Interstate licences

This page contains information about mutual recognition of firearms licences and what to consider when moving interstate.

Moving from Victoria

Victorian firearm licence holders must be able to demonstrate that they ordinarily reside in Victoria.

If you are moving interstate you must contact the relevant interstate firearms registry to find out the specific licensing and storage requirements of your new state or territory.

It is a condition of each licence that licence holders inform the Licensing and Regulation Division, in writing, of any change of address. You can notify us of change of address by:

emailing us at lrd@police.vic.gov.au
writing to us at Licensing and Regulation Division, GPO Box 2807, Melbourne, VIC 3001

Note: Victoria Police has the authority to immediately cancel a licence once they become aware the licence holder no longer ordinarily resides in Victoria.

Once you have registered your firearm(s) in your new state or territory, you must:

provide written advice of the removal of your firearm(s) from Victoria either by:
- emailing us at lrd@police.vic.gov.au
- mailing us at Licensing and Regulation Division, GPO Box 2807, Melbourne, VIC 3001
provide a copy of your interstate registration certificate or documentation so that the Licensing and Regulation Division can cancel your Victorian firearm licence.

Moving to Victoria

You must advise the Licensing and Regulation Division in writing that you are moving to Victoria.

You can notify us that you are moving to Victoria by:

emailing us at lrd@police.vic.gov.au
writing to us at Licensing and Regulation Division, GPO Box 2807, Melbourne, VIC 3001

You should also advise what firearms are in your possession to the local Divisional Firearm Officer.

You will ultimately need a Victorian firearm licence. However, in the interim, provided you detail in your licence application any firearm(s) registered to you in a state or territory other than Victoria, you will not need a permit to acquire to bring or keep your firearm(s) with you.

The following transition periods are allowed:

If you hold an interstate firearm licence for this category of firearm, you are determined to hold a corresponding Victorian licence for three months from the date you advised Licensing and Regulation Division.

During this three-month period, you may possess, carry or use any firearm which your interstate licence enabled you to do.

If, after this period, you have not applied for and been granted a full Victoria firearm licence, you must dispose of your firearm(s).
If you hold an interstate licence for these categories of firearm, you are determined to hold a corresponding Victorian licence for seven days from the date you advised the Licensing and Regulation Division of your move.

During this seven-day period, you may possess, carry or use any firearm which your interstate licence enabled you to do.

If you make an application for a Victorian firearm licence during this period, you may continue to possess (but not carry or use) your firearm(s) until the outcome of your application is determined.

If you do not make an application during the seven day period, you must dispose of your firearm(s).

Visiting or working in Victoria

On a temporary basis

If you hold a firearm licence interstate you may possess, carry and use a firearm in Victoria for specific activities and purposes, provided that your licence allows you to do the same in your home state or territory.

An interstate person who holds a category A, B or handgun firearm licence for the purpose of sport and targeting shooting can take part in a Victorian shooting competition at an approved club or organisation as a:
- competitor
- instructor
- referee
- supervisor
- competition judge, or
- range officer.

Interstate residents working regularly with firearms in Victoria

Non-Victorian residents may be able to hold a Victorian licence for employment purposes. Contact the Licensing and Regulation Division if you live outside Victoria and wish to work with firearms in Victoria.

Victorian residents visiting or working interstate with firearms

Victorian residents visiting or working with firearms interstate need to contact the relevant interstate firearm registry to find out the specific requirements of that state or territory.

Contact us

Get in touch about firearms licensing through our online enquiry form.