How to Get Your UKARA Licence: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your hands on a fully realistic imitation firearm (RIF) in the UK isn’t as simple as picking one off the shelf. The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 makes it illegal to sell RIFs to anyone without a “specific defence” — and for most airsoft players, that defence is UKARA registration. If you’re new to the sport and wondering how to get UKARA, this step-by-step guide walks you through the process from your very first skirmish to receiving your registration number.

For background on the law itself, see our What is UKARA explainer. This post focuses on the practical “how” — what you actually need to do, in what order.

What UKARA Is and Why You Need It

UKARA (the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association) maintains a central database of registered skirmishers. UK retailers can legally sell two-tone (brightly coloured) airsoft guns to anyone over 18, but to sell a fully-coloured RIF they need to verify you have a valid defence under the VCRA. Membership of UKARA is the simplest, most widely accepted defence — and once your number is on the database, any UKARA-affiliated retailer (including Airsoft Direct) can check it in seconds.

You only need UKARA if you want to buy realistic-looking RIFs. Two-tone guns can be purchased without it.

Step 1: Find a UKARA-Registered Skirmish Site

You can only earn UKARA registration through a registered skirmish site — not a private field, garden plot, or unaffiliated club. Use the official UKARA member site list at ukara.org.uk to find your nearest venue. Most popular CQB and woodland sites in the UK are registered, but always check before committing your time and money.

When you book your first game, tell the marshals at the safe-zone you’re working towards UKARA. They’ll explain their specific process — most sites issue a membership card or stamp on the day, and many keep your records digitally so there’s nothing for you to lose.

Step 2: Play Three Games Across At Least 56 Days

This is the famous “3-game rule.” To qualify for UKARA, you must:

• Play at least three skirmish days at the same registered site
• Have your first and last game separated by a minimum of 56 days (eight weeks)

The clock starts on game one and ends on game three. Two games in the same week followed by one two months later won’t work — neither will three games packed into a fortnight. The 56-day window is mandatory and exists to make sure you’re a genuine, regular player, not someone gaming the system.

Pro tip: book game three for around the 60-day mark to give yourself a small buffer. Sites occasionally cancel due to weather, and you don’t want to restart the count.

Step 3: Ask the Site to Register You

Once your three qualifying games are logged, speak to the site owner or shop staff. Bring photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (a utility bill, council tax letter or bank statement dated within the last three months). The site will:

• Confirm your attendance from their records
• Verify your ID matches the address
• Submit your details to the UKARA database

You’ll usually be issued a UKARA number there and then, or by email shortly after. Keep this number safe — you’ll need it every time you buy an RIF.

Step 4: Wait for the Database Update

It typically takes a few days for your number to appear on the central UKARA database. Some retailers can verify you immediately by phone or via the site you registered with; others wait for the system to refresh. If you try to buy an RIF and your number can’t be found, give it 48–72 hours and try again.

Your registration is valid for 12 months and must be renewed by playing at least one game at any registered site before it expires.

Step 5: Buy Your First RIF

Once registered, you can legally purchase fully-coloured airsoft guns from any UK retailer. Not sure where to start? Have a look at our beginner’s buying guide, our AEG buyer’s guide, our best AEGs under £200, or — if you fancy playing long-range — our sniper rifle guide for beginners. Still torn between platforms? Our AEG vs GBB comparison will help you choose.

When you check out at Airsoft Direct, simply enter your UKARA number and we’ll verify it before dispatch.

Common Mistakes and Questions

Can I count games at different sites? No. All three qualifying games must be at the same registered site.

Do walk-on days count? Yes, as long as you’re booked in and recorded on the site’s attendance register.

I’m under 18 — can I get UKARA? No. You must be 18 or over to be added to the database.

Does paintball count? No. Only airsoft skirmishes at UKARA-registered sites count towards your three games.

My site closed before I finished. Unfortunately you’ll need to start the count again at a new registered site. Keep dated records either way — most sites will work with you to verify what you’ve already done.

Ready to Gear Up?

Now you know exactly how to get UKARA, the only thing left is to choose your first proper RIF. Browse the full Airsoft Direct range to find your perfect skirmish weapon — from compact CQB AEGs to long-range bolt-action snipers. See you on the field.