Apply for a pyrotechnician's licence

Introduction

A pyrotechnician's licence allows you to purchase, possess, use, store and transport fireworks.

The licence is valid for 5 years and covers the following types of fireworks:

• ground display fireworks
• theatrical and indoor fireworks (close proximity)
• Chinese string fireworks
• aerial shells up to 300mm
• aerial salutes up to 75mm
• model rocket with propellant device containing an ignitable substance greater than 62.5g.

If you want to use non-aerial fireworks for a single event, you can apply for a fireworks (single use) licence.

Eligibility

You must:

• be aged 18 or over
• hold a current NSW security clearance (SC) or or provide evidence of lodgement of an SC
• have the relevant qualifications, experience and knowledge
• only use the fireworks for an organised public event and have a supporting letter from the local council stating they have no objections.

What you need

• the application fee
• a current NSW security clearance (SC) or evidence of a security clearance application
• a JP certified copy of any explosives licence issued in any other Australian state, OR a statutory declaration completed by the licence holder who has supervised you during fireworks displays
• a JP certified copy of the front and back of your model rocket membership (if applicable)
• certified copies of qualifications issued by a registered training organisation (if applicable)
• if storage is requested:
  • details of the fireworks to be stored
  • a security plan including a site sketch and satellite image or other map indicating the storage location.

How to apply

1. Collect all the required documentation including the material needed for your SC application (if applicable).
2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
3. Complete the form.
4. Ensure the statutory declaration is completed.
5. Ensure the JP certified copy of the front and back of your model rocket membership is provided (if applicable)
6. Submit your application and payment online.

More information

• If you're lodging your application for an SC licence at the same time, it will have to be approved before your pyrotechnician's licence application will be processed.
• The SC licence was previously called an unsupervised handling licence (UHL).
• As a licence holder, you must:
  • notify SafeWork NSW before carrying out any displays
  • advise SafeWork NSW of any changes to your licence details within 14 days
  • comply with the operational conditions set out for pyrotechnicians and single use fireworks licences
  • comply with the requirements of your licence and the explosives legislation or the licence may be suspended or cancelled.