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The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is currently reviewing whether it provides adequate support for individuals who struggle with the mandatory online system for firearms licensing in the region. Since 2018, all firearm permit applications must be submitted exclusively via an online portal. However, a recent update to this system has reportedly caused frustration among many licence holders, with some even deciding not to renew their permits.
According to the Equality Commission, any firearm owner who feels discriminated against by the new process is encouraged to reach out, though so far no such complaints have been filed. The PSNI acknowledged that the updated system represents a significant change but emphasized that it was a “major upgrade” requested by the firearms community to improve efficiency. Despite this, many users—especially older individuals—have voiced concerns about the challenges they face adapting to the digital format.
Wilbert Mayne, a 76-year-old farmer from Cookstown, shared his difficulties with the new system, explaining how the move from paper forms to online applications has complicated what used to be a straightforward process. Mayne mentioned that while he managed okay when the online system was first introduced, the latest version of the My PSNI Portal presented further obstacles. Notably, both the applicant and the two referees providing character references must log in using personal email addresses, creating problems when referees, often elderly, lack email accounts. Mayne recalled having to seek help from his son to complete his recent renewal, marking the first time in over 50 years that he needed assistance with his licence.
Firearm ownership in Northern Ireland includes over 53,000 licence holders as of January 2025, with 97% being male. Most firearms are used for farming and sporting purposes, though some are held for personal security. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has expressed “significant concerns” about the new digital application portal, especially for older users and those with limited digital literacy. The UFU has engaged with the PSNI in an effort to find solutions that could ease the difficulties experienced by parts of the rural community.
The experiences of other gun owners reflect similar frustrations. A clay pigeon shooter with dyslexia explained that without his wife’s help, renewing his licence online would have been impossible since 2018. He noted that older generations, such as his father, prefer traditional pen-and-paper methods and had decided not to renew his permit because of the digital demands, despite assistance from family and firearms officers. This illustrates the wider sense of discouragement among users who feel alienated by the online-only approach.
In response to these concerns, the Mid Ulster Council passed a motion urging the PSNI and Department of Justice to reconsider their policy, pointing out that it disadvantages older people and rural communities. Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, acknowledged the PSNI’s responsibility to ensure equality of opportunity and avoid unlawful discrimination, including on the basis of age. Her comments were seen by some councillors as an official recognition of discrimination arising from the current licensing system.
The PSNI stated that the changes to the licensing process aim to speed up applications by auto-populating personal details and improving data security through verified email addresses and mobile numbers. They emphasized that these updates had long been requested by the firearms community and required secure IT solutions, with comprehensive communication efforts made throughout the year to prepare users. Despite these intentions, the financial aspects highlight a significant cost imbalance: while a firearms certificate costs £98, PSNI figures reveal that processing these applications costs much more. In 2024, the firearms and explosives branch lost around £2 million, generating £1.3 million in revenue but incurring costs exceeding £3.2 million, resulting in a shortfall of nearly £2 million
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