Apply for a firearms licence (individual)

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. 

Genuine reasons determine:

• the category of licence issued
• the type of firearm you’re authorised to possess and use.

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:

• first time applicants for a category H firearm licence with the genuine reason of:
  • target shooting, who will be subject to a probationary pistol licence – PDF for the first 12 months.
  • business or employment as an armed security guard, who will be subject to a provisional pistol licence – PDF for the first 12 months.
    Note: If you're applying for a genuine reason or category other than the above, you may need to be issued with a separate licence.
• primary producers engaged in an authorised eradication campaign who may be eligible for a 12-month category D licence.

A fee is attached to a licence application, however you may be eligible for a fee exemption.

You must be a resident of NSW and:

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

• a MyServiceNSW Account linked to the NSW Police Force
• a copy of your firearms safety awareness certificate or pistol safe handling certificate
• details of the address(s) where you'll safely store your firearms
• documentation to support each genuine reason/category
• a current credit card for your payment (if applicable).

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
  • the reason(s) why the special need cannot be met by using another category of firearm.
• 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 safety training accreditation certificate
  • a letter of intent and endorsement from an approved master licensee.

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
3. Log into, or sign up for, your MyServiceNSW Account.
4. Link to the NSW Police Force.
5. Complete the online application form.
6. Upload your supporting documentation.
7. Enter your payment details (if requested).
8. Read and confirm the declaration.
9. Review and submit your application.

To claim a fee exemption you must supply proof of your exemption status. Fee exemptions can be claimed during the online process for:

• primary producers whose sole genuine reason for their licence is primary production
• holders of the following current concession cards who are applying for an A,B or H firearms licence only:
  • Centrelink Pension Card
  • Disability Card
  • Veterans' Affairs Card (including concession and health care card).
• it is an offence to store firearms at premises where no-one resides. Please refer to the following Safe Storage FACT sheets for more information:
  • Safe Storage Level One - Category A & B Requirements – PDF
  • Safe Storage Level Two - Category C, D & H Requirements – PDF.
• once you've submitted your application there's a mandatory 28-day cooling off period during which thorough background checks will be conducted.