Applying for a licence | Importing a firearm | Importing by tourists
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Applying for a licence

Any person who is of or over the age of 16 years may apply at any Arms Office to a member of the Police for a firearms licence. (Arms Act 1983, s23)

A firearms licence shall be issued providing police are satisfied that the applicant is:

• Of or over the age of 16 years; and
• A fit and proper person to be in possession of a firearm or airgun.

A firearms licence will not be issued to a person if, in the opinion of a commissioned officer of Police, access to any firearm or airgun in the possession of that person is reasonably likely to be obtained by any person who is not a fit and proper person to be in possession of a firearm or airgun.

A firearms licence is valid for 10 years unless sooner revoked or surrendered.

WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY

The application must be made in person at any Police Station, Community Policing Centre or Police Base nearest your place of residence or employment that has a public counter open for business.

You should bring with you any existing firearms licence and a passport type photograph of yourself. The photographs must not be more than twelve months old, does not show you wearing a hat or head covering and if wearing glasses does not show light reflection on your glasses.

PROOF OF IDENTITY

You will be required to prove your identity. Please bring with you documents such as a current passport, birth certificate, drivers licence, photo ID, bank or credit card, bank documents, official correspondence, educational records etc.

Two referees are required one of which must be spouse/partner or next of kin, the other must be at least 20 years of age and unrelated. You will need to know their full name, address, contact phone numbers and date of birth.

The application fees should be paid to your nearest Post Shop as follows:

Firearms Licence
Any new applicant: $123.75
Renewal of expired licence or revoked under s 38 (1): $236.25

Dealers Licence
Application for a Dealer's Licence $200.00
Application for renewal of Dealer's licence $200.00
Application for Gun Show $50.00

Endorsements
All Applications for Endorsements - $200.00
Tourist Licence: Applications from visitors for periods not exceeding 12 months - $25.00

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

All applicants will need to bring with them the following documentation:

1. A passport size photograph. The photograph shall:
   1. Be 45 mm by 35mm untrimmed;
   2. Have been taken not more than 12 months before the date on which it is supplied;
   3. Be a full front view of the face, head and shoulders of the person, with the head filling most of the photograph;
   4. Be of a person without a hat or head covering (except where the person's religion requires the wearing of a hat or head covering);
   5. Have a plain light covered background;
   6. Be a colour photograph;
   7. Be a good likeness of the person;
   8. Be on good quality paper. (Not a photocopy)
2. Proof of identity.
3. Two referees are required one of who must be a spouse/partner or next of kin, the other must be at least 20 years of age and unrelated. You will need to know their full name, address, contact phone numbers and dates of birth.
   A further two referees are required for a Dealers Licence and also for those applying for a B, C, and E endorsement. It is advisable that your referees also come from the same district as you to help avoid delays in processing your application.
4. Your Post Shop receipt for the correct fee.