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Just some quick questions on variation application procedure. I'm hoping someone who has actual experience of Thames Valley Police variations can help.

I'm putting in for a variation to include a rifle and two muzzle loading pistols.
On the variation form on their website (link below) the form clearly states:
"NOTE: THE CERTIFICATE TO BE VARIED, OR A COPY OF IT, MUST BE ENCLOSED WITH THIS FORM."

This seems pretty clear cut. I can send in a photocopy of my existing FAC and still be able to buy ammunition and sundry items that require my original FAC whilst the variation goes through.

However, I have conflicting advice from one of the firearms inquiry officers who says that if I send in a copy rather than the original it will delay the process.

Does anyone know if this is correct? I'd like the convenience of retaining my FAC in the meantime but not if it causes a substantial delay in time (I can always top off my ammunition to tide me over before submitting the forms if I must).

I'm told variations in the area take about a month. I hope that's pretty close; Francis Lovel tells me that FAC applications are taking about nine months in this area which rather put me off. Apparently they have lost some staff and suffered some flood damage or something which is hampering times.

Also assuming I hang on to my FAC during the process what happens when the varied FAC is ready? Do I have to hand over the old FAC before taking delivery of the new one? It's been a good twelve years since I've had a variation and I'm out of practice.

Cheers in advance for any help.


http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/form_ ... v_2014.pdf

You can get away with a copy however in my experience they always ask for the original fairly quickly and last time I tried it I still had to wait 4 weeks after sending in the original.

In Essex the last time I did a variation for extra stuff, January 16 they wanted the original FAC and said I should keep a copy which would have stopped me buying ammo, not a issue as I reload and had plenty of stock to do more.

I asked them this exact question just last week. A photocopy must accompany the application but the actual certificate to be varied needs to be submitted before the new one can be signed.

They need to have the original FAC before the varied one will be issued as they need to know that you don't have two valid FACs.

At renewal time your old FAC will expire so submitting the original isn't necessary however if there are variations then the above will apply.

As others have said, if you want to have something added to your certificate, e.g., a new rifle, then you must send your original certificate with the variation request. It will come back with "Firearms authorised to be purchased or acquired", and you can then go and buy/collect whatever you have asked for.

If you have sold something, then you can usually just email the details through to the FEO without having to send them your certificate. The certificate will be updated at the next renewal, (or whenever the FEO gets it back the next time).

OK. Thanks everyone.

I was told to keep mine as variations were quoted as taking twelve weeks.New one arrived about eight weeks later with a letter requesting the old to be handed/posted in.

ALWAYS keep mine, then when the new FAC is ready I go to collect it & hand in the old one.

Works out BETTER = as quite often they will have a few "admin. errors" on the new FAC which I can point out & have corrected there & then.
Everything from ammo slots missed off, old guns still listed as possessed, filled slots still open, open slots vanished, etc. & quite often multiples from the list at the same time!!

I kept mine as well, said I needed to keep it to enter a PSG comp, didn't have any problems, just sent a copy and said I would destroy the old when when the new one arrives.