In collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Home Office, PDS is leading the delivery of a new national firearms licensing solution. This will replace the current National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS), which has been in use since the mid-2000s.
What’s changing
The existing NFLMS is reaching the end of its operational life. In response, PDS is procuring a commercial off-the-shelf solution that will replace the legacy NFLMS platform and enable integration with partner agencies and national systems. The rollout across police forces in England and Wales will begin from the middle of 2026, with full implementation and decommission of the existing system by middle of 2027.
Forces who are considering local investment in firearms licensing systems are encouraged to contact PDS to align with the NFLMS replacement project.
Key benefits of the NFLMS replacement
The replacement of the current NFLMS with a modern solution is strategically aligned to policing, the Home Office and the UK’s Digital, Data, and Technology policies.
The new system will provide a secure and efficient platform for managing firearms, shotgun, and explosives licensing across police forces in the UK, as well as Home Office Explosions, Poisons and Precursors (EPP). Benefits include:
- Enhanced public safety through better oversight and data sharing.
- Removal of operational risk from running a legacy system with limited supportability.
- Reduced time and cost for policing through a consistent, compliant, and scalable solution.
- Improved collaboration across police forces, government, and other stakeholders.
- Future-proof the system with modern technology, automation, and advanced analytics.
Questions or comments?
Reach out to the NFLMS replacement team at NFLMS@pds.police.uk