Apply for a permit to acquire a firearm (PTA)

If you hold a current firearms licence or permit, you may be eligible to apply for a permit to acquire a firearm.

Introduction

To acquire a firearm you must be the holder of a current NSW firearms licence or permit. You're then able to apply for a permit to acquire a firearm (PTA).

The category of licence or permit you hold will indicate what category of firearm you're eligible to possess. For example, if you hold a category B licence or permit, you're only authorised to acquire a category B firearm.

Note: If any personal or business details have changed you must update them before you apply for your PTA.
To do so, visit either:

Eligibility

You must hold a current NSW firearms licence or permit, and may only apply for the type of firearm that your category of licence authorises you to possess.

Probationary pistol licence (PPL) holders can only apply for a PTA in the second 6 months of their pistol licence. You can check the issue date of your PPL on the Firearms Registry Public Register.

Note: Paintball markers are no longer regulated by the NSW Police Force. For more information visit Fair Trading.

What you need

  • proof of identity documents such as your driver licence and birth certificate
  • a MyServiceNSW Account
  • your current firearm licence or permit number
  • a current credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for your payment (if applicable).

If you're applying to acquire a handgun for sports target shooting purposes, you'll also need:

  • a Pistol Firearms Safety Training (PPL) Completion Certificate – PDF (for probationary pistol licence holders only)
  • a COPS Event Number to confirm you have adequate safe storage, unless you're storing your firearms at your club
  • club confirmation – this is triggered automatically by providing details of your nominated club in the online PTA application.

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

  • Personal/business details include your:
    • residential address
    • business, club or government agency address
    • mailing address
    • safe storage address, or
    • mobile/phone number.
  • 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 March 2025