Licence and Genuine Reasons
Licence Applications
In NSW, any person seeking to possess and use a firearm must be authorised by way of a licence or permit.
All persons wishing to obtain a firearms licence in NSW must have a genuine reason for obtaining the licence and must meet a range of legislative requirements relating to that genuine reason.
Licence holders are only authorised to possess and use the category of firearm for which the licence has been issued and the firearm may only be used for the purpose established as being the genuine reason for holding the firearms licence.
- FACT Sheet – Information on Obtaining a Firearms Licence in NSW (PDF)
- Quick Guide – Applying for a Firearms Licence (PDF)
The Genuine Reasons applicable to a firearms licence are listed below. Please review the requirements for the genuine reason you wish to select to ensure that you can meet all the requirements. The Licence Category and Genuine Reason Table also shows the categories of licence applicable to each genuine reason.
Genuine Reasons
- Sport / Target Shooting
- Recreational Hunting / Vermin Control
- Primary Production
- Vertebrate Pest Animal Control
- Business or Employment
- Rural Occupation
- Animal Welfare
- Firearms Collection
Firearms Safety Training Courses
If you are applying for a licence for the first time you will need to complete a Firearms Safety Training Course for longarms or pistols. Refer to each genuine reason FACT Sheet for information regarding applicable courses.
Business Licence
If you are making an application for a firearms licence for a business, please see the FACT Sheet below and the Business Declaration form which must be completed and returned with your application.
- FACT Sheet – Instructions for Completing a P559 Business, Club or Government Agency Firearms Licence Application
- FORM – Sample Business Licence Application P559 Form
- FORM Business Declaration
Making Your Licence Application
Once you have determined the appropriate genuine reason and category of licence, you may use the link below to request your pre-printed licence application and genuine reason forms.
- FORM – Firearms Licence Application Form
- FORM – Sample Licence Application P561 Form
- FACT Sheet – Instructions for Completing a P561 Personal Firearms Licence Application
You may also obtain pre-printed licence application forms by contacting the Firearms Registry Customer Service line on 1300 362 562.
‘Sample’ forms on this site are provided for your information only and cannot be used as an application form.
For any enquiries regarding licensing related issues, please email the Firearms Registry Licensing Team: frlicensing@police.nsw.gov.au.
Book your R-Licence Course
Bankstown Gun Shop undertakes regular in house R-Licence Course, run by our DPI Certified trainer, who is also an avid hunter. Or we can come to your club/group at an agreed date and time (minimum 10 people).
NSW Game Hunting Licence
In NSW, only game hunting licence holders have access to public land hunting opportunities, native game bird hunting and other game and pest animal management programs on public and some private land.
A NSW Game Hunting licence gets you:
- $20 million public liability insurance cover (standard licence)
- access to 2 million hectares of public land (Restricted Licence)
- opportunity to take part in the Native Game Bird Management Program
- access to specialised education and training opportunities through the Hunter Learning, Education and Accreditation Program(LEAP)
BOOK YOUR R-LICENCE COURSE
Bankstown Gun Shop undertakes regular in house R-Licence Course, run by our DPI Certified trainer, who is also an avid hunter.
Or we can come to your club/group at an agreed date and time (minimum 10 people).
NSW Game Hunting Licence
In NSW, only game hunting licence holders have access to public land hunting opportunities, native game bird hunting and other game and pest animal management programs on public and some private land.
A NSW Game Hunting licence gets you:
- $20 million public liability insurance cover (standard licence)
- access to 2 million hectares of public land (Restricted Licence)
- opportunity to take part in the Native Game Bird Management Program
- access to specialised education and training opportunities through the Hunter Learning, Education and Accreditation Program(LEAP)
DO I NEED A GAME HUNTING LICENCE IN NSW
| Yes, you need a hunting licence if you are: | No, you don’t need a game licence if you are: | |
| I’m a hunter | Hunting deer on any land.
Hunting native game birds on private land. Hunting on public lands (State Forests). |
Hunting rabbits, foxes, feral goats, feral pigs, feral cats, or wild dogs (not dingo) on private land. |
| I’m a landowner hunting on land that I own or occupy | Hunting deer on land that is not owned by you.
Hunting native game birds on any private land. Hunting on public land. |
Hunting deer on land that you own or occupy.
Performing a duty on your own land under an existing Act or any Act that obliges you to manage, control or eradicate an animal. Acting for the purpose of killing or treating an animal in distress due to injury or illness. |
| I’m an Indigenous Australian | Hunting that is not culturally traditional or subject to native title. | Hunting under a native title right or interest.
Traditional cultural hunting as a member of a Local Aboriginal Land Council. Traditional cultural hunting in the company of a member of a Local Aboriginal Land Council. |
| I work for a landholder | Assisting someone performing a duty (not on your employer’s land) under any existing act or any act that obliges you to manage, control or eradicate an animal. | Acting in the execution of your duties as an employee (on land owned by your employer) under any existing Act or any Act that obliges you to manage, control or eradicate an animal. |
Applying for a Restricted Game Hunting Licence (R-Licence)
Requirements:
- be over 12 years of age
- be a member of an Approved Hunting Organisation (AHO) ie Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA)
- complete the R-Licence Accreditation Course. Book you R-Licence Course at the bottom of this page.
Supporting evidence:
- Completed application form
- R-Licence Accreditation From (from your assessment)
- Proof of eligible minor or pensioner concession.
Licence fees:
R-Licence Accreditation Course $30 CASH ONLY on day to trainer. Please contact Scott Freeman on 0425 308 275.
Lodging your application:
Your Hunter LEAP Trainer will give you all the paperwork you need to lodge your application. You need to apply directly with the Game Licensing unit. Use the Apply Online option if you are paying by credit card to receive your licence sooner.
DPI Link, Apply Online
https://www.gamelicensing.nsw.gov.au/application/dbweb.asp?dbcgm=1&ac=gy&app=new
Game and Native Animals
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting/game-and-pests