Adult Firearms Licence - Australian Capital Territory

Description

You will need this licence if you are an adult and you intend to own, possess, sell or use a firearm. Listed below are the five categories of firearms licence. It is possible to apply for a licence under more than one category if a genuine reason can be demonstrated for each category. The categories are as follows:

  • Category A: an air rifle, rim-fire rifle (other than self-loading), a shotgun (other than pump action or self-loading) and any shotgun and rim-fire rifle combinations
  • Category B: a muzzle-loading firearm, centre-fire rifle (other than self-loading), and shotgun and centre-fire rifle combinations
  • Category C: only available to primary producers, people employed or engaged in primary production, or bona fide firearms collectors (subject to certain conditions)
  • Category D: only available to professional shooters whose principal occupation is the controlling of vertebrate pest animals, or bona fide firearms collectors (subject to certain conditions)
  • Category H: pistols are only available to members of pistol clubs, persons employed as firearms dealers, security guards and security agents, or a bona fide firearms collector (subject to certain conditions).

Please be aware that:

  • you are only allowed to use the firearm for the genuine reason identified in your application
  • conditions and restrictions will apply and will vary depending on individual circumstances.

Please use the contact details below to find out more information.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this licence you must:

  • submit an application form
  • provide genuine reasons for possessing a firearms licence
  • be aged 18 years or over
  • be judged to be a fit and proper person by the Agency
  • be able to prove your identity through a system similar to the criteria for opening a bank account or applying for a passport
  • provide copies of a birth certificate and/or other documentation
  • meet secure home storage and safety requirements
  • be a resident of the Australian Capital Territory as evidenced by a recent rates notice, telephone or electricity account, a lease agreement, a copy of business registration, or a letter from an employer
  • provide any other document as required by the Agency
  • pay all relevant application fees.

If you are applying for a licence for the first time, you must undertake a firearms training and safety course that is compliant with the firearms standards. These courses are available through various clubs and authorised firearms instructors.

Please consult the Contact Officer for more information regarding eligibility requirements.

Duration

5 years

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Amount Description
Apply Application All $153.00

Category A, B C, D or H firearms licence

Act(s) name

Firearms Act 1996 Australian Capital Territory

Regulation(s) name

Firearms Regulation 2008 Australian Capital Territory

Lodgement process

Lodge

You should obtain a copy of the firearms storage guidelines from the Agency, as the requirements vary for categories and numbers of firearms stored.

Renew

Existing firearms licence holders should apply between 30 and 60 days prior to the expiration of their current licence. Reapplication letters are sent out two months prior to expiry.

Approval time

No less than 28 days.

Administering agency

Australian Federal Police - ACT Policing

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.

Please use these contact details for help or more information:

Enquiries, ACT Firearms Registry

Australian Federal Police - ACT Policing

 Australian Capital Territory
Operating address: 86 Vicars Street
Mitchell, Australian Capital Territory 2911
Mailing address: GPO BOX 401
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Phone: 02 6133 2122
Email: actfirearmsregistry@afp.gov.au
Website: ACT Firearms Registry (Opens in new window)