The Commissioner of Police is responsible for the licensing and regulation of firearms in the NT.
The details of all firearms and their owners are contained in the Firearms Registry in accordance with the Northern Territory Firearms Act. The Firearms Registry is not open to the public however, general information about firearm licencing and permits can be obtained from NT police station front counters, or from our publications.
Visit Northern Territory Government Legislation for more information.
Firearms Act amendments - Important information for licence holders
Key changes
This is a summary of the key changes only. It does not cover every amendment. Please refer to the Firearms Act 1997 for the full legal position. A detailed fact sheet will be published separately.
New reporting requirements
In addition to existing requirements, the holder of a licence, permit or certificate of registration must notify the Commissioner through the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit in writing, not later than 2 working days of:
- any destruction, defacing or damage to a licence, permit or certificate of registration
- any destruction or disposal of a firearm.
Transitional reporting requirements
There are time-limited reporting requirements that apply until 30 July 2026. Refer to section 125 of the Firearms Act 1997 or contact the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit for more information.
Continuation of firearms licences
A licence continues to be in force beyond its expiry, provided:
- an application for a new firearms licence of the same licence type has been lodged before the existing licence expires
- the application has not been granted or refused
- the existing licence has not been revoked.
Licence and permit conditions
Conditions may now be added, revoked or varied during the currency of a licence or permit.
Longer corporate and employee licences
A new firearms corporate licence and firearms employee licence may now be issued for periods of up to 10 years.
Interstate licence holders - ammunition purchase
Interstate licence holders are now able to possess, use and purchase ammunition in the NT in specified circumstances.
New offence relating to digital blueprints
There is a new offence for intentionally producing, selling, distributing or possessing a digital blueprint for the manufacture of a firearm, or part of a firearm on a 3D printer or electronic milling machine.
Firearms Advisory Council
The Firearms Advisory Council membership has been updated and expanded to better reflect community representation.
Contact
For further information, or to make a notification under the Firearms Act 1997, contact the NT Police Force Firearms Policy and Recording Unit.
OC Spray trial
From 1 September 2025, the NT Government is running a 12-month trial allowing eligible members of the public to purchase, possess, carry and use OC spray for self-defence. The Northern Territory Police Force is leading the implementation of the trial.
Further updates will be provided through official NT Police Force and NT Government channels.
National Firearms Register
What is the National Firearms Register (NFR)?
On 6 December 2023, National Cabinet agreed to implement a National Firearms Register (NFR) to enhance community and police safety. The agreement will see the most significant improvements made to Australia’s firearms management systems in almost 30 years. The NFR Project officially commenced on 1 July 2024 and is expected to be operational from mid 2028.
The NFR project requires:
- The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to build a national information sharing hub – the National Firearms Register; and
- States, territories and relevant Commonwealth agencies to overhaul their existing firearms registry systems, processes and data to meet the requirements and capabilities of the national register, including paper-based processes in some jurisdictions.
The Northern Territory NFR project encompasses legislative, policy, business process reform and technical capability to ensure consistency nationwide and will include the development of portals for firearms licence holders and dealers, enabling interaction with the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) electronically, moving away from paper-based processes.
Opening hours
The firearms registry front counter at Palmerston Police Station is open from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday. Phone calls to the firearms registry team are taken between 8am-11am. Please be aware that you cannot leave a message outside of these business hours and must call back on the next business day between 8am-11am to make contact. You can contact firearms registry on (08) 8922 3543 or email firearmsregistry@pfes.nt.gov.au.
Please do not contact the Palmerston Police station front counter about firearm licensing.
Firearms applications and enquiries are no longer accepted at the Darwin, Casuarina, Peter McAulay Centre or Humpty Doo police stations.
Please note: processing licence and permit applications takes time, please ensure you attend the Palmerston Police Station with enough time for staff to complete your application by 6pm. The following timings should also be considered if you are attending the station in the afternoon:
- First time licence applications will not be commenced after 5pm.
- Renewal and purchase permit applications will be accepted up to 6pm.
