Disposing of a weapon

Disposing of weapons permanently (within Queensland)

If you do not wish to retain possession of a weapon you may choose to dispose of them by one of the following means:

• Relinquish your weapon at a Queensland police station
• Sell your weapon to a dealer
• Dispose of your weapon to a licensed dealer for consignment sale on your behalf, or
• Sell it to someone who is a holder of an issued permit to acquire (PTA) for the weapon in question. 

A permit to acquire is required for each weapon being acquired.  You must view an issued PTA before disposing of the weapon to the acquirer.

Disposing of weapons temporarily (safekeeping)

If you need someone else to take possession of your weapon temporarily (e.g. your licence has expired and you need to apply for a new one) you can temporarily dispose of them by placing them in safekeeping with another licensed person who is licensed for the same categories. 

Weapons licensing must be advised in writing of any weapons being safekept by a licence holder. 

Disposal of weapons interstate

If you have disposed of your weapon to an interstate licence holder, you will need to provide written advice to Weapons Licensing stating:

• The name of person to whom the weapon was disposed
• The address of person to whom the weapon was disposed
• The weapons licence number of person to whom the weapon was disposed, and
• The date of disposal.

If you wish to dispose of your weapon interstate, contact the relevant interstate firearms registry and ensure you follow the Weapons Regulations 2016 which states: 

• a weapon may only be dispatched unloaded
• a person who is not a licensed dealer or armourer may only dispatch a weapon to a licensed dealer or armourer or a police officer acting in his or her official capacity
• if a person is not a licensed dealer, a weapon may only be dispatched by registered post
• if a person is a licensed dealer, a weapon may be dispatched by registered post or by using a person to whom section 2(1)(l)(i) of the Weapons Act 1990 applies, and
• a weapon must be inside a sturdy, securely closed container that must not suggest a weapon is inside.

Refer to section 96 of the Weapons Regulation 2016 for further information and examples of how a container or something on or attached to it may indicate a weapon is inside.

Transferring weapons overseas

If you wish to export your firearms you will need to contact both the Australian Customs Service and the Department of Defence. 

Destroying weapons

You cannot destroy a weapon; you may only dispose of them.

If your weapon has been damaged beyond repair or you do not wish to have the firearm repaired or you wish to damage the weapon to prevent any further use, it must be surrendered to either a Queensland police station or a licensed Queensland dealer for destruction.

Separate procedures are in place for the destruction of weapons by licensed weapons dealers.