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Key info

  • You must have a current firearms licence before you apply for a permit to acquire a firearm.
  • You must complete an application for a permit to acquire a firearm (PDF, 358KB) and lodge it at a service centre.
  • There is a minimum waiting period of 28 days from the date you lodge your application.
  • If you wish to get more than one firearm you must submit a separate application for each one.
Find a Service Centrebutton_linkApply for a permit to acquire a firearm at your nearest Service Tasmania service centreTasmania Police logo

About applying for a permit to acquire a firearm

A permit to acquire allows you to get a firearm. You need this permit if you:

  • want to buy a firearm, or
  • are given/gifted a firearm.

You need to hold a firearms licence for the same category of firearm you are looking to get before you apply for a permit to acquire a firearm.

How to apply

What you need to apply

When you visit the service centre you must:

  • bring a completed application form (PDF, 358KB)
  • show your firearms licence or proof of identity
  • pay the fee.

Can I apply?

You can apply for a permit to acquire a firearm if you:

  • hold a current firearms licence for the category of firearm you wish to get
  • are a fit and proper person
  • can provide a valid reason and need to get the firearm
  • can meet the firearm's storage and safety requirements.

Proving your identity

There are 2 ways to prove your identity:

1. Provide your firearms licence

You can show your current firearms licence.

2. Provide identity documents

You must show documents amounting to 100 points when applying. 

These documents must be originals or certified copies (not photocopies)

You can only show one of these:

  • Passport (70 points)
  • Citizenship certificate (70 points)
  • Birth certificate (70 points).

These documents must be originals (not photocopies or certified copies)

  • Licence issued under law - a driver licence or current gun licence (40 points)
  • Employment ID - card issued by employer with your name and address only (35 points)
  • Employment ID - card issued by employer with your name only (25 points)
  • Letter from employer within last 2 years confirming name and address (35 points)
  • Rates notice (35 points)
  • Credit or debit cards/passbooks - only one allowed per institution (25 points)
  • Medicare card (25 points)
  • Membership card - club, union, trade or professional bodies (25 points)
  • Membership card - educational institution (25 points).

If you arrived in Australia less than 6 weeks ago, your passport is worth 100 points.

How much it costs

Application typeCostConcession

Permit - other than minors

$23.14

$18.51

Permit - minors

$33.82

$27.05

Permit - replacement

$23.14

$18.51

You do not pay GST on firearms applications.

Fees and charges last updated 1 July, 2023.

Payment options

Service CentreCash IconCheque IconMoney Order IconDebit and EFTPOS IconVisa LogoMasterCard Logo

American Express (AMEX) payments are no longer accepted at service centres.

More Information

  • You must buy a firearm through a firearms dealer using your permit (they will organise for the certificate of registration to be transferred to you).
  • If you wish to acquire a pistol for sport/target shooting (PDF, 948KB), you must have held a Category H licence and been a member of an approved pistol shooting club for at least 6 months.
  • If you do not have any registered firearms, there is minimum 28 day waiting period from the date the application is lodged. If you already have a registered firearm, your application can be granted within 14 days.
  • If you have a firearm registered in another state, you must re-register this in Tasmania. A copy of the interstate registration certificate must be given to Firearms Services to verify the firearm. You do not need to lodge an application for a permit to acquire a firearm.

Please visit Firearms Services for more information on applying for a permit to acquire a firearm.