Licence and Permit Applications and Information

In the case of a person you must:

  • be of at least 18 years of age (or 12 years of age for a Junior Club Licence)
  • provide proof that you are a resident of the Northern Territory
  • provide proof of identity in accordance with requirements under the Financial Transactions Report Act (1988), which is the same standard which banks apply when you open a new account
  • not be subject to, or not have been subject to, a Domestic Violence Order within the last five years
  • have undertaken an approved Firearm Safety Training Course or pass an approved Firearms Safety Test
  • be able to meet the safe storage requirements under the Firearms Act and Regulations (see safe storage requirements for further information)
  • have a genuine reason/need for holding a licence (see genuine reason for further information).

You will also be required to disclose any criminal history, or history of mental illness or incapacity, which could affect your fitness to hold a licence.

In the case of a business or company, the entity must:

  • proof that the business or company is a Northern Territory registered business or an Australian Registered Company (ACN)
  • provide details of the owners or directors of the company, or a nominee who will be responsible for the firearms to be held on the licence. These persons will be subjected to the same checks that apply to an individual who applies for a licence
  • be able to met the safe storage requirements under the Firearms Act & Regulations (see safe storage requirements for further information)
  • have a genuine reason/need for holding a licence (see genuine reason for further information).

Types of licenses

Miscellaneous Documents
Fees
Antique Firearm Collector's Licence

An Antique Firearm Collector's Licence authorises the holder to possess and display firearms of a category specified and were manufactured before 1 January 1900.

In order to qualify for an Antique Firearm Collector's Licence you must produce evidence to the Commissioner's satisfaction when you apply, that you have a genuine reason for the licence and for possessing and collecting firearms.

An applicant must be eligible to hold a licence in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Act.

An applicant is required to provide a letter outlining the reason for wanting an Antique Firearm Collector's Licence, which outlines the theme and/or structure of the proposed collection.

If you would like to collect modern firearms, you must apply for a Collector's Licence on a separate application.

Ammunition Collector

Application - Ammunition collector permit

Ammunition Retail

A firearms Ammunition Retail Outlet Permit authorises the holder/business to possess, display and sell ammunition of the categories for which their permit was issued.

It does not permit the holder/business to trade in firearms.

Armourer's Licence

An armourer is defined as a person who repairs or manufactures firearms in the course of his or her business. The emphasis is on the applicant carrying out such work on a commercial basis.

There are two grades of Armourer's Licence available. The two grades authorise the holder to carry out different levels of work on firearms.

Grade 1

A person who qualifies for this type of licence would have to be an experienced 'gunsmith'. This grade of licence allows the armourer to carry out all the services of a Grade 2 Licence and in addition allows him/her to manufacture parts, carry out firearms modifications and any other type of work required on firearms.

To qualify for this type of licence the applicant must:

  • provide suitable references of past work employment with firearms, this can also include gun clubs, firearm factory experience, dealers, gun shops, interstate Armourer’s Licence etc.; and
  • hold suitable trade qualifications to support the application (qualifications such as a fitter and turner, machinist etc.).

 

An inspection of premises may be conducted by the panel, or a nominated person, at isolated centres to ensure that their requirements are suitable.

The requirements are that the applicant has possession and use of machinery and prove knowledge in use to the satisfaction of the panel. The minimum gunsmithing tool requirements should be a suitable lathe and drill press (milling machine) as well as the general tools of the gunsmithing trade.

If deemed necessary a theory test in front of the selected panel to prove competence and knowledge in ability to work in metals relating to firearms, showing an extensive knowledge in gunsmithing and safety requirements, certificates and endorsements from firearm manufacturers will be accepted and assist in applications.

The issue of Grade 1 Licence is for the purpose of commercial enterprise only. This licence will be issued for all classes of licence.

Grade 2

This grade of Armourer's Licence allows the holder only to undertake limited work on a firearm, such as, to replace and fit factory/aftermarket parts, and to maintain and carry out a general service of firearms only.

To qualify for this type of licence the applicant must:

  • provide original references from past employees as to expertise on firearm experience;
  • provide details of work experience and knowledge with firearms;
  • provide proof from an accepted organisation (i.e. gun club, firearm dealer etc.) that they have personal knowledge of the applicants experience and expertise in firearms; and
  • produce certificates or work experience on firearms.

 

To gain endorsement the applicant must notify the types/classes of firearm he/she wishes to work on.

If deemed necessary a theory test in front of a selected panel to prove competence and knowledge in ability to fit, replace, maintain and carry out general service requirements. This will only occur when the applicant cannot produce sufficient documentation relating to the references or experience.

Category H - Sport Shooter's Licence

A Category H Sports Shooter's Licence authorises the holder to possess only prescribed Category H firearms, and to use a firearm under the licence only at an approved firearms club.

To qualify the applicant must:

  • currently hold and have held for at least 3 months, a Sport Shooter's Permit to use Category H firearms under supervision at an approved firearms club, or hold a current Category H Sport Shooter's Licence, or hold a current corresponding licence issued by another State or Territory issued for the same purpose as a Category H Sport Shooters Licence;
  • provide the required supporting documentation in the form of a Certificate of Firearm Club Membership endorsed by an authorised signatory of the club;
  • have completed the approved number of competitive shoots and produce a log (record of participation) at the time of application for the new licence; and
  • satisfy the safe storage provisions of the Firearms Act and Regulations.
Collector's Licence

A firearms Collector's Licence authorises the holder to possess and display firearms of the categories for which their licence was issued. Download the Collector's Licence information for more details.

A collector is defined in the Firearms Regulations as a person whose genuine reason for possessing firearms is to collect and display firearms:

  • as curiosities or ornaments; or
  • for their historic or artistic value, or mechanical uniqueness.

 

A collector’s piece is a firearm that a collector may want for either of the reasons stated above, and may include a firearm that:

  • would not normally be permitted to be registered;
  • is unsafe;
  • the applicant does not wish to register it as a firearm to carry and discharge; and
  • is approved by the Commissioner of Police as a collector's piece
Corporate Licence

Corporate licenses are issued to the directors/managers/owners etc. (Employee Representatives) of businesses who have the need for a firearm to carry out their business (i.e. fishermen, safari operators, cattle station owners, security firms etc.)

A Corporate Licence may be issued to an entity that satisfies the Commissioner of Police that it:

  • is engaged in a commercial activity and that it has a genuine need for a firearm to undertake that activity 
  • has made adequate provision for the safe and secure storage of firearms, and has adequate controls for the issue of firearms to its employees
  • has in place an approved firearm safety and training program for its employees who are to use the firearms
  • provide all supporting documentation.

An Employee’s Licence permits a person to possess and use a firearm owned and registered by the holder of the Corporate Licence. The licence allows the employee only to use the firearm as part of his/her work duties and not for any other purpose.

Dealer Licence

Dealer's Licenses are issued to allow the holder to buy, sell and otherwise trade in firearms and ammunition during his/her business. An employee representative/principal dealer nominee/owner can apply for a Dealer Licence.

The clear intent of the legislation is that there is a commercial element to the applicant’s activities before they can be classified as a dealer, and become eligible to apply for this type of licence. 

A Dealer's Licence does not authorise the repair of firearms (refer Armourer's Licence). Note: An Armourer may hold a Dealer Licence.

A dealer (or an authorised employee/representative of that dealer) may in the ordinary course of the business of the licensed dealer:

  • buy, sell, exchange or hire out firearms
  • buy, sell or exchange ammunition
  • store firearms
  • possess unregistered firearms
  • carry or discharge a firearm for the purpose of demonstrating the firearm to a prospective purchaser or for the purpose of testing it.
Employee Licence

An Employee’s Licence permits a person to possess and / or use a firearm owned and registered by the holder of a Corporate, Dealer or Museum Licence. This licence allows the employee to possess and / or use a firearm/s as part of their work duties and not for any other purpose.

The firearms possessed and / or used must belong to the holder of the relevant Corporate, Dealer or Museum Licence for which the employee licence was issued. This licence does not allow the holder to purchase or use any privately owned firearm/s for employment purposes.

The applicant is required to ensure all sections of the application form are completed in full before submitting to the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit. The applicant will be required to comply with all conditions attached to the relevant Corporate, Dealer or Museum Licence for which the Employee Licence is sought.

For prospective employment with a firearm dealer – contact FPRU – 08 8922 3543 (8am to 11am Monday to Friday) or email firearmsregistry@pfes.nt.gov.au.
Firearm Club Licence

A Firearm Club is defined by The Act as a "shooting union, association, club or other group of persons, however described, who associate for purposes connected with the discharge of firearms". Club licenses are issued to allow a club to own firearms from use by its members or prospective members.

Not only must the club be licensed, but the facilities which a club uses must be inspected and approved by the Commissioner of Police as being safe for use by club members, as well as the public. This requires an inspection by qualified range inspectors, who generally travel throughout the Territory on a yearly basis.

Because of the specialised nature of this type of licence, applicants are advised to contact the Officer-in-Charge, Firearms Policy and Records Unit, Peter McAulay Centre for further advice.

If you wish to start a new firearm club, please contact the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit.

Firearms club license

Junior club license 


Firearm Club Support Certificates

Temporary Permit
Heirloom Licence

A firearms Heirloom Licence authorises the holder to possess only a firearm, or firearms of a matched pair or set, specified in the licence.

To qualify for an Heirloom Licence the applicant must:

  • provide evidence that they own the firearm(s) to be held on the licence, or it has been given or bequeathed to them;
  • provided evidence that the firearm(s) to be held on the licence has significant historical or sentimental lineage to the applicant or the applicant’s family;
  • produce a NT Police certificate that the firearms(s) to be held on the licence have been deactivated, or the applicant has surrendered the firearm for inspection to be certified as deactivated; and
  • provide written details of how they are going to store firearms to comply with the requirements of the Act and Regulations.
Instructor's Licence

A firearms Instructor Licence authorises the holder to possess and use firearms of a category specified in the licence for the purpose of conducting approved firearms training and safety courses.

International Visitors Permit

All persons from overseas who wish to bring Category A, B or H firearms into Australia through the Northern Territory for safari hunting or competition shooting must apply for and be issued an International Visitor's Permit. No International Visitor's Permit will be issued for Category C (pump action or self-loading shotguns only) firearms without the applicant first obtaining approval of the Federal Government to bring the firearm into Australia. No Category D or H firearms will be considered for hunting purposes in Australia.

The police will also issue, a "B709" Importation of Firearms certificate that will allow the firearms to successfully pass through Customs.

All applicants must provide the following details:

  • complete an official application for an International Visitor's Permit;
  • provide a colour passport photograph;
  • provide a photocopy of your current Firearms Licence (if applicable);
  • provide a photocopy of your current registration certificate for the firearms for which the Permit is required (if applicable);
  • provide a full detailed list of all firearms (make, model, serial number, type) and ammunition;
  • provide copy of passport; and
  • pay prescribed fee as per application.
     
  • Application
  • Information
Junior Club Licence

A Junior Club Licence permits the holder to possess and use the category of firearm specified in the licence. 

There are a number of controls that are placed upon the issue of this licence, these are:

  • the firearm can only be possessed and used under the personal supervision of the holder of a licence who is authorised to possess or use firearms of the same category; and
  • the firearm only be used when receiving instruction in the safe use of firearms at an approved shooting range or competing in an approved event.

When considering applications for this type of licence, the Commissioner in consultation with the NT Shooters Council, applies the following guidelines:

  • the Junior must have attained the age of 12 years;
  • the applicant must have the written support of the committee of the licensed Firearm Club of which the Junior is a member;
  • the parents/guardians of the Junior must give permission for the issue of the licence; and
  • the Territory body which administers the discipline under which the Junior competes, must support the application to the effect that the Junior is a representative of the Territory at National or International level.

Download the Junior Club Licence Information. First timers must complete the 3 month Sport Shooter's Permit first. You must also supply a completed Permit to use category H firearm under supervision form. After the 3 months is complete, use the same 2 forms to apply for the Junior Club Licence.

Firearm club support certificates
Museum Licence

A firearms Museum Licence authorises the holder to possess and display firearms of the categories for which their licence was issued. This type of licence differs from a Collector's Licence in that it allows for the permanent display of firearms. As such a specialised set of storage standards apply. This licence category is issued only to an entity (Business / Corporate) and not to an individual.

To be eligible for a Museum Licence the applicant must be affiliated with the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. Applications are to be on the approved form and are to include:

  • the name and location of proposed museum
  • full names, addresses and titles of executive members
  • a copy of the Constitution or Memorandum of Association or Charter under which the museum is formed
  • full name and address (including postal address) of the person nominated as being responsible for storage and display of the firearm exhibits
  • opening hours for the museum
  • type of firearms to be collected and displayed
  • security provisions for the storage and display of the firearms.

Because of the specialised nature of this type of licence, applicants are advised to contact the Officer in Charge, Firearms Policy and Records Unit for further advice.

Paintball - Operator's Licence and Employee's Licence

The game of paintball is now legal in the Northern Territory and is regulated by the NT Firearms Act. Paintball requires a Corporate Firearms Licence as a paintball operator. Ownership of private paintball markers/firearms is not permitted in the Northern Territory. A paintball information package is available from the Officer-in-Charge, Firearms Policy and Records Unit at the Peter McAulay Centre, Berrimah

Purchase/Transfer Permit

The holder of a licence may apply to the Commissioner for a permit to purchase or acquire a firearm.

A separate permit to purchase or acquire a firearm is required for each firearm to be purchased or acquired.

A PF451-Notice of Change of Personal Particulars or Particulars for Firearms OR a Registration Certificate OR a Statutory Declaration OR a Letter from the current owner of the firearm must be provided for private sale.

A Statutory Declaration OR a Letter from the Executor of the Estate must be provided for Deceased Estate.

A copy of the Interstate Registration Certificate must be provided for interstate transfers.

Download the Purchase or Transfer Permit application.

Shooter's Licence

A Shooter's Licence is the most common type of firearms licence issued to individuals and allows for the private ownership of firearms for non-commercial purposes. Under the Firearms Act a person must be licensed to own, possess, purchase or discharge a firearm, however an applicant for a Shooter's Licence need not own a firearm in order to apply for a Licence.

If you use membership of a firearm club as your genuine reason, you must supply a completed Category A/B/C firearm club certificate.

Sport Shooter's Permit

A Category H Sport Shooter's Permit authorises the holder to use a Category H firearm under supervision at an approved firearms club. 

To qualify for a Sport Shooter's Permit the applicant must provide the required supporting documentation in the form of a Certificate of Firearm Club Membership (Category H) endorsed by an authorised signatory of the club.

Duplicate firearm license or registration certificate
Storage
Weapons