In order to obtain a firearm licence NSW, you must meet a number of strict eligibility requirements. In the state of New South Wales, owning a firearm is not a right or entitlement. These requirements are designed to ensure that only responsible and law-abiding citizens are able to own firearms.
The licence application process for a firearm licence NSW is also quite rigorous. Furthermore, you will need to provide a lot of documentation such as:
- proof of your identity,
- proof of residency,
- criminal record.
You must also complete a firearms safety course and pass a written exam. If you get approval for a firearm licence, you will receive a licence that specifies the type of firearms you have permission to own. Moreover, you will also need to store your firearms in a safe and secure manner.
A firearm licence is a document issued by a government authority that allows the holder to buy, own, possess, or carry a firearm. In NSW, sections 7 & 7A of the Firearms Act 1996 prescribe that:
A person must not possess or use a firearm, prohibited firearm or pistol unless the person is authorised to do so by a licence or permit.
Moreover, all licence and permit holders must register the firearms that they use in the NSW Firearms Registry.
Genuine Reasons for Firearm Licence NSW
In NSW, not everyone can apply for a firearm licence NSW. Only those who can provide evidence of their genuine reason for the possession and use of such firearms can apply and have a licence. These are the genuine reasons provided by the NSW Police:
- Spot or target shooting
- Recreational hunting or vermin control
- Primary production
- Vertebrate pest animal control
- Business or employment
- Rural occupation
- Animal welfare
- Firearms collection
Furthermore, below is a more detailed discussion regarding the genuine reasons for getting a firearm licence NSW:
Spot or Target Shooting
This legitimate reason pertains to a person who is currently a member of an approved Target Shooting Club and intends to take part in sporting or target shooting activities. For the type of firearm authorised by the category of licence for which you are applying, the Club must be authorised for target shooting and licensed to hold competitions or other activities.
For a more detailed information, check out the NSW Police Fact Sheet on Target Shooting.
Recreational Hunting or Vermin Control
The applicant for a firearm licence NSW based on this genuine reason intends to participate in recreational hunting/vermin control activities, is a member of an approved club, and the owner/occupier of a rural land. Additionally, to know more about this genuine reason, here is the Fact Sheet from the NSW Police.
Primary Production
This genuine reason allows a farmer or rancher to own and use a firearm. Moreover, the licence only applies to land the applicant owns, manages, or leases for primary production. The primary producer may possess and use a firearm with a category C licence on land used for primary production that immediately adjoins their own land with the owner or occupier’s written permission. Check out this fact sheet for more information.
Vertebrate Pest Animal Control
This genuine reason applies to:
- A professional contract shooter engaged or employed to control vertebrate pest animals on rural land, or
- An authorised officer or employee of a prescribed Government Agency, or
- A Primary Producer taking part in an Authorised Eradication Campaign run by or on behalf of a government agency or public authority to eradicate large feral animals or animals that are affected by brucellosis or tuberculosis.
Business or Employment
This genuine reason allows you to acquire and possess firearms for use in your business. You must be the owner or operator of the business, and you must be able to demonstrate a genuine need for the firearm licence NSW. Moreover, if you’re an employee, this allows you to acquire and possess firearms for use in your employment.
You must be employed by a business that has a genuine need for firearms, and you must have the written permission of your employer. This applies to the:
Rural Occupation
This genuine reason pertains to anyone working in a rural setting or engaging in a rural activity that necessitates the carrying and use of a firearm. More details are provided in this fact sheet.
Animal Welfare
These are the individuals who can use this genuine reason:
- An officer of the RSPCA or the Animal Welfare League who is a special constable, or
- A veterinary practitioner, or
- An employee of the Department of Primary Industries or the Local Land Services AND who has responsibility for animal welfare, or
- The owner, transporter, drover or other handler of animals who may need to humanely destroy animals.
Firearm Collection
Lastly, if you currently belong to a collectors’ society or club that has been authorised by the Commissioner of Police and you collect firearms, you are eligible for this genuine reason. The collection must have a proven:
- commemorative
- historical
- thematic
- financial value.
Eligibility and Documentary Requirements
Legally owning a firearm is not a right. Thus, not every individual is eligible to apply for a firearm licence NSW. Here are the eligibility requirements:
- You must be a resident of NSW.
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must be a fit and proper person to have access to firearms.
- You must have successfully completed a firearms training and safety course applicable to the type of firearm licence you’re applying for.
- You must be able to provide evidence to justify your genuine reason for possessing or using a firearm.
For the documentary requirements, you must present these during the application:
- Your proof of identity (100 Point Identification Form)
- A MyServiceNSW Account.
- One of the following:
- a firearms safety training certificate
- your previously held firearms licence number, or
- your current interstate firearms licence number
- Documentation to support each genuine reason/category
- A current credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for your payment, or
- A copy of one of the following eligible pensioner cards if you’re applying for a Category A, B or H firearms licence:
Application Process for a Firearm Licence NSW
You can apply through the NSW Police Force Community Self Service Portal. Remember to check all the necessary documents enumerated in the previous section. When you reach the NSW Police’s website, log in with your credentials and start your application.
If you want to know more about obtaining a firearm in NSW, please read this fact sheet from the NSW Police.
Are You Involved in a Firearm Accident?
If you are involved in a firearm accident, you may be liable for the injuries or damages that are caused. The extent of your liability will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, but you could be held liable for both civil and criminal penalties.
Our lawyers at JB Solicitors can provide general legal advice and guidance on a firearm licence NSW and a range of firearm-related matters, such as:
- Safe storage of firearms.
- Civil and criminal liability for firearm accidents.
- Firearm offences.
Submit an enquiry today.
