Surrendering or registering an unregistered firearm

If you come into possession of an unregistered firearm you must take immediate action to ensure it is surrendered either to a licensed Queensland firearms dealer or a Queensland police station for safekeeping until the registration process can be completed. Before you attend the dealer or police station, you should contact them to arrange an appropriate time.

Where do I surrender an unwanted firearm, unregistered firearm or firearm parts?

In Queensland you can surrender your firearm or parts of firearms to a licensed firearm dealer or to a police station. Find dealers participating in the National Firearms Amnesty.
Under no circumstances should loaded firearms be taken into a police station, dealer or other public place.

Where do I surrender ammunition?

Ammunition falls under the jurisdiction of the department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy. 

For more information of surrendering unwanted ammunition in Queensland, please contact:
Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
Phone: 13 74 68

How do I surrender the firearm or firearm part?

It is important that people do not walk into a police station or approved dealer with a firearm. Please contact the station or dealer directly prior to your arrival for advice on their preferred method of drop off. 

When surrendering a firearm to a participating licensed dealer or to a police station, make sure the firearm is unloaded and where possible, remove the bolt or other method to render the firearm safe.

Your firearm should be placed in a gun bag or be wrapped in a blanket before taking it to a participating licensed dealer or to a police station. 

Will I be arrested when I surrender an unlawfully possessed firearm, an unregistered firearm, firearm parts and ammunition?

The amnesty provides protection from prosecution where a person is in possession of an unregistered firearm for the purpose of handing it in.

Can I register an unlicensed firearm during the amnesty?

If you seek to acquire the firearms you hand in, you may need to pay licensing, registration or permit to acquire fees.

There is no cost involved with handing in firearms for destruction.

If you apply to register firearms you hand in, those firearms will be stored at an approved location while the registration process takes place. You cannot possess the firearms during the registration process.

I do not hold a firearms licence and wish to have firearms returned once I have a licence*	I hold a firearms licence and wish to have these firearms registered and added to my licence.
Firstly you will need to apply for a firearm licence. For criteria and information visit: QPS Weapons Applications page	If the firearm fits within allowed categories, you can apply for a permit to acquire a firearm. For categories and information visit: QPS Weapons Applications page Once a permit to acquire is granted this can be arranged through a licensed firearms dealer.

*A firearm licence allows you to use a firearm if you hold a genuine reason – you cannot own or buy a firearm just because you have a licence. You also need a permit to acquire for each and every firearm.

Can I sell an unregistered firearm under the amnesty?

You may be able to sell your unregistered firearms to a licensed firearms dealer during the amnesty. If you sell any firearms, the sale will be subject to private commercial arrangements between you and the dealer.

To sell your unregistered firearm to a licensed firearms dealer, that dealer must be licensed to acquire and sell your category of firearm.

Will I receive proof for receipt of surrendered unregistered firearm?

An approved firearms dealer will be required to complete an online amnesty form and may provide a copy of the notice of transaction to the person.

Or

A Queensland Police Station will be required to complete an online amnesty form and may provide a copy of the receipt of surrender to the person.

Notice to all firearms dealers

If any firearm is surrendered to your business by an unknown person and the person does not wish to provide their personal particulars, the firearm is to be taken directly to your local police station – pursuant to section 73 of the Act.   In certain circumstances, it may be returned to you as found property after investigations and a period of at least 60 days.

If an unregistered firearm is surrendered to your business by an unlicensed person, the register details must immediately be completed. All fields should be completed:  'unlicensed' (or a previous weapons licence number, if applicable) may be recorded in the licence field.