Firearms in NSW
|
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, firearms meeting the definition of an imitation firearm prescribed by secton 4D of the Firearms Act 1996, 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.
Firearms are grouped into various categories depending on their type, loading action, magazine capacity etc. Any person possessing or using the firearm must be authorised for that specific category of firearm by a licence or permit. Firearm Registration CertificateA 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. If you have misplaced a Firearm Registration Certificate for a registered firearm, you can request a duplicate Firearm Registration Certificate by completing the following form: Fact Sheets and Brochures
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:
For further information refer to:
Purchasing a firearm in NSWWith 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 OverseasIf 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. Sale, loss or theft of a firearmAny person who is the registered owner of a firearm must notify police immediately, and must notify the Commissioner in writing within 7 days, if any firearm is sold, lost or stolen and provide particulars of the sale, loss or theft as provided by clause 104 of the Firearms Regulation 2006. How do I lawfully dispose of a firearm?You may only dispose of a firearm via a licensed firearms dealer or by unconditional surrender to police.
If you are selling the firearm: The sale of a firearm must be transacted by a licensed firearms dealer. You must complete the 'Notice of Disposal' on the reverse of your Firearm Registration Certificate and return this to the Firearms Registry within seven (7) days of disposing of the firearm.
If you are buying the firearm: The purchase of a firearm must be transacted by a licensed firearms dealer. The firearms dealer must sight your firearms licence or permit authorising you to possess the firearm and the issued Permit to Acquire for that firearm before the dealer can complete the transaction. The firearms dealer will notify the Firearms Registry of the purchase.
If you are selling your firearm to a family member or friend: The purchase or sale of a firearm must be transacted by a licensed firearms dealer. The firearms dealer must confirm that the buyer is authorised to possess and use the firearm by a current firearms licence or permit and the buyer must also produce the issued Permit to Acquire for that firearm before the dealer can complete the transaction. The firearms dealer will notify the Firearms Registry of the purchase.
If you no longer wish to keep a firearm: You may lawfully dispose of the firearm by unconditional surrender to police. You must still complete the disposal details on the reverse of your Firearm Registration Certificate and return this to the Firearms Registry within seven (7) days of disposing of the firearm to police. Include details of the event number or miscellaneous property book receipt provided by police.
If you come into possession of an unregistered firearm: You must immediately surrender the firearm to police. It is an offence for a person to sell, purchase, possess or use a firearm that is not registered. What is ammunition?Ammunition is defined in section 4 of the Firearms Act 1996 as including:
For further information refer to:
|