Apply for a firearms licence (individual)

Find out what's required when applying for a licence to possess and use a firearm.

Introduction

When you apply for a NSW firearms licence you must provide evidence of your genuine reason for the possession and use of firearms.

The protection of yourself or another person is not considered a genuine reason.

You can have more than one genuine reason on your firearms licence.

Firearms licences are issued for 2 or 5 years with the exception of a:

  • probationary pistol licence – 12 months
  • provisional pistol (business/employment) – 12 months.

Eligibility

You must be a resident of NSW and:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be a fit and proper person to have access to firearms
  • have successfully completed a firearms training and safety course applicable to the type of firearm licence you're applying for
  • be able to provide evidence to justify your genuine reason for possessing or using a firearm.

What you need

  • proof of identity – PDF
  • 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:
    • Centrelink pension concession card
    • Disability support pension card
    • Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card (including concession and health care cards)

In addition, depending on your genuine reason(s):

  • if you’re applying for a licence over and above a category A firearms licence, you need:
    • evidence that a ‘special need’ exists for a category B, C, D or H licence
  • if you're applying for a category H firearm licence with the genuine reason of business or employment as an armed security guard, you need:
    • a copy of your current 1F security licence
    • a current firearms training and safety course certificate
    • a letter of intent and endorsement from an approved master licensee.

How to apply

  1. Select the 'Apply online' button.
  2. You will be taken to the NSW Police Force Community Self Service Portal.
  3. Check that you have all the documentation required.
  4. Select 'Log in with Service NSW'.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete your application.

Privacy

To apply for, renew or update a firearms licence or permit with the Firearms Registry (NSW Police Force), you'll need to create or log in with a MyServiceNSW Account.

By logging in you consent to sharing your name and email address in your MyServiceNSW Account with the NSW Police Force.

The Firearm licences and permits – Privacy collection notice – PDF explains how your personal information will be handled once it is shared by Service NSW.

More information

If you have any questions relating to firearms licences, please call the Firearms Registry customer service line on 1300 362 562 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Documents

Last updated: 7 May 2025