Your shopping cart
How to Get UKARA Registration
How to Get UKARA Registration (The Right Way)
If you’re getting into airsoft in the UK, you’ll quickly hear people talk about UKARA registration. It’s often spoken about like it’s a licence or a permit, which leads to a lot of confusion. The reality is much simpler.
UKARA registration is simply a retailer verification system that confirms a player has a legitimate defence for purchasing a realistic imitation firearm (RIF). Once registered, retailers can check your details and legally sell you realistic airsoft guns.
Below is a clear explanation of how UKARA registration actually works, how to get it, and what you need to do to qualify.
What UKARA Registration Actually Is
United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) was created by airsoft retailers in response to the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA).
The VCRA introduced restrictions on the sale of realistic imitation firearms, which includes most airsoft guns. However, the law allows certain defences, including purchasing for the purposes of airsoft skirmishing at insured sites.
UKARA exists to help retailers verify that defence.
It’s important to understand:
-
UKARA is not a licence
-
You do not apply directly to UKARA
-
You register through an airsoft site
Retailers simply use the database to confirm that a player has demonstrated regular participation in the sport.
The Requirements to Get UKARA Registration
To qualify for UKARA registration you must demonstrate that you are an active airsoft skirmisher.
The standard requirements are:
-
You must be 18 years or older
-
You must play at least three games
-
Those games must take place over a period longer than two months
-
All games must be played at the same UKARA-registered site
This timeframe requirement exists to show that a player is genuinely participating in the sport, not just attending once to gain access to a realistic replica.
Every legitimate site understands the process and will track your attendance.
Step 1: Play Your First Airsoft Game
Your journey to UKARA registration starts the same way everyone else does — by simply playing airsoft.
You do not need UKARA to play.
Most new players start by:
-
Booking a game day
-
Renting equipment from the site
-
Using site-provided airsoft guns
This gives you a chance to see if you enjoy the sport before buying your own kit.
Step 2: Play Three Games Over Two Months
Once you’ve played your first game, simply keep attending.
To qualify you must:
-
Play three games
-
Ensure at least two months passes between your first and last game
For example:
| Game | Example Date |
|---|---|
| Game 1 | 1st March |
| Game 2 | 20th March |
| Game 3 | 5th May |
Once you’ve completed the third game, you become eligible for registration.
Most sites will automatically track this, so there’s nothing complicated you need to do.
Step 3: Complete the UKARA Registration Form
When you meet the criteria, the site will ask you to fill in a UKARA player registration form.
This normally includes:
-
Your full name
-
Date of birth
-
Home address
-
Photo ID verification
-
Your signature
The site then submits your details to the UKARA database.
Approval typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the site’s admin process.
Step 4: Your UKARA Number Is Issued
Once approved, you’ll be issued with a UKARA player number or Site membership number.
This number is stored on the central database and allows airsoft retailers to verify your defence instantly.
When you buy a realistic airsoft gun online or in store, the retailer simply checks:
-
Your name
-
Your postcode
-
Your UKARA number
If it matches the database, the purchase can legally proceed.
What UKARA Allows You To Buy
UKARA registration allows retailers to sell you realistic imitation firearms (RIFs).
These are airsoft guns that look like real firearms, including:
Without a defence like UKARA, retailers can only sell two-tone airsoft guns, which are brightly coloured.
“Buying Airsoft Guns Without UKARA in the UK”
How Long UKARA Registration Lasts
UKARA registration lasts one year.
To keep it active you must continue playing at your registered site.
Most sites simply require one game per year to renew your membership.
If you stop playing for too long, the registration may expire and you’ll need to re-qualify.
Common Misconceptions About UKARA
There’s a lot of misinformation around UKARA, so it’s worth clearing up a few common myths.
“UKARA is a licence”
It isn’t. It’s simply a retailer verification database.
“You can apply online”
You can’t. Registration must come through a UKARA-registered skirmish site.
“It’s illegal to own airsoft guns without UKARA”
Incorrect. UKARA is just one way of proving a legal defence when purchasing a realistic imitation firearm.
Final Thoughts
Getting UKARA registration is actually very straightforward.
If you’re genuinely interested in airsoft, it happens naturally:
-
Play airsoft
-
Attend three games over two months
-
Register through your site
-
Receive your UKARA number
The system exists to protect both retailers and players while keeping the sport accessible.
If you’re just starting out, focus on enjoying your first few games. Once you’re hooked, UKARA registration becomes a simple next step.
