On this page
- About genuine reason requirements
- Evidence required to apply for a new firearm licence or renew an existing firearm licence
- Category A and A/B
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E Longarm Licence
- General Category E Handgun Licence
- General Category H Handgun Licence
- Provisional General Category Handgun Licence
- Ammunition Collectors Licence
- Antique Handgun Collectors Licence
- Firearms Collectors Licence – Category 1
- Firearms Collectors Licence – Category 2
- Paintball Marker Licence
- Heirloom Licence
- Junior Firearm Licence
- Body Corporate Firearm Licence
If you want to possess, carry or use a firearm in Victoria, you must have a genuine reason to do so.
You need to provide evidence of this genuine reason when you apply for a new firearm licence, or renew an existing firearm licence.
About genuine reason requirements
Each firearm licence category has different genuine reason evidence requirements.
The type of licence you apply for will determine the type of genuine reason evidence you need to provide.
You can apply for more than one genuine reason on your licence application. You will be required to fulfil all the requirements for each genuine reason.
Examples of genuine reasons to apply for a firearm licence are:
- sport or target shooting
- hunting
- primary production
- being employed as a security or prison guard
- an official, commercial or prescribed purpose as authorised by an Act or Regulation.
Your genuine reason evidence needs to be supported by the provisions under the Firearms Act 1996.
Self-defence is not a genuine or lawful reason to possess, carry or use a firearm in Victoria.
Evidence required to apply for a new firearm licence or renew an existing firearm licence
The evidence you will need to provide for each firearm licence category.
Category A and A/B
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category A or A/B firearm licences.
The activity of using a firearm to shoot at a target on an approved range for competition or recreational purposes.
Evidence required
Provide one of the below:
- A copy of your current club or organisation membership card for sport or target shooting, or
- A letter of endorsement from the approved shooting club or shooting organisation where you are a member. The letter must:
- have your full name
- be on the club or organisation’s official letterhead
- be current at the date of assessment (issued in the last 12 months).
The activity of using a firearm to destroy game or pest animals:
- for food
- for sport, or
- to suppress pests.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that demonstrates you are one of the following.
Owner of property
You will need to provide one of the below.
Evidence option 1 Evidence of continual ownership, occupancy or management of land on which you intend to hunt (such as a rates notice issued in the last 12 months).
The land must be:
- located in a ‘rural’ setting, and
- of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from a firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property, and
- generally, at least five acres.
You will need to provide the location of property.
Evidence option 2 A copy of a certificate of title that lists you as the owner of the land.
The land must be:
- located in a ‘rural’ setting, and
- of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from a firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property, and
- generally, at least five acres.
The certificate must have been issued in the past 12 months.
Occupier of property
You need to provide a letter or contract from the landowner that states:
- you occupy the land and intend to hunt, and
- you have permission to hunt.
The letter or contract needs to include:
- evidence that the land is:
- located in a rural setting, and
- of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from a firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property, and
- generally, at least five acres.
- your name
- your address
- location of the property
- the landowner’s full name and contact details, and
- signature with date from the owner or manager.
Manager of property
You will need to provide one of the below.
Evidence option 1 A copy of a rates notice for the property that you manage (issued in the last 12 months). The rates notice must prove that the land is located in a rural setting, and:
- of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from a firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property
- generally, at least five acres.
Evidence option 2 A letter from the owner of the land giving you permission to hunt, and stating:
- that you are the manager, occupier, or lessee of the land
- the location of the land.
The letter must also:
- be signed and dated by the owner
- be issued in the past 12 months.
The land must be located in a rural setting, and:
- be of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from a firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property
- generally, at least five acres.
Permission to hunt
You will need to provide written permission from either the owner or manager of the land which you intend to hunt.
The letter must contain:
- your name
- proof the land is located in a rural setting, and:
- of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from a firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property, and
- generally, at least five acres.
- the owner or manager’s full name and contact details
- signature with date from the owner or manager.
The letter must not be more than 12 months old. It cannot be a copy of a letter previously provided.
Member of an approved shooting club or organisation
You will need to provide a copy of a current membership card from an approved shooting club or organisation.
The membership card needs to be approved for the activity of hunting.
Game Licence
You will need to provide a copy of a current Victorian Game Licence. The licence must be:
- issued by the Game Management Authority
- in your name.
Employed, engaged or contracted
You will need to provide a letter or a contract. It needs to specify that you are sometimes formally employed, engaged, or contracted to shoot pest animals or take game.
Registration of interest
You will need to provide registration of interest to hunt pest animals on Crown land issued by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
The document must be:
- in your name
- issued in the last 12 months.
The use of a firearm by a person who is regularly engaged as a primary producer to:
- destroy pest animals, or
- euthanise injured livestock.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that demonstrates you are one of the following.
Owner
You need to provide evidence that you are regularly engaged in the business of primary production as an owner.
This includes one of the following:
Evidence option 1 A rates notice issued in last 12 months confirming that the property is used for primary production. The Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) listed on the rates notice can be used to confirm this.
The rates notice will confirm if the property is being used for primary production activities or mixed farming/grazing.
Evidence option 2 A letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring you are a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months). Evidence option 3 The most recent income tax assessment showing the business of primary production (issued in the last 12 months). Lessee or share farmer
You need to provide evidence that you are regularly engaged in the business of primary production as a lessee or share farmer.
This includes one of the following:
Evidence option 1 A rates notice issued in last 12 months confirming that the property is used for primary production. The Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) listed on the rates notice can be used to confirm this.
The rates notice will confirm if the property is being used for primary production activities or mixed farming/grazing.
Evidence option 2 A letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring you are a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months). Evidence option 3 The most recent income tax assessment showing the business of primary production (issued in the last 12 months). You will also need to provide a copy of the lease or share farming agreement (dated within the last 12 months) from the owner of the land, confirming that you are the occupier or manager of the land.
The agreement must include:
- your name
- the size and location of the property, and
- a signature with date from the owner.
Manager
You need to provide evidence that you are regularly engaged in the business of primary production as a manager.
This includes a document from the owner of the land who employs you, that has:
- their full name
- their contact details
- their Australian Business Number (ABN)
- evidence that the land is located in a ‘rural’ setting and is at least five acres in size
- signature with date from the owner of the land who employs you.
The document must also contain:
- your full name
- the type of primary production activities undertaken as a manager
- total hours spent on primary production activities.
Employee
You need to provide evidence that you are employed in the business of primary production as an employee.
The evidence needs to include a signed and dated document from the primary production owner, lessee or manager of the land who employs you.
The evidence must list:
- Their full name.
- Their contact details.
- Their Australian Business Number (ABN).
- The land location and size. The land must be located in a 'rural' setting, and generally be at least five acres.
The document must also contain:
- your full name
- the type of primary production activities undertaken as an employee, and
- total hours spent on primary production activities.
The use of a firearm by a licensed security guard to perform armed guard or cash in transit duties.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that you hold a private security licence that includes:
- armed guard activities, and/or
- cash in transit activities.
You must also provide a letter of employment from your employer’s nominee or responsible officer that:
- is signed and dated by the nominee or responsible officer
- is on official company letterhead
- includes your hours of employment (eight hours or more per week)
- lists your duties performed with a longarm.
The use of a firearm by a person employed as a prison officer to perform prison officer duties.
Evidence required
You will need to provide a letter of employment that:
- is signed and dated by your employer’s nominee or responsible officer
- is on official company letterhead
- lists your duties performed with a longarm.
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is:
- recognised as an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
Evidence required
You must provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
Category C
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category C firearm licences.
The use of a firearm by an individual who is substantially engaged as a primary producer to:
- destroy pest animals, or
- euthanise injured livestock.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that demonstrates you are one of the following.
Owner
Provide evidence that you are regularly engaged in the business of primary production as an owner.
This includes one of the following:
Evidence option 1 A rates notice issued in last 12 months confirming that the property is used for primary production. The Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) listed on the rates notice can be used to confirm this.
The rates notice will confirm if the property is being used for primary production activities or mixed farming/grazing.
Evidence option 2 A letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring you are a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months). Evidence option 3 The most recent income tax assessment showing the business of primary production (issued in the last 12 months). You will also need to provide an explanation as to why your needs cannot be met with a Category A or Category B firearm.
Lessee or share farmer
Provide evidence that you are regularly engaged in the business of primary production as a lessee or share farmer.
This includes one of the following:
Evidence option 1 A rates notice issued in last 12 months confirming that the property is used for primary production. The Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) listed on the rates notice can be used to confirm this.
The rates notice will confirm if the property is being used for primary production activities or mixed farming/grazing.
Evidence option 2 A letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring you are a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months). Evidence option 3 The most recent income tax assessment showing the business of primary production (issued in the last 12 months). You will also need to provide a copy of the lease or share farming agreement, dated within the last 12 months. This must be from the owner of the land and confirm that you are the occupier or manager of the land.
This lease or agreement must include:
- your name
- the size and location of the property, and
- signature with date from the owner.
You will also need to provide an explanation as to why your needs cannot be met with a Category A or Category B firearm.
Manager
Provide evidence that you are substantially engaged in the business of primary production as a manager. This includes a signed and dated document from the primary production owner or lessee who employs you.
In their letter, the employer must include:
- their full name
- contact details
- their Australian Business Number (ABN)
- land location and size.
The land must be located in a ‘rural’ setting and be of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from a firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property.
This document must also contain:
- your full name
- the primary production activities you undertake, and
- the total hours spent on primary production activities.
You will also need to provide a sufficient explanation as to why your needs cannot be satisfied by a Category A, B firearm or by other means.
Employee
Provide evidence that you are employed full time in the business of primary production as an employee.
You also need to provide a signed and dated document from the primary production owner or lessee who employs you. In their letter, the employer must include:
- their full name
- their contact details
- their Australian Business Number (ABN)
- the land location and size.
The land must be located in a ‘rural’ setting and be of sufficient size to ensure any projectile discharged from any firearm on the property remains within the boundaries of the property.
The document must also contain:
- your full name
- the type of primary production activities you undertake
- total hours spent on primary production activities.
You will also need to provide a sufficient explanation as to why your needs cannot be satisfied by a Category A, B firearm or by other means.
The use of a firearm by a person who is substantially dependent on hunting as:
- a source of income to destroy pest animals, or
- where their needs cannot be satisfied by a category A or A/B longarm.
Evidence required
You will need to provide:
- One of the below:
- A letter from your tax agent, verifying that you are substantially dependent on hunting as a source of income (from the past 12 months), or
- Other written evidence that you are substantially dependent on hunting as a source of income (from the past 12 months). This may include a tax assessment or recent contract.
- Copies of current contracts or formal agreements to hunt professionally
- A sufficient explanation about why your needs cannot be satisfied by a Category A, B firearm or by other means.
The use of a pump action or semi-automatic shotgun to compete in clay target shooting competitions on an approved range.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that:
- you are a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation in Victoria, such as:
- a copy of your current membership card, or
- club endorsement letter (issued less than 12 months ago).
- on 15 November 1996 you:
- possessed a registered semi-auto or pump action shotgun for use in clay target shooting, and
- were a member of a club affiliated with:
- the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA), or
- Victorian Field & Game (VFG), or
- the Field & Game Federation of Aus. Incorp (FGFA).
- you are a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation in Victoria, such as:
The use of a pump action or semi-automatic shotgun to compete in clay target shooting competitions on an approved range.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that:
- you are a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation in Victoria, such as:
- a copy of your current membership card, or
- club endorsement letter (issued less than 12 months ago).
- on 15 November 1996 you:
- possessed a registered semi-auto or pump action shotgun for use in clay target shooting, and
- were a member of a club affiliated with:
- the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA), or
- Victorian Field & Game (VFG), or
- the Field & Game Federation of Aus. Incorp (FGFA).
- you are a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation in Victoria, such as:
The use of a pump action or semi-automatic shotgun to compete in clay target shooting competitions on an approved range.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that you are a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation in Victoria, such as:
- a copy of your current membership card, or
- club endorsement letter (issued less than 12 months ago).
You will also need to provide a current medical report from your treating doctor, as evidence of physical disability. This report must:
- specify the nature and duration of the physical disability
- indicate suitability to continue clay target shooting
- include an explanation as to how the use of a semi-automatic shotgun will overcome the disability, and
- explain why the use of recoil dampeners or pads, low recoil target loads, barrel porting, and so on would not overcome the disability.
The carriage and use of a Category C firearm by a junior licence holder for the purposes of clay target shooting on an approved range.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that you are a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation in Victoria, such as:
- a copy of your current membership card, or
- club endorsement letter (issued less than 12 months ago).
You will also need to provide evidence that:
- the junior is a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation, such as:
- a copy of their membership card, or
- club endorsement letter (issued less than 12 months ago).
- the junior holds a current Junior Firearm Licence.
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is:
- recognised as an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
Evidence required
You must provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
Category D
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category D firearm licences.
The use of a firearm by a person who is substantially dependent on hunting as a source of income:
- to destroy pest animals, or
- where the needs of the individual cannot be satisfied by a category A or B or C longarm.
Evidence required
You will need to provide a copy of:
- evidence that you are substantially dependent on hunting as a source of income
- contracts or formal engagements (or a letter from an employer)
- Standard Operating Procedures
- training, qualifications and/or accreditations relating to use of a firearm to destroy animals or harvest wild game
- shooting proficiency certificate
- letter from an employer
- evidence of public liability insurance
- a statement that:
- describes the quarry you intend to hunt, and
- states why the specific category of licence is required, and why a lesser category of firearm could not meet these needs.
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is:
- recognised as an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
Evidence required
You must provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
Category E Longarm Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category E firearm licences.
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is recognised as:
- an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
Evidence required
You must provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
General Category E Handgun Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for General Category E handgun licences.
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is recognised as:
- an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
Evidence required
You must provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
General Category H Handgun Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for General Category H handgun licences.
The use of a General Category Handgun by a licensed security guard to perform armed guard and/or cash in transit duties.
Evidence required
You must hold a current private security individual licence for:
- armed guard activities, and/or
- cash in transit activities.
You must also provide:
- A copy of your security industry firearms training qualification (issued in the last 12 months), and
- A letter of employment from the nominee or responsible officer of the security firm where you are employed. The letter must:
- be on official company letterhead
- indicate the hours of employment (eight hours or more per week), and
- detail duties that you will perform while armed with a handgun.
Your employer must hold a current Body Corporate Firearm Licence (general category handgun), issued for the genuine reason of ‘security employer’.
The use of a General Category Handgun by a licensed security guard to perform armed guard and/or cash in transit duties.
Evidence required
You must hold a current private security licence that includes:
- armed guard activities, and/or
- cash in transit activities.
You must also provide:
- A copy of your security industry firearms training qualification (issued in the last 12 months), and
- A letter that:
- is on official company letterhead
- states your estimated hours of work
- details duties performed, including the duties that require you to be armed with a handgun.
- Copies of current security contracts.
The use of a General Category Handgun to shoot targets on an approved range for competition or recreational purposes.
Evidence required
You will need to provide one of the following:
- A copy of your current membership card for an approved handgun target shooting club, or
- A letter from the approved handgun target shooting club where you are a member. The letter must:
- be on official club letterhead
- contain your full name and membership details
- be current on the date of the licence assessment (from the last 12 months).
The carriage and use of a General Category Handgun by a junior licence holder for the purpose of clay target shooting on an approved range.
Evidence required
You will need to provide either:
- A copy of the junior's current membership card, or
- A letter of endorsement from the junior's approved target shooting club. The letter needs to be on official club letterhead.
The use of a firearm by a person employed as a prison officer to perform duties of a prison officer.
Evidence required
You will need to provide:
- A letter of employment which:
- is on official company letterhead
- is signed and dated by your employer’s nominee or responsible officer
- lists the duties to be performed while you are in possession of the handgun.
- A copy of your prison industry firearms safety training qualification (issued in the last 12 months).
- A letter of employment which:
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is recognised as:
- an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
Evidence required
You must provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
Provisional General Category Handgun Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Provisional Handgun licences.
Please note, these licences cannot be renewed.
A Provisional General Category Handgun Licence allows you to undertake handgun target shooting in all four classes.
It helps determine if applying for a General Category Handgun licence is something you wish to pursue.
Evidence required
You will need to provide evidence that you are a current member of an approved clay target shooting club or organisation in Victoria, such as:
- a copy of your current membership card, or
- club endorsement letter (issued in the last 12 months).
Ammunition Collectors Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Ammunition Collector licences.
Ammunition collectors are members of:
- an organisation of firearms collectors, or
- an organisation of ammunition collectors approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
Evidence required
You must be a member of either:
- an organisation of a firearms collectors, or
- an organisation of ammunition collectors approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
You must also provide:
- membership details of an approved firearms and/or ammunition collectors club or organisation, and
- a copy of current membership card.
Antique Handgun Collectors Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Handgun Collectors licences.
This licence is issued to a person who wants to possess or carry antique handguns (that are not single shot antique handguns) for the purpose of collecting such handguns.
Evidence required
You must be a genuine collector of firearms of obvious and significant commemorative, historical, investment or thematic value.
You must provide:
- membership details of an approved firearms collectors club including a copy of current membership card, and
- application endorsement from the nominated officer of the approved firearms collectors club, and
- a written explanation of the type of collection you propose to collect.
The approved club must deal in the classes of firearms the applicant intends to collect.
Firearms Collectors Licence – Category 1
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category 1 Firearms Collectors licences.
This licence is issued to a person who has held a membership for at least six months with an Approved Firearms Collectors club that deals with the classes of firearms the person proposes to collect.
Evidence required
You will need to provide:
- A copy of your current approved firearms collectors club membership card.
- An endorsement by a nominated officer of the approved firearms collectors club where you are a member.
- A written explanation that the handguns you intend to collect will be of obvious and significant value (commemorative, historical, investment or thematic). This could be any range, era, type or manufacture of firearms.
Firearms Collectors Licence – Category 2
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category 2 Firearms Collectors licences.
This licence is issued to a person who:
- has held a Collector 1 licence for at least two years
- possesses more than 10 handguns manufactured before 1 January 1947, and
- remains a member of an appropriate firearms collectors organisation for the length of the licence.
Evidence required
You must provide evidence that the firearms collected will be of obvious and significant commemorative, historical or thematic value.
You will also need provide:
- membership details of an approved firearms collectors club including a copy of current membership card, and
- endorsement of your application from the nominated officer of the approved firearms collectors club where you are member
- a written explanation of the type of collection you propose to collect (in one or more of the following: collections, commemorative, historical or thematic)
- evidence that the proposed increase of the collection is safe in all circumstances.
Paintball Marker Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Paintball Marker licences.
You do not need to have a paintball marker licence if you only want to participate in paintball activities at an approved location using paintball markers owned by someone else (such as the field operator).
This licence is required for the purpose of possessing a paintball gun to participate in activities that require the use of paintball markers at a location approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
Evidence required
There are two options of evidence you can provide.
Evidence option 1 You will need to provide:
- details of your approved current paintball club or organisation, and
- a copy of:
- your current membership card, or
- a letter of endorsement from the club or organisation, on their official letterhead.
Evidence option 2 You will need to provide:
- A brief explanation of why the licence is required, and
- Either:
- endorsement from an approved paintball club or paintball operator, or
- evidence that shows you require a paintball marker licence for paintball activities at locations approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police.
You will also need to have an approved club or paintball operator complete the declaration on the application form.
Heirloom Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for an Heirloom Licence, when you inherit a firearm.
You will need this licence if you intend to possess an inherited firearms heirloom.
This licence only applies to a firearm, or a matched pair of firearms, that you have gained possession of through inheritance.
The firearms under this licence must never be used and must be made permanently inoperable by a licensed firearm dealer.
Note: An Heirloom Licence can only be issued for a single firearm or a matched pair of firearms.
Who you can inherit a firearm from
You can only inherit a firearm from a person who is deceased.
The deceased person must be a family member you are related to, such as a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, or sibling.
Evidence required
You will need to provide:
- an explanation of why you can’t meet the requirements to obtain a licence under any other provision of Part 2 of the Firearms Act 1996
- a copy of either a Will or Statutory Declaration stating that you are to inherit a single firearm or a matching pair through a deceased estate
- a copy of proof of innocuity by a qualified gunsmith after the licence has been issued
- proof that you are over 18 years of age.
Junior Firearm Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for junior firearm licences.
This licence allows a junior to carry and use a Category A or B firearm under the immediate supervision of an adult with a current firearm licence for the same category of firearm.
Evidence required
Not applicable.
This licence allows a junior to carry and use a Category C firearm under the immediate supervision of an adult.
The adult must have a current firearm licence for the same category of firearm, for the purpose of clay target shooting at an approved range.
Evidence required
You will need to provide confirmation of membership to an approved target shooting or clay target shooting club in Victoria, including either:
- a copy of your current membership card, or
- a letter from the approved target shooting club/organisation of which you are a member. This letter must:
- be on official letterhead
- contain your full name and membership details
- be current as at the date of assessment (less than 12 months old).
Note: you must remain a member of the approved clay target shooting club or organisation to hold this licence.
This licence allows a junior to carry and use a General Category Handgun under the immediate supervision of an adult.
The adult must have a current firearm licence for the same category of firearm, for the purpose of target shooting at an approved range.
You will need to provide confirmation of membership to an approved handgun target shooting club in Victoria, including either:
- a copy of your current membership card, or
- a letter from the approved handgun target shooting club/organisation where you are a member. This letter must:
- be on official letterhead
- contain your full name and membership details
- be current as at the date of assessment (issued in the last 12 months).
Note: you must remain a member of the approved handgun target shooting club/organisation to hold this licence.
Body Corporate Firearm Licence
The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Body Corporate licences.
Genuine reason Evidence required Sport or target shooting (Category A and B)
The activity of using a firearm to shoot at a target on an approved range for competition or recreational purposes.
You will need to provide a copy of the body corporate’s current longarm target shooting club organisation certificate. Hunting
The activity of using a firearm to destroy game or pest animals for food, sport or to suppress pests.
The body corporate will need to provide one of the below:
- written evidence that the body corporate owns, occupies or manages the land on which they intend to hunt, or
- written evidence from the owner or manager of any privately owned land on which they intend to hunt that they are sometimes permitted to use that land for the purposes of hunting, or
- written evidence that they are sometimes formally employed, engaged or contracted to shoot pest animals or take game.
Primary production The use of a firearm by a person who is regularly engaged as a primary producer to:
- destroy pest animals, or
- euthanise injured livestock.
The body corporate will need to provide evidence that they are regularly engaged in the business of primary production as an owner, manager or lessee, including:
A council rates notice confirming the property is used for primary production or mixed farming/grazing purposes.
Or
A letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring you are a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months).
Or
- The most recent income tax assessment showing the business of primary production (issued in the last 12 months). If the rates notice is in the company name, attach an official Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) document that shows the nominee details.
You will also need to provide:
- A document including:
- the type of primary production business conducted on the property
- the location
- total hours spent on primary production activities
- signature with date from the owner.
- An Australian Business Number (ABN) that relates to the primary production business. If an ABN is not available, alternative forms of evidence can include:
- the most recent income tax assessment (issued in the last 12 months) showing the business of primary production, or
- a letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring that the body corporate is a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months).
Security organisation
The body corporate must hold a current private security business licence which includes:
- armed guard activities, and/or
- cash in transit activities.
They will also need to provide the following:
- copies of current security contracts
- a copy of a current business plan
- a copy of current insurance details related to the business
- a letter that includes:
- official company letterhead
- signature with date from the organisation’s nominee or responsible officer
- duties performed while in possession of the specified class of firearm.
Official, commercial or prescribed purpose or for purpose authorised by an Act or Regulations
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is:
- recognised as an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
You will need to provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
Genuine reason Evidence required Primary production (Category C only)
The use of a firearm by a person who is substantially engaged as a primary producer to:
- destroy pest animals, or
- euthanise injured livestock.
You will need to provide evidence that the body corporate is substantially engaged in the business of primary production as an owner, manager or lessee, including:
A council rates notice confirming the property is used for primary production or mixed farming/grazing purposes.
Note: If the rates notice is in the company name, attach an official Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) document that shows the nominee details.
Or,A letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring you are a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months).
Or,
- The most recent income tax assessment showing the business of primary production (issued in the last 12 months).
You will also need to provide:
- A document with:
- the type of primary production business done on the property
- the property’s location
- the total hours spent on primary production activities.
- An Australian Business Number (ABN) that relates to the primary production business. If an ABN is not available, alternative forms of evidence can include:
- The most recent income tax assessment showing the business of primary production (issued in the last 12 months), or
- A letter from a tax agent or accountant declaring that the body corporate is a primary producer in accordance with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) assessment criteria (issued in the last 12 months), or
- Sufficient explanation as to why the body corporate needs cannot be satisfied by a category A, B firearm or by other means.
Professional hunter (Category C or D)
The use of a firearm by a person who is substantially dependent on hunting as:
- a source of income to destroy pest animals, or
- where their needs cannot be satisfied by a category A or A/B longarm.
The body corporate will need to provide written evidence that they are substantially dependant on hunting as a source of income. This must be dated in the last 12 months.
They must also provide the following:
- a current letter from the body corporate’s tax agent showing that income was made from professional hunting, and
- copies of contracts or formal agreements to hunt professionally.
If you are applying for a Category C Firearm Licence, you must also provide a sufficient explanation as to why the body corporate’s needs cannot be satisfied by a Category A, B firearm or by other means.
If you are applying for a Category D firearm Licence, you must include:
- the quarry the body corporate intends to hunt
- a statement about why the specific category of licence is required and why a lesser category of firearm could not meet these needs.
Official, commercial or prescribed purpose or for purpose authorised by an Act or Regulations
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is:
- recognised as an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
You will need to provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
Heirloom is not applicable to a Body Corporate Licence.
Genuine reason Evidence required The activity of using a firearm to shoot at a target on an approved range for competition or recreational purposes. You must provide a current approved handgun target shooting club certificate. Security organisation
The holder of a Private Security Business Licence that carries on the business of armed guard or cash in transit activities.
The body corporate must hold a current private security business licence which includes:
- armed guard activities, and/or
- cash in transit activities.
They must also provide the following:
- copies of current security contracts related to this business
- a copy of the current business plan related to this business
- a copy of the current insurance details related to this business
- a signed and dated letter from the nominee that:
- is on official company letterhead
- lists the duties performed while armed.
Official, commercial or prescribed purpose or for purpose authorised by an Act or Regulations
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is:
- recognised as an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
The body corporate will need to provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
The evidence requirements for Category E Handgun licences.
Genuine reason Evidence required Official, commercial or prescribed purpose or for purpose authorised by an Act or Regulations
The use of a firearm for employment-related purposes or another activity which is:
- recognised as an official, commercial or prescribed purpose, or
- for a purpose which is authorised by an Act or Regulations.
You must provide evidence that the licence is required for the purpose you have nominated.
For more information, contact the Licensing and Regulation Division.
The evidence requirements for Firearms or Ammunition Collectors licences.
Genuine reason Evidence required Firearm collectors 1
This licence allows you to possess but not use firearms for commemorative, historical or thematic purposes.
For example, this could be any particular range, era, type or manufacture of firearms, e.g. WWI firearms, or Smith and Wesson revolvers.
The body corporate will need to provide:
- evidence that the firearms collected will be of obvious and significant commemorative, historical or thematic value
- a written explanation of what type of firearms the body corporate intends to collect, such as range, era, type and manufacturer
- application endorsement by a nominated officer of the approved firearms collectors club where the body corporate is a member
- a copy of the body corporate’s current approved firearms collectors club certificate.
Firearm collectors 2
This licence allows you to possess but not use firearms for commemorative, historical or thematic purposes.
For example, this could be any particular range, era, type or manufacture of firearms, e.g. WWI firearms, or Smith and Wesson revolvers.
The body corporate will need to provide:
- evidence that the handguns collected will be of obvious and significant commemorative, historical or thematic value
- application endorsement by a nominated officer of the approved firearms collectors club where the body corporate is a member, and
- a copy of the current body corporate’s approved firearms collectors club certificate.
To be eligible for this licence the body corporate needs to:
- Have held a Category 1 Firearm Collectors Licence for at least two years, and
- Possess more than 10 handguns manufactured before 1 January 1947. Any additional handguns manufactured on or after 1 January 1947 will increase the historical value and significance of the collection.
Ammunition collector
This licence allows you to acquire and possess ammunition, often for historical, thematic, or commemorative purposes.
The body corporate will need to provide a copy of the body corporate’s current approved firearms or ammunition collectors organisation certificate.
Eligibility requirements for firearm applications
The eligibility requirements you must meet before you apply for a firearm licence.
Apply for a new firearm licence
How to apply for a new firearm licence and what you need to do before you submit your application.
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