Genuine reason requirements to hold a firearm licence

The reasons you can possess, carry or use a firearm in Victoria for each firearm licence category.

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.

Category C

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category C firearm licences.

Category D

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category D firearm licences.

Category E Longarm Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category E firearm licences.

General Category E Handgun Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for General Category E handgun licences.

General Category H Handgun Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for General Category H handgun licences.

Provisional General Category Handgun Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Provisional Handgun licences.

Please note, these licences cannot be renewed.

Ammunition Collectors Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Ammunition Collector licences.

Antique Handgun Collectors Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Handgun Collectors licences.

Firearms Collectors Licence – Category 1

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category 1 Firearms Collectors licences.

Firearms Collectors Licence – Category 2

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Category 2 Firearms Collectors licences.

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).

Heirloom Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for an Heirloom Licence, when you inherit a firearm.

Junior Firearm Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for junior firearm licences.

Body Corporate Firearm Licence

The genuine reasons and evidence requirements for Body Corporate licences.

Updated