The firearm licence sections, and what each one allows
Applying under the wrong section is one of the easier mistakes to make and one of the more expensive, because the section decides what firearm you may hold, how many, and for how long. Each figure below is quoted from the Act.
Section 13: self-defence
Permits a shotgun that is neither semi-automatic nor fully automatic, or a handgun that is not fully automatic. It does not permit a rifle of any kind.
You may hold only one licence under this section, and it is valid for five years.
Section 14: restricted firearm for self-defence
A restricted firearm is a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun that cannot readily be converted to fully automatic, or any firearm the Minister has declared restricted by notice in the Gazette.
The Act asks you to show that a section 13 firearm will not provide sufficient protection. You may hold only one licence under this section, and it is valid for two years, the shortest of any licence.
Section 15: occasional hunting and sports-shooting
Permits a handgun that is not fully automatic, or a rifle or shotgun that is neither semi-automatic nor fully automatic, and which is not a restricted firearm. A self-loading rifle falls outside it.
Valid for ten years.
- Four licences under this section at most.
- Three, if you also hold a section 13 licence.
- Only one of them may be a handgun.
- Reduced further by any additional section 12 licences you hold for a firearm of this kind.
Section 16: dedicated hunting and dedicated sports-shooting
Permits a handgun that is not fully automatic, or a rifle or shotgun that is not fully automatic. The wording differs from section 15 by three words, and those three words are the practical reason dedicated status is worth holding: section 15 says "not fully or semi-automatic", section 16 says only "not fully automatic". A semi-automatic rifle is permitted here and not there.
There is no numeric cap once dedicated status is held. The application must be accompanied by a sworn statement or solemn declaration from the chairperson of an accredited hunting association or sports-shooting organisation, or their written delegate, confirming you are a registered member. Valid for ten years.
Section 16A: professional hunting
A separate section for professional hunters, added to the Act in 2006. It permits the same firearms as section 16 and requires a declaration from the chairperson of an accredited professional hunting association. Valid for ten years.
Section 17: private collection
Nothing about the firearm itself decides this one. What may be collected is whatever an accredited collectors association has approved for collection, judged on historical, technological, scientific, educational, cultural, commemorative, investment, rarity, thematic or artistic value.
The Act goes further here than anywhere else: a prohibited or restricted firearm may be licensed under this section where it has been prescribed. The application needs a declaration from the association chairperson confirming membership and that you qualify to collect the firearm. Valid for ten years.
Where this comes from
This page describes how the process works and what the Act says. It is not legal advice about your own application.