Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Licensing

Queensland Police Service has partnered with Australia Post to update the way new weapons licence applications are lodged both online and in-person. Below are some common questions about the new process for new licence applications. Please select the appropriate question to reveal the information. 

Can I complete my application online?

Yes! Lodge a new licence application through our online portal.

You will be required to upload all documents to support your application when you lodge online. It is recommended that you review the documents you need to supply here before starting the application.

Can I complete a written application?

Yes! Hard copy application.

You will be required to supply all documents to support your application when you lodge your application with Australia Post. It is recommended that you review the documents you need to supply here before attending your local participating Australia Post outlet.

How do I find out if my local Australia Post can receive this application?

Locate a participating Post Office.

Do I need to make an appointment at an Australia Post outlet to attend the outlet for my new licence application tasks?

No. Australia Post does not require you to make an appointment to lodge your new licence application in-person or to provide an identification check from your online application. 

I do not have an Australia Post outlet nearby, can I still lodge this at a Police Station?

Yes. You are encouraged to attend a local participating Post Office as this will assist Weapons Licensing to process your application more efficiently however, some Queensland police stations can take lodgement of your new licence application. You may contact Weapons Licensing to confirm whether your local police station will accept lodgement of your new licence application.

Will Australia Post be assessing my application?

No. Australia Post will only take lodgement of your hard copy application and perform your identity check for either your online application or your hard copy application. Australia Post will then transmit your new licence application or confirmation of your identity check to Weapons Licensing for assessment through a secure file transfer.

How secure is my information when it is being transferred?

Rest assured that the sensitivity of your personal information is of paramount importance to both Weapons Licensing and Australia Post. Steps have been taken to ensure the security of your information.  

Further information about the Australia Post Privacy Statement.  

Further information about the Queensland Police Service Right to Information and Privacy. 

How do I obtain more information about privacy?

Both the Queensland Police Service and Australia Post respect your personal information and are committed to protecting it when providing services. Further information about the Australia Post Privacy Statement. 

Why are applications now being receipted at Australia Post rather than Police Stations?

The Queensland Police Service has partnered with Australia Post to update the process for new weapons licence applications. Australia Post offers more convenience for most people in Queensland with over 274 participating Australia Post outlets in Queensland. This also provides efficiencies at police stations to  greater focus on local policing activities.

Do these new Australia Post changes  impact my licence renewal?

No. Renewals are lodged through our online portal or at a police station. Further information regarding weapons licence renewals.  

Can I lodge Permit to Acquire applications at Australia Post?

No. You can lodge Permit to Acquire applications through our online portal, or you can lodge a hardcopy Permit to Acquire at any Queensland Police Station.

Can Australia Post take my photograph?

Yes! As part of the application process and identity check, an Australia Post operator will take a passport quality photograph and send this to Weapons Licensing along with your new licence application or confirmation of identity.

What do I need to take to Australia Post to have my identity confirmed after completing an online application?

Weapons Licensing are aligning with the Queensland Government standards of identification and will require a level of assurance for your proof of identity.  Find the list of documents approved under this standard.

What do I need to provide Australia Post if I am lodging a hardcopy application?

It is recommended that you review the documents you need to supply here before attending your local participating Australia Post outlet.

Can I ask Australia Post questions about weapon categories and what weapons fall into which category?

No. All enquiries regarding weapon categories should be directed to Weapons Licensing. Find further information about weapon categories.

How do I obtain more information about this process?

Further information about your application can be found here. However, if you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Weapons Licensing or use our online contact form.

Do I need to pay a fee for my application?

Yes. At the time of lodgement, you are required to pay a licence fee for the number of years you wish to have the licence issued for, plus an application fee.

Other general licensing questions

I have a current minors licence and I turn 18 this year, can it still be renewed?

No.  A minors firearms licence can only be issued to a person under 18. You will need to submit a new application for a weapons licence.  The form is available online here to download and submit at a participating Australia Post Outlet or you can apply online here. If you are applying for the same categories of weapons as your previous licence and the new application is submitted within 12 months of the licence expiring, you will not be required to provide a Statement of Attainment certifying completion of the approved safety course. When making an application ensure you provide sufficient proof of a genuine reason for the possession of a Weapons Licence. Further information and supporting documents to assist you in the application process is available on our Applying for a new firearms licence in Queensland page.

I didn’t receive a renewal package; how do I renew my licence?

You are required to lodge an 'Application to Renew a Weapons Act Licence' at least one day before the licence expiry date and pay the prescribed fee. If you are not in possession of your renewal package you can renew your licence online by selecting the ‘Renew’ button on the homepage and selecting ‘No’ to the first question “Are you in possession of your Form 6B Application to renew a Weapons Act Licence and your Online Renewal Reference number?”. You can download the Renewal Form 6A here and lodge this at a Queensland Police Station.

I lodged my renewal and my licence has expired. Is my licence valid?

A licence renewal application which is lodged before the day the licence expires remains in force for a period up to 42 days after the expiry date or until an authorised officer renews the licence or rejects the application, whichever occurs first.   It is recommended that you retain a copy of the receipt for your renewal application with your expired licence card as evidence that you have applied to renew before the expiry date.   Renewal applications are processed in order of expiry date and your application will be processed in due course.

How do I change the genuine reason on my licence?

To apply to change genuine reason or add additional categories to your weapons licence you will need to: Complete a Form 4B - Change of Weapon(s) Category/Change of Condition(s), available from our website at download Form 4B here; Pay the prescribed fee if you are adding a category of weapon; Provide all of your supporting documentation; Attend your local Police Station to submit the application. Supporting documents required for the type of licence you wish to apply for can be located on our Applying for a new firearms licence in Queensland page.

Do I need to supply a photo with my renewal?

A new photo is required if it is more than 10 years since you last provided a current photograph. You should provide a new passport-sized photograph that has been produced on quality photographic paper or alternatively supply passport quality digital image.

My licence has expired, what do I need to do?

Unfortunately, if you have allowed your licence to expire then you must submit a new application for a weapons licence.  The form is available online here to download and submit at a participating Australia Post Outlet or you can apply online here.   If you have any weapons in your possession you are required to immediately dispose of these by delivering the weapon/s to:  A licensed Queensland dealer or armourer; or  An appropriately licensed Queensland individual; or  A Queensland police station (please ensure you make contact before attending); and  Providing advice to Weapons Licensing of the disposal with a copy of the receipt from the dealer, armourer or police station If you are applying for the same categories of weapons as your previous licence and the new application is submitted within 12 months of the licence expiring, you will not be required to provide a Statement of Attainment certifying completion of the approved safety course.   When making an application ensure you provide sufficient proof of a genuine reason for the possession of a Weapons Licence. Further information to assist you in the application process is available on our When will my weapons licence application be processed? page. Supporting documents required for the type of licence you wish to apply for can be found on our Applying for a new firearms licence in Queensland page.

I can’t submit my renewal in person, what can I do?

Section 18AA of the Weapons Regulation 2016 provides a licensee can authorise an attorney under a power of attorney to make the application for you if you are: temporarily absent from Australia for a genuine occupational reason; or temporarily a patient in a hospital. Section 18AB states the required information for section 18AA. To review the additional requirements please refer to sections 18AA and 18AB of the Weapons Act 1990.

How can I provide information in support of my application?

Additional information for applications can be forwarded to Weapons Licensing using one of the following methods: Mail to 'The Authorised Officer', Weapons Licensing, GPO Box 892, Brisbane Qld 4001; Email to weaponslicensingenquiry@police.qld.gov.au (no larger than 5MB) Please ensure the following details are provided: Full name and date of birth Case ID and/or licence number Contact phone number

Weapons

What is the waiting period for a Permit to Acquire?

Permit to Acquire (PTA) applications are being processed in order of receipt, for current timeframes please visit our homepage.

What calibre and cartridge information do I need to apply for a Permit to Acquire?

When making an application for a Permit to Acquire, you are required to include the cartridge and calibre of the firearm.   The cartridge refers to the package consisting of the bullet, primer, and casing containing gunpowder; a round of ammunition.  The calibre is typically measured using the diameter on the bore of a firearm.   Cartridge dimensions can also be expressed with an '×' between the bore diameter and the length of the cartridge case; for example, the 6.5×55mm Swedish cartridge has a bore diameter of 6.5 mm and a case length of 55 mm.   Some common examples are: Using 177AIR instead of 177; Using 308WIN instead of 308; Using 22LR instead of 22; Using 6.5CREED (for Creedmoor) instead of 6.5 or 6.5MM; Using 6.5x55MMSWE (for Swedish) instead of 6.5×55mm.   It is recommended to add more information in your application, rather than not having enough and require further follow up on your application.

Which document must a club member obtain from the club in order to make an application for a Permit to Acquire a category H firearm?

A representative of your pistol club can provide you with a Club Approval for Acquisition of a Pistol by a Club Member for Sports or Target Shooting purposes.

Why do I have to wait 28 days for a permit to acquire?

The mandatory waiting period for a PTA is 28 days from the date the application is lodged.  Applicants who do not provide sufficient information or supporting documentation will experience delays in processing or possible rejection of the application.

What do I do if I haven’t received my permit to acquire?

Majority of Permit to Acquire (PTA) applications are processed within 21 days. After 21 days if you have applied online, check your emails (including junk mail) to confirm you have received an approval notification.   If you have received an approval notification, allow 14 business days, complete a Form 3 – Application for Replacement Permit to Acquire (there is no fee for this replacement Permit to Acquire application) and send by email to Weapons Licensing; or - the Licensed Dealer has not received it by email within four business days of the approval, please have the dealer contact Weapons Licensing to advise of the non-receipt of the email.

How many handguns can I acquire for sports and target shooting within the first year of being licensed?

Within the first 12 months of being issued a concealable firearms licence you can only acquire one air pistol; and one of the following: A rim-fire pistol A centre-fire pistol or A black powder pistol.

I am already a licence holder and I am having to wait an additional 28 day cooling off period for PTA, even though I have a weapon already.  Why is this?

Permit to Acquire applications are determined on the information available to Weapons Licensing at the time of the decision.   For the authorised officer to make determination that the applicant ‘holds’ a weapon against the licence, there must be a weapon registered to your licence in Weapons Licensing systems. This is only evident after the Permit to Acquire (PTA) is issued, brokered and the Notice of Disposal (NOD) returned to Weapons Licensing and processed.   Notice confirming acquisition of a weapon are to be sent by dealers via registered mail within 14 days and are then subject to Weapons Licensing documentation being processed as soon as practicable after receipt.

What happens to my Weapons when my Licence or permit expires? 

You will need to take immediate action to attend a Queensland police station or dealer and surrender the weapon/s until such time as you are either relicensed or another application for a Permit to Acquire has been applied for and issued.

How long is my permit to acquire valid once it is issued? 

A Permit to Acquire is valid for six months from the date of issue; the expiry date is also written on the Permit to Acquire. A Permit to Acquire is no longer valid if the licence number it is issued to is expired, suspended, cancelled, revoked or surrendered, or the holder of the Permit to Acquire is deceased.

How do I apply for a Permit to Acquire?

You can apply for an application for Permit to Acquire online.

Do conversion units for Cat H require club approval?

Yes, a club approval is required as this is a major component part of a firearm.

Can the Permit to Acquire be extended if I have not acquired the weapon and it is about to expire?

No, a Permit to Acquire is valid for not more than six months from the date of issue and can't be extended.  You are required to return the expired Permit to Acquire and apply for a new application for Permit to Acquire.

Can I put more than one weapon on an application?

No,  a separate Permit to Acquire application must be submitted for each weapon the licensee is intending to acquire and a fee payable for each application.

My weapon has been lost or stolen, what is required?

You need to report the loss or theft of your weapon/s to a Queensland Police Station or phone Policelink on 131 444.  A police occurrence will then be generated.

I would like a new weapons list, how can this occur? (Individual licences only, not including collectors)

Email weaponslicensing@police.qld.gov.au with a request for a weapons list, include your full name, the licence number/s you would like a weapons list for. Weapons Licensing will generate a new weapons list as soon as practical and will forward the list to the email address currently recorded on your profile.

Can you use weapons registered to firearms for instructor for personal purposes and vice versa?

No.  A weapon can only be used under the conditions of the licence number it is registered.

When will Weapons Licensing contact me?

You will receive a confirmation email upon lodgement of your application.  Unless required, you may not receive any further contact with Weapons Licensing until approval of your application.  This may take up to 20 weeks.    There is no need to make contact with Weapons Licensing to enquire about your application. If required, Weapons Licensing will contact you.    Rest assured, the Weapons Licensing team are committed to ensuring the issue of licences to authorise the possession of firearms in the community, subject to safety.

Compliance

I am acquiring weapons from a deceased estate, what documentation do I need to provide?

If you hold an appropriate weapons licence and the firearm/s are bequeathed to you via a legal will, or you are entitled to a portion of the estate under the rules of succession if the deceased died intestate (without a will), the firearm/s may be transferred without a permit to acquire. However, if you are not named in the will as the beneficiary, you will need to apply for a permit to acquire. A copy of the will, or a statutory declaration from the acquirer stating that the deceased died intestate and they are entitled to the firearm/s upon the distribution of the estate, Copy of the death certificate or similar certificate or document, A completed indemnity receipt listing the firearm/s, A letter from the executor/s requesting the transfer of firearm/s to the intended acquirer, and A letter from the intended acquirer(you) which includes; your licence details, request to transfer the firearm/s to your licence, genuine reason for each firearm, and; whereabouts of the firearm/s at the time of application Weapons Licensing has developed a Deceased Estate enquiry form to assist you with this process.

I am moving interstate/overseas, can I retain my Queensland Weapons Licence/s?

Under the Weapons Act 1990, you must be a resident of Queensland to hold a valid QLD weapons licence. If you are moving interstate/overseas permanently, you are no longer eligible to retain a Queensland Weapons Licence. If you wish to hold a licence in another state of Australia, you will need to contact the relevant firearms registry of that state or territory.   Once you are the holder of an issued interstate weapons licence, you are required to advise Queensland Weapons Licensing and begin the surrender/cancellation of your Queensland licence.

What documentation do I need to complete to cancel/surrender my Queensland Weapons Licence?

If you no longer wish to retain your Queensland Weapons Licence you can surrender it by: Completing a form QP463 – 'Notice of surrender of licence' Gathering documentary evidence of the lawful disposal of any weapons registered to your licence (F10s, etc.) Lodging the form and documentation, along with your licence card, at a police station or sending it to Weapons Licensing

My licence has expired, do I need to surrender my weapons while I apply for a New Licence Application?

Yes, you must take immediate action to lawfully dispose of any weapons registered to your expired licence, and provide Weapons Licensing with evidence of the disposal method of the weapon immediately. The weapons must be placed in temporary safekeeping with: A licensed dealer or licensed armourer A person who holds a current Queensland licence with the same category of weapon (for a maximum of three months) or A police station.

My licence has been suspended pending medical clearance/I've been issued with a medical 'show cause' notice. What is my next step? 

You are required to provide a report from your medical practitioner that outlines your suitability to continue to hold a weapons licence.   When you attend your appointment, ensure you take the documentation you have received from Weapons Licensing and have your medical practitioner view and respond to the information requested within the documents. In the event you have been unable to secure an appointment and provide Weapons Licensing with a report by the due date provided on your documents, you may submit an extension to provide the report.

Am I eligible to acquire weapons from a deceased estate without a Permit to Acquire?

Yes, as long as any of the below criteria are met: The acquirer is bequeathed the weapons directly under the will distributing the estate The acquirer is bequeathed the entirety of the deceased's estate The acquirer is bequeathed a portion of the estate, which may be interpreted to include the deceased's weapons, and the executor has advised that the weapons are to form part of that portion of the estate The deceased died intestate and the acquirer is entitled to a portion of the estate under the rules of succession, which may be interpreted to include the deceased's weapons, and a statutory declaration to this effect is received from the acquirer. The following documentation is required to be submitted to Weapons Licensing: Copy of the full, signed will or a statutory declaration stating the deceased died intestate (without a will) Copy of the evidence of death (i.e. death certificate) Completed 'Weapons Licensing Indemnity Receipt' Signed letter from the intended acquirer (yourself) of the weapon/s stating: Request to transfer the weapon/s to your licence; Your licence details; Details of genuine reason for possessing each firearm you wish to acquire. Club approval Form (for category H weapons only).   Please refer to the Deceased Estate enquiry form for further assistance in this process.

Clubs, ranges and galleries

How can I apply to have a shooting club, shooting range or shooting gallery permit issued and what supporting documents are required to go with the application forms?

Refer to this Shooting clubs, ranges and galleries page and select whichever dropdown applies to the permit type you wish to apply for.

What if the club doesn’t have all the documentation necessary to lodge the re-approval/renewal? Can the club still lodge the application?

Yes.  The application will be held at Weapons Licensing pending receipt of the necessary information.  The club is encouraged to forward this information as soon as practical and keep Weapons Licensing informed if the club are having any difficulties supplying the required information.

It is important that the information is provided to Weapons Licensing before the expiry of the approval.  In the event that the shooting club approval expires, your members will no longer be current financial members of an approved club and be subjected to justifying their genuine reason.

In the event that the range approval expires, your members will not be able to use the range until such time as the range has been re-approved.

Other than the specific match rules, what documents dictate how a club operates a range?

The range approval, the club constitution and the standing orders will dictate how a club operates its range.  These should be displayed somewhere at the club, so all persons can educate themselves on the club’s rules and regulations.

At time of lodging re-approval, does the club need to provide the club constitution and club rules?

Providing no changes have been made since the last application, the club will not need to provide this information again.

What are the duties of the representative as required under section 91 of the Weapons Act 1990?

The representative must exercise all reasonable diligence to ensure the shooting club, its members and all persons using a range conducted by it comply with the legislation.

What are my duties and responsibilities in holding a position within the governing body of the club/association?

You will be responsible for the conduct of the activities of the shooting club, including all required legislative returns and paperwork associated with holding the position.

What criteria must I meet to be eligible to be the representative of an approved shooting club?

The authorised officer may have regard only to whether the individual has:

• Demonstrated knowledge of obligations of an approved club
• The individual is of good repute and
• Is a current holder of a weapons licence.

If the nominated representative of the club no longer wishes to hold the responsible position, how does the club apply to have the elected representative changed?

An online Change in Business Particulars can be completed or a Form 4C – Change of business particulars, Change of representative, and a letter on club letterhead, from the outgoing representative, or in lieu of them, a member of the club’s governing body, advising of their approval for the new representative to take on the position.

What is the difference between a range operator and a range officer?

A range operator is a person conducting (operating) an approved range for an approved shooting club and, if the approval is issued to an unincorporated body or association of persons, includes each member of the body’s or association’s governing body.

A range officer is a person appointed by the range operator who supervises (officiates) an approved shooting range taking all reasonable steps to ensure a person attending the range complies with all safety directions and does not contravene the Weapons Act 1990.

What are the responsibilities for the shooting club and a range officer in relation to a range use register?

The shooting club and the range officer must ensure that the range use register keeps a record of all persons using the range and the officer must sign in accordance with regulations that they have clearly identified the person who wants to use the range.  

​What is the minimum age that a person can use a weapon at a range?

Under the provisions of the Weapons Act 1990 and the Weapons Regulation 2016, there is ability for an 11 year old person to attend a range and discharge a firearm as either a licensed or an unlicensed person under supervision.

What documentation must be completed by an adult unlicensed shooter before they are able to use a firearm on an approved range?

A Form 33 (PDF) or Form 33A (PDF) needs to be completed before using a firearm on an approved range.  Photographic identification is required to be produced.

On top of the completion of the 33 or 33A, the range use register (Form 20A (PDF), 20B (PDF) or 20C (PDF)) will also need to be endorsed. If club-owned weapons (weapons possessed under a group licence) are used by the unlicensed persons, the group licence register will also need to be endorsed with an entry.

Amnesty

What is the ongoing firearms amnesty?

From 1 July, 2021, new legislation allows the public to register or surrender previously unregistered firearms without fear of prosecution while delivering the firearm to a police station or dealer.

As at 8 December 2022, 3345 firearms and weapons have been surrendered through the 2021 Firearms Amnesty.  Of these, 2259 were surrendered through a participating dealer.

Why is the government conducting a firearms amnesty?

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission estimates there are more than 260,000 firearms in Australia’s illicit firearms market. The use and movement of illicit market firearms is a national problem which affects the safety of our communities. Australian governments have agreed to hold a national amnesty to reduce the number of unregistered firearms and to improve public safety.

When is the ongoing firearms amnesty? 

The amnesty began 1 July 2021.

Who can take part in the National Firearms Amnesty? 

Anyone can participate in the amnesty.  Persons wishing to register a firearm to a licence, via an application for permit to acquire, must hold a Weapons Act Licence and can do so subject to the licence conditions.

Where can I surrender my unregistered firearm?

You can take your firearm to an approved licensed dealer or police station.

List of approved licensed dealers

What is an approved licensed dealer? 

A dealer approved by the Police Commissioner to participate in the national firearms amnesty.

What protection does the National Amnesty Provide? 

If a person has made contact with an approved licensed dealer or police station before surrendering the firearm, the amnesty provides protection from prosecution where a person is in possession of unregistered firearms for the purpose of handing in those articles (for sale, registration or destruction) under state and territory amnesty arrangements.

Do I need to make contact before attending an approved licensed dealer or police station?

Yes. People surrendering firearms will be required to contact the approved licensed dealer or police station before delivery of the firearm to arrange the surrender. 

What protection does the National Firearms Amnesty not provide? 

The amnesty does not provide protection from prosecution where a person is in possession of unregistered firearms for any reason other than handing those articles in (for sale, registration or destruction).

The amnesty does not provide protection from prosecution when a person is in unlawful possession of a registered firearm.

What items are covered by the ongoing Firearms Amnesty in Queensland? 

Articles covered by the amnesty include: firearms, firearm related parts, sound suppressors, magazines, and weapons (such as crossbows or ballistic vests).

If you are in possession of an item you would like to hand in but it does not appear in the list above, you should contact the Firearms Amnesty Team on 3015 7777.

Is there a limit to the number of items I can hand in? 

No, there is no limit to the number of items you can hand in during the amnesty.  However, firearms being registered to your licence are subject to the conditions of your licence.

Do I have to tell the firearms dealer or police where I got the unregistered firearm from? 

No.  You don’t have to provide any details of where you obtained the unregistered firearm.

What do I do if I don't have an approved licensed dealer in my area? 

You can surrender your unregistered firearm to a police station after making contact with them to arrange surrender of the firearm.

What will happen to firearms I surrender? 

Firearms surrendered during the National Firearms Amnesty can be either registered to a licence via a permit to acquire, surrendered to an approved licensed dealer for re-sale, or destroyed.

When you surrender the firearm to a dealer or police station, you should discuss whether you wish to have the firearm registered to your licence or destroyed.

What are the storage requirements for the firearms I want to register? 

Storage requirements will differ depending on the type of category of firearm. In some cases, requirements may also differ according to the number of items being stored. It is a condition of firearms licensing in Australia that firearm owners comply with storage requirements.

Can I give my firearms to a friend or family member who has a firearms licence? 

Yes. They will be required to register the firearm within the provisions of the Firearms Amnesty by surrendering the firearm and making application for permit to acquire.

However, it is important you are aware this firearm is registered to their licence and unless you have a licence with the appropriate category to possess the firearm, you will not have the ability to gain access to the firearm.

Should you wish to obtain this firearm back at any time, you will be required to make application for a licence and permit to acquire.

Will I be compensated for firearms I hand in? 

You may be able to sell your firearms to an approved licensed firearms dealer. If you sell any items, the sale will be subject to private commercial arrangements between you and the dealer.

Will there be any cost involved in handing in firearms for sale, registration or destruction? 

There is no cost involved with surrendering firearms. However, a firearms dealer may charge administrative fees or storage fees which are the sole responsibility of the licence holder.

If you wish to register the firearm to your personal licence, you will also be required to make application for permit to acquire and pay the associated fee.

Where do I hand in firearms for sale, registration or destruction? 

You are encouraged to hand in articles for registration, sale or destruction to an approved licensed firearms dealer.

Alternatively, you may hand in articles at a police station for registration or destruction. 

However, you must first contact the relevant dealer or police station organise surrender.

List of approved licensed dealers

Can I hand in firearms for sale, registration or destruction in a state or territory in which I don't live? 

You should hand in firearms in your own state or territory.  If it would be easier for you to hand articles in a different jurisdiction, you should contact your state or territory firearms registry to seek advice.

You will not be able to register firearms to a Queensland licence from another state or territory.

What arrangements do I need to make before I hand in my firearms for sale, registration or destruction? 

If you are handing in articles at an approved licensed dealer, you must contact them to obtain advice about any arrangements they would like you make.

If you are handing in articles at a police station, you must first contact the relevant station to ensure officers will be available to receive and process your items.

Do I have to provide my personal details when I hand in firearms for sale, registration or destruction? 

You are not obliged to provide personal details if you hand in firearms for surrender to a dealer or police station for destruction.

If you seek to register items, you will be required to provide your personal details. This is standard practice when selling or registering firearms.

I have a friend or family member who has unregistered firearms. What should I tell them? 

If you know someone who has unregistered firearms, you can encourage them to participate in the ongoing firearms amnesty by directing them to this website. You can also suggest they contact the Firearms Amnesty Team at Weapons Licensing for further information.

People caught with unregistered firearms will be subject to significant penalties including a fine and/or jail time. These penalties may apply even if it is your first firearm-related offence.

If I am unlicensed can I keep the unregistered firearm(s) while I apply for a firearms licence? 

No.  The ongoing firearms amnesty provisions will only apply if you are in the process of surrendering for registration your unregistered firearms.

If you wish to obtain a firearms licence for firearms currently in your possession you are still required to take the firearms to an approved licensed dealer or police station.

If the firearm(s) are taken to a police station, you will be provided with a timeframe to make alternative arrangements for a licensed person (via PTA with a letter of authority included with the application) or firearms dealer to take possession of the firearm(s) whilst you apply for a licence, otherwise the firearm(s) may be destroyed by police.

Any storage fees incurred during the firearms licensing process are the responsibility of the applicant.  Once you obtain your firearms licence you will need to operate through normal processes to obtain a Permit to Acquire to transfer the firearm(s) from the firearms dealer or police station. Any fees incurred are the responsibility of the applicant.

Can I get a firearm, registered to another person, put on my licence during the amnesty if I am licensed for the appropriate category? 

No. The normal Permit to Acquire process is required to be followed for the transfer of registered firearms.  If you are unsure whether or not the firearm is registered, you should discuss this with the person you are acquiring the firearm from.