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Juniors can obtain a firearm licence in Victoria when they are aged between 12 and 17 (inclusive) but only:

• To carry and use category A & B longarms, category C longarms (shotgun only) or general category handguns; and
• In order to receive instruction in the use of firearms or to engage in sport or target shooting competitions; and
• Where they carry and use that firearm under the immediate supervision of an adult with a full licence for the same category of firearm.

A junior licence holder cannot own or store firearms but their parent(s) can apply for a firearm licence to own and store firearms on their child's behalf. Shooting clubs may also loan club firearms out to juniors whilst on an approved shooting range and under instruction.

Victoria Police recommends that licence holders supervising juniors should be within 1 metre of the junior and paying close attention to them in all instances where they possession and/or use of a firearm.

Clay target shooting

Thousands of Victorian high school-aged students participate in clay target shooting. In order to get a junior firearm licence to participate in this sport, you will need to:

• Successfully complete the relevant Victorian Firearm Safety Course
• Submit a completed junior firearm licence application form.

If you want to be licensed for a category C longarm, you will also need to be a member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation. Juniors cannot be licensed for a category C longarm for any purpose other than clay target shooting.

You must only ever participate in clay target shooting at an approved shooting range.

Handgun target shooting
Many Victorian high school-aged students also participate in handgun target shooting. In order to get a junior firearm licence to participate in this sport, you will need to:

1. Have the written consent of your parent or guardian
2. Arrange with an approved handgun target shooting club to receive instruction in using a handgun
3. Become a member of an approved Victorian handgun target shooting club
4. Apply to LRD for a Provisional Junior Handgun Licence
5. Successfully complete the relevant Victorian Firearm Safety Course
6. Submit a completed junior firearm licence application to LRD after you have been a member of an approved handgun target shooting club for six months. (Your application must be endorsed by a nominated officer of the club where you are a member. The only exception to this is if you hold an interstate handgun licence for target shooting at the time you apply for your Victorian licence)
7. Remain a member of an approved handgun target shooting club.

You must only ever participate in handgun target shooting at an approved shooting range. Unlike adult handgun target shooters, juniors do not have to meet a minimum number of shoots or matches as a condition of their licence.

Please note: New firearm licence applications cannot be approved and a licence issued until at least 28 days have passed since the application was received by Victoria Police's Licensing & Regulation Division (LRD). This is a requirement of the Firearms Act.