About weapons

What is a weapon?

The Weapons Act 1990 defines what is considered a weapon by law. Broadly, a weapon can be:

• a firearm – typically a handgun, rifle or shotgun
• something else that comes under regulation as a weapon (for example, a crossbow); or
• something that would be a weapon if it wasn’t temporarily or permanently inoperable.

If you live in Queensland and wish to own or use a weapon, you must hold a valid weapons licence that covers the relevant category of weapon/s.

Weapon categories

Weapons are classified into categories A, B, C, D, E, H, M and R. Learn more about the weapons categories.

If you want to acquire or use a weapon in any category, you must prove that you have a genuine reason for needing that type of weapon, for example recreational hunting, sport or target shooting or an occupational need.

The Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 is the legislation that defines which weapon fits into which category. This includes a list of category M weapons, which are mostly prohibited weapons in Queensland.

Weapons regulations

Find more information about specific regulations for the following:

• crossbows
• Airsoft firearms (BB guns)
• replica weapons
• temporarily and permanently inoperable
• antique weapons

Fact sheets

We’ve also provided fact sheets with more details on legislation and requirements around:

• ​category M bladed weapons​
• laser pointers​
• 10 Round detachable magazines for category B rifles​
• permanently de-acti​vated public monuments​

Acquiring a weapon

​​Holders of a valid weapons licence must obtain a permit to acquire (PTA) to buy a weapon of a category endorsed on the licence.

Learn more about acquiring weapons:

• The process for acquiring a weapon
• Collectors and collecting weapons
• Importing weapons and ammunition
• Surrendering or registering an unregistered weapon
• Dealing with weapons from a deceased estate
• Concealable firearms class and participation requirements

Disposing of a weapon

If you have a weapon that you don’t want to keep, there are rules about how you can lawfully dispose of it. For example, if you want to dispose of a weapon permanently, you can relinquish it at a Queensland police station, or sell it to a dealer or a holder of a permit to acquire for the weapon.

Learn more about disposing of weapons

Safekeeping of a weapon

If you want to dispose of your weapon temporarily (for example if your licence has expired and you need to apply for a new one), you can place it in safekeeping with another licensed person, whose licence covers the same category of weapon, for a maximum period of six months. Alternatively, you can place the weapon in safekeeping with a dealer, armourer or police station.

Learn more about safekeeping of weapons

Transferring of a weapon 

If you want to transfer your weapon/s between licenses you have been issued (no change of weapons ownership), you may be able to do this online.

Transfer weapons

Lost or stolen weapons

If your weapon is lost or stolen you must report the loss or theft to the QPS as soon as you are aware of it. When you report the loss or theft, make sure you ask for the occurrence number. You will then need to provide written advice of the loss or theft to QPS Weapons Licensing, quoting the occurrence number.

If you don’t report the loss or theft you can be prosecuted under Section 60A of the Weapons Act 1990 and you may lose your weapons licence.

Report a crime