Firearms

For all enquiries regarding firearms contact the Firearms Registry Dealers Unit email: dealers@police.nsw.gov.au.

A firearm is defined in section 4 of the Firearms Act 1996 as "as a gun or other weapon that is or was at any time, capable of propelling a projectile by means of an explosive and includes blank fire firearms and air guns".

All firearms used by permit and licence holders in NSW must be registered with the Commissioner of Police, except for firearms that are exempt from registration requirements. For example, certain firearms manufactured prior to 1 January 1900 and items declared not to be firearms (see below) do not need to be registered in NSW.

• It is an offence for a person to sell, purchase, possess or use a firearm which has not been registered.
• A firearm may only be used in connection with the genuine reasons for the grant of the licence or as authorised by the permit.

Firearms are grouped into various categories depending on their type, loading action, magazine capacity etc. Any person possessing or using the firearm must be licensed for that specific category of firearm.

A Firearm Registration Certificate is proof that a firearm is registered. The full description of the firearm, including its serial number and registration number, are on the certificate as well as the name and licence number of the registered owner.

• FACT Sheet - Introduction to Firearms (PDF, 268KB)
• FACT Sheet - Things declared not to be firearms (PDF, 254KB)
• FACT Sheet - Firearms Types (PDF, 245KB)
• PDF - Licence Categories and Genuine Reason Table (PDF, 71KB)
• FACT Sheet - Registration of Firearms (PDF, 264KB)
• FACT Sheet - Imitation or Replica Firearms (PDF, 262KB)

How do I acquire a firearm?

A permit to acquire a firearm is issued by the Firearms Registry in NSW.

Any person wishing to purchase a firearm must have:

1. A current firearms licence or permit, and
2. An issued Permit to Acquire a firearm.

For further information refer to:

• FACT Sheet - P562 (Longarms) (PDF, 0.26MB)
• Sample P562 PTA application form (PDF, 390KB)
• FACT Sheet - P563 (Handguns) (PDF, 0.26MB)
• Sample P563 PTA application form (PDF, 525KB)
• Request a Permit to Acquire application form (via website)

Purchasing a firearm in NSW

With the exception of specific circumstances, a licensed Firearms Dealer is required to witness the transaction and will return the section titled 'Notice of Purchase' to the Firearms Registry to finalise the transfer of Registration of the firearm.

Purchase of firearms from Interstate or Overseas

If the firearm is to be purchased from Interstate or Overseas, you will still require a permit to acquire the firearm. In addition you will need to locate a NSW Firearms Dealer to arrange for the transfer of the firearm from Interstate to the NSW Firearms Dealer.

Once the firearm is received, the Dealer will undertake necessary steps to register the firearm in NSW and transfer the ownership of the firearm to the holder of the Permit to Acquire a Firearm.

What is ammunition?

Ammunition is defined in section 4 of the Firearms Act 1996 as including:

1. any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and a projectile, or
2. any article consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a primer and containing a propelling charge and a projectile, or
3. blank cartridges, airgun pellets, training cartridges or gas cartridges, or
4. any other article prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition.

For further information refer to:

• FACT Sheet - Ammunition Safe Storage, Purchase and Possession (PDF, 364KB)