. After some discussions it was concluded that I could not go with .maybe next time.
Attached find a letter of the owner of a game farm in Ficksburg confirming that I have made use of his facility for hunting purposes (see annexure F). On his farm I used my fathers 30.06 to hunt a swartwildebees. All the necessary permits was in place.
I have considered the .243 and .270 and .308 and .303 as alternative before I came to the conclusion that the 30.06 is the best all-rounder for my hunting application.
The .243 is borderline ethical for hunting a blouwildebees. The black- and bluewildebeast is my favourite hunt therefore the .243 calibre is out of the equation.150 grain ammunition in a .270 and 150 grain ammunition in a 30.06 has a very similar trajectory and energy, where the 30.06 is slightly faster and has slightly more energy and a better trajectory (Refer to the PMP ballistics chart from the PMP website ( www.pmp.co.za ) Annexure G). PMP supplies ammunition for a .270 calibre firearm up to 150 grain which is borderline ethical for hunting an eland (which I plan to hunt next year). Thus the .270 calibre firearm is out of the equation.
PMP supplies ammunition for the .303 and the .308 only up to 180 grain and the 30.06 up to 220 grain. With 220 grain ammunition I can ethically hunt any African antelope including large Eland, Zebra or Giraffe from distances up to 250 m. Some hunters might even argue that the penetration of 30.06 can be sufficient to hunt African dangerous animals like buffalo and Rhino or Elephant, but I personally believe that this is border line ethical.
The availability of a good hunting rifle is also internationally accepted as better practice than Bow hunting and a Black powder Muzzle loader rifle, which might be the border line of really ethical hunting. It has happened to many people that the animal hunted, gets wounded by an arrow or a single shot from a muzzle loader and for a few days after that, this animal needs to be tracked to be killed, which causes unnecessary suffering, which is neither ethical nor humane.
Occasional sport-shooting
I have not done any formal sport-shooting yet. I am really interested in a competition hosted by International Hunting Rifle Shooting Association. A video is available on their website that clearly explains how the competition works. The first world championship for hunters with hunting rifles will be held on 7-11 August 2014 near Bloemfontein. I want to join the SA Hunting Rifle Shooting Association to try and qualify for the 2nd world championship competition. Targets vary in range from 100m to 350m. With 150 grain ammunition in a 30.06 I will also be able to contend in that competition with a fair chance to do well. I can not enter and practice for this competition if I dont own my own rifle.
Their website to see the video is: www.sahuntingrifle.co.za/5. CRIMINAL RECORD
I have no criminal record against my name and have not been found guilty of any offences nor is there any court case pending against me that can declare me unfit to possess a firearm as stipulated in Section 9 of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000).
6. NEW FIREARM LICENCE
I want to apply for the following firearm licence.
a. Rifle: 30.06 Make: Howa 1500 Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(Licence to possess a firearm for occasional hunting or sport shooting)
7. NEW APPLICATION
Rifle for occasional hunting
Rifle Make: Howa 1500
Calibre: 30.06
Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXThe law determines in section 15 of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) that the Registrar may issue in terms of this section to any natural person who is an occasional hunter or occasional sports person a licence and that they can provide proof that he is an occasional hunter or occasional sport shooter. Attached find a letter of the owner of the game farm confirming that I have made use of his facility for hunting.
(Annexure F).
The main purpose of the 30.06 Howa 1500 bolt-action rifle, is to hunt medium to large game species (with a weight of 150kg 400kg) like zebras, Kudus and Blouwildebeeste. It is my intension to use the firearm lawfully, responsibly, ethically and safely.
The 30.06 Howa 1500 is a powerful rifle round and arguably the best-known medium-bore cartridge in the world, this calibre is arguably one of the most popular hunting calibre in South Africa and considering all animals, without a doubt the best all round rifle in the hunting industry. The 30.06 Howa 1500 is a very accurate and reliable Rifle.
GENERAL
It is my intention to comply with the Firearms Control Act No 60 of 2000 and all that is said in my motivation is true and correct at the time of the compilation of this document. I respectfully request that the firearm competency and licence mentioned in this document will be issued to me.
I am willing to put forward any of my family, friends or work colleagues to offer testimonials w.r.t my character and my mental state. Please contact me if any further information is required in this application.
Annexure H: Letter from family members that hunted with me.
Annexure I: Letter from spouse to declare that she has no objection to me owning a firearm.Your consideration in my application is greatly appreciated.
Regards_____________________ ______________
Mr. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Date Reply With Quote 23-09-2014, 13:54
#428
CaptainhookView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2014
- Age
- 36
- Posts
- 9
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.The last type of testimonial letter which was used for my wife:
Address:
..
..
..
..
Tel:
Date:
To Whom It May ConcernFULL NAME (ID XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) has asked me to provide a recommendation letter for her firearm licence. I am not a relative of NAME but have known her for over 30 years and consider her a very close friend of the family. She is a respected woman who holds her head high and achieves anything she sets out for.
I believe NAME to be of good character and that she will accept the responsibilities involved seriously and know of no reason why she should not be granted a firearm licence. I recommend that you approve her application.
If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact me in writing or call me directly.
Yours sincerely,Name:
ID: Reply With Quote 03-10-2014, 08:45
#429
GunmetalView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Location
- Gauteng
- Age
- 46
- Posts
- 8
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.I’m currently trying to get everything together for my license application. Is there not perhaps someone you can pay to assist with getting all this paper work sorted out? And make sure you not missing something. It’s a nightmare, and impractical! Especially if you already own a firearm.
If a passport now takes 8 days to get how can this be any different? Reply With Quote 03-10-2014, 08:53
#430
PeaceOfficerView Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
User- Join Date
- May 2009
- Location
- Johannesburg
- Posts
- 5,286
Re: STICKY: Motivation Letter Ideas and Examples.You could use someone like Legally Armed. However, if you look at the refusals thread it would appear that CFR are singling out the copy-paste type motivations from such organisations. So it’s not a guarantee that having someone do a motivation on your behalf will ensure a successful result. Save your money – DIY.
Reply With Quote
Quick Navigation
Firearm Licensing and Re-licensing
Top
- Site Areas
- Settings
- Private Messages
- Subscriptions
- Who’s Online
- Search Forums
- Forums Home
- Forums
- Members Area
- Members Lounge
- Articles
- The GUN LAWYERS board Free gun related legal advice.
- Members Monthly Draws
- Writers Room
- Paratus
- GameFamer’s Collection
- Richard Mann
- Mr-Dicks
- Members Lounge
- GunSite Channels
- GunSite Radio
- General Category
- Getting Started on Gunsite
- Introductions
- General Discussion
- Members reviews and testing.
- Historical
- Rhodesia
- South Africa
- Historical General
- Book, Magazine and Movie Reviews
- Firearms Legal Issues
- Gun Free South Africa – The Truth
- Lives and Property successfully defended with guns
- Unarmed people shot during attacks
- Police Successes and Positive Interactions !!
- People murdered by other means.
- Pro-Gun Supporters and Videos
- Government firearms used in attacks or robberies
- Firearm Licensing and Re-licensing
- Homemade / DIY Gear and Accessories
- Firearm Discussions Forum
- General Firearm Discussion
- Handguns
- Tactical Rifles and Carbines
- AR Discussions
- AK / Saiga Discussions
- Collectable & Classic Firearms
- Shotguns
- Rimfire
- Air Guns / Airsoft / Paintball
- Black Powder and Muzzle Loading
- Ammunition
- Reloading Discussions
- Fire-forming Brass
- Optics, Mounts, and Sights
- Equipment & Accessories
- Maintenance & Cleaning
- Firearms, Accessories and Related Equipment Video Clips
- Training and Tactics
- Scenarios and Tactics
- Firearm and training Drills
- Low light
- Home, Vehicle and Personal Security
- Hunting Forum
- General Hunting Discussion
- Hunting Rifles
- Big Bore Rifles
- Hunting Handguns
- Hunting African Antelope and Zebra
- Hunting Big Game in Africa
- Pig and Vermin Hunting
- Wingshooting
- Bow Hunting
- Sporting Dogs
- Hunting in South Africa
- Hunting Equipment, Gear & Accessories
- Adventures, Outdoors, Conservation and Cooking
- Other Adventures and Trips
- Camping and Equipment
- Recipes and Cooking
- Nature Conservation and Wildlife Discussions
- Anti-poaching
- Survival and Bushcraft
- Fishing
- Knife Forum
- General Knife Discussions
- Fixed Blade Knives
- Folding and Automatic Knives
- Custom Knives
- General Knife Discussions
- Shooting organizations and clubs.
- National Organisation Initiative
- Shooting Associations, Representatives, Organisations and Clubs
- SAPSA / IPSC Discussions
- Mpumalanga Practical Shooting Association – IPSC
- North West Practical Shooting Association (NWPSA)
- SADPA / IDPA Discussions
- GOSA
- SAPSF Discussions
- Girls On Fire
- Collecting Discussions
- Steel Challenge
- Sports Adventure Shooting
- African Long Range Hunters Association
- South African Pistol Association (SAPA)
- Western Shooters of South Africa (WSSA)
- IFTA Shooting Association
- PFTC
- 3 Gun Nation South Africa
- Precision Rifle Series
- SAPSA / IPSC Discussions
- Shooting / Sporting Events, Matches, Days
- Ellisras Firearms Festival
- LEO Forum
- General Police Discussions
- Safety and Security
- Security Cameras
- Alarm Systems
- Perimeter Defence
- Dealer / Industry Partners Area
- Dealer Discussion
- Dealer / Industry Partners Forums
- HAILSTORM
- HBA Southern Africa
- Hoods corner
- Shooting Stuff
- Futurama.co.za
- GunBroker South Africa
- GearBest
- EuroOptic Africa
- VAWDA GOLDGEM JEWELLERS
- Shooters Africa
- Gunsure
- CERBERUS Tactical Outfitters
- Bullet Central Africa
- Ultimate-Marksman
- SA Knives
- Bernhard Agencies
- Panzer Logistics
- Dave Sheer Guns
- Rescomp Handgun Technolgies
- NICHOLAS YALE CC
- Tac Shac
- 480BC Supplies
- Tactical Defence Institute
- The CO-OP Firearm and Ammunition Department
- Jizni CZ Accessories
- BTT (Bigt’s Training)
- Tactical Quarter Master
- Fireforce Urban Ready EDC
- ECM Technologies
- Classifieds – Firearms, Guns and Accessories for Sale and Wanted
- Found
- Firearms / Guns for Sale
- Firearms / Guns Wanted
- Accessories for Sale (Parts, Magazines, Stocks, Scopes, Reloading etc.)
- Accessories Wanted (Parts, Magazines, Stocks, Scopes, Reloading etc.)
- Miscellaneous Goods for Sale / Wanted
- Pay It Forward
- To Swop
- Firearm Dealers / Gun Shops / Firearms Training Facilities
- Firearms Dealers / Gun Shops
- Firearms Training Facilities
- Shooting Clubs / Ranges & Facilities
- Speakers Corner
- Letters to the press.
- The Dungeon
- Small Talk
- Stront Praat
«
Previous Thread
|
Next Thread
»
Similar Threads
Motivation letter .22lr
By buccaneer in forum Firearm Licensing and Re-licensingReplies: 7Last Post: 13-03-2013, 08:13Letter advice for motivation
By Wade in forum Firearm Licensing and Re-licensingReplies: 8Last Post: 25-02-2013, 17:15Motivation letter maybe not
By BDC in forum Small TalkReplies: 3Last Post: 11-02-2013, 14:08Motivation letter maybe not
By BDC in forum Firearm Licensing and Re-licensingReplies: 0Last Post: 11-02-2013, 10:28Ruger Mini 14 Motivation Examples Please??
By Goose 23 in forum Firearm Licensing and Re-licensingReplies: 7Last Post: 15-09-2011, 18:49
Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Digg
del.icio.us
StumbleUpon
Google
Facebook
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
- BB code is On
- Smilies are On
- [IMG] code is On
- [VIDEO] code is On
- HTML code is Off
Forum Rules
Advertisement
GunSite South Africa
- Contact Us
- GunSite® South Africa
- Archive
- Top
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5
Copyright © 2018 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.
GunSite South Africa®
Advertising positioning by Digital Point
How to Write a Character Reference for a Gun Permit
By Jayne Thompson – Updated April 19, 2017
Andy Reynolds/Lifesize/Getty Images
In many cities and townships, applicants must provide at least one and as many as three or four character witnesses alongside their application for a gun permit. There is no one effective format for a character reference letter, since every city and town is looking for slightly different information. Generally, you’re reassuring the police department that you’ve known the applicant for a long time and consider him to be of good moral character.
Check the Rules for Character Witnesses
Each jurisdiction has specific rules about who can act as a character witness. In Niagara County, New York, for example, the character witness must reside in the same county or city as the applicant, and must have known the applicant for at least four years. You cannot give a reference if you’re related to the applicant or to the other character witnesses. Call the local sheriff’s office to check whether you meet the criteria.
Locate the Correct Forms
In most jurisdictions, you’ll write a character reference freestyle in the form of a letter. However, some gun permit agencies ask that you give your reference in the form of an affidavit, which you will sign in the presence of a notary public, or by endorsing the applicant’s application form. Writing these references is simply a case of filling in the blanks on a pre-printed form. The applicant should have received the appropriate forms as part of her application pack.
Information to Include
There is no one specific format for a character reference letter. As long as you include the following information, the letter will be effective:
- More:
How to Get a Gun Owner’s License
- More:
How to Get a Gun License in Philadelphia
- More:
How to Apply for a Presidential Pardon
- Your name, address and contact details
- Your date of birth – in most jurisdictions, people giving character references must be over the age of 21
- How long you have known the applicant and the nature of your relationship
- A statement concerning the applicant’s reputation for honesty, sobriety and moral standing
- A statement confirming that you are not related to the applicant
- Your recommendation that the applicant be granted a gun license.
Websites such as lettersofrecommendation.net and characterreferenceletters.com have sample letters that you can use to guide your drafting. However, it’s important to use your own words and stick to the facts that you know. Never write false information.
Signing the Reference
When you’re happy with the letter, sign it and write the date. Reference signatures do not need to be notarized unless you’ve been asked to provide a reference in the form of an affidavit. Give the letter to the applicant so that he may attach it to his application or, if you wish the letter to remain confidential, mail it to the local sheriff’s department. Be aware that a representative of the gun unit may call and interview you to verify the information you have provided.
References
- Firearms Training of Western New York: How to Apply for a Niagara County Pistol Permit
- City of Stockton: California Carrying Concealed Weapon (CCW) Requirements
- State of New Jersey: Application for Permit to Carry a Handgun
- Yates County Sheriff’s Office Pistol Permit Unit: Character Reference Affidavit
Resources
- NY State Pistol License Application – Character Reference
About the Author
Jayne Thompson earned an LLB in Law and Business Administration from the University of Birmingham and an LLM in International Law from the University of East London. She practiced in various “big law” firms before launching a career as a commercial writer. Her work has appeared on numerous legal blogs including Quittance, Upcounsel and Medical Negligence Experts. Find her at www.whiterosecopywriting.com.
Choose Citation Style
Related Content
- How to Get a Gun Owner’s License
- How to Get a Gun License in Philadelphia
- How to Apply for a Presidential Pardon
- How to Apply for a FOID Card in Illinois
- How to Get a Gun License in Canada
- How to Become an FFL Dealer