How to Get Your Firearms Licence in Queensland
Complete guide to obtaining your Queensland firearms licence. From booking your safety course to receiving your licence card - here's everything you need to know.
Three Simple Steps
Book Your Course
Choose a date and location that works for you. Pay a $100 deposit online to secure your spot. The remaining balance is paid on the day.
- Select from available course dates
- Choose your preferred location
- Pay $100 deposit via secure checkout
- Receive instant confirmation email
Complete Training
Attend the course which covers firearms safety, legislation, and practical handling. Theory and practical are all done at the one location (at the range of your choice) and at the same session. No need to do one portion at one location and then move to another location to complete. We run our courses at the one location for ease and simplicity.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for sign-in
- Bring photo ID, enclosed shoes and your USI
- Pay remaining balance upon completion
Apply for Licence
With your completion certificate, apply to Queensland Weapons Licensing for your firearms licence. We provide all required documentation.
- Complete Weapons Licensing application
- Submit your training certificate
- Pass police check requirements
- Receive your licence card
Before You Begin
Important requirements before attending your firearms safety course
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
You must have a USI before attending the course. This is a national requirement for all recognised training since 2015. It takes approximately 2 minutes to apply online. We cannot issue your Statement of Attainment without this number.
Apply for USIReading Materials
Once you book, we will email you all reading materials for your firearms safety course. Please review these materials before attending - it will help you get the most out of the training.
What to Bring
Photo ID (driver's licence or passport), your USI number, enclosed shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your own food and water. Lunch is not provided.
How to Get Your Rifle & Shotgun Licence
Step-by-step guide for obtaining your Category A & B firearms licence
Establish a Genuine Reason
You need a legitimate reason for owning firearms. Join a local rifle club or shooting association (your genuine reason becomes "Sports & Target Shooting"), or obtain a Form 1 Annexure - Recreational Shooting and Fishing form signed by a rural landowner (40+ acres in QLD).
Download Form 1 AnnexureBook Your Safety Course
Contact us and book into a 11029NAT Course in Firearms Safety (Approved for Firearms Licensing in Queensland). This is a one-day course covering theory and practical components.
Complete the Course
Attend and successfully complete the firearms safety course. Upon completion, we will email you your Statement of Attainment - this is your proof of successful completion.
Apply Online
Apply for your licence online at the Queensland Weapons Licensing website. You'll need your Statement of Attainment and proof of club membership or property permission letter.
Verify Your Identity
After submitting your online application, you'll receive an email directing you to attend your local Australia Post outlet with identification to have your photo taken for the licence.
Receive Your Licence
Once Queensland Weapons Licensing processes your application (and you pass the background checks), your licence will be mailed to you. Then you can visit your local firearms dealer to make your first purchase!
How to Get Your Handgun Licence
The process for obtaining a Category H (handgun) licence is different and involves a probation period
Apply for Statement of Eligibility
Visit your local police station and request an "Application for Statement of Eligibility to Join an Approved Pistol Shooting Club" (Form QP515). Alternatively, if you've been a member of a rifle club for more than 6 months, you may already qualify.
Download Form QP515Join an Approved Pistol Club
Once Weapons Licensing processes your form and sends you the authorisation letter, you can join the pistol club of your choice. You are now on a 6-month probation period.
Complete Your Probation
During the 6-month probation, you must attend a minimum of 3 competition shoots under the supervision of a Range Officer. These will be recorded on your Participation Record Card provided by the club.
Book Your Category H Safety Course
At any time during your probation (or after), book and complete the Category H firearms safety course with us. The course covers handgun-specific safety and legislation.
Apply for Your Licence
After your 6-month probation is complete and you've finished the safety course, apply online at the Queensland Weapons Licensing website with your documentation.
Receive Your Licence
Once approved, your licence arrives by mail. Note: In your first year holding a Category H licence, you may only acquire 1 air pistol and 1 cartridge handgun.
What You'll Learn
Our nationally recognised 11029NAT course covers everything you need to know
Firearms Safety
- Safe handling procedures
- Loading and unloading
- Muzzle awareness
- Trigger discipline
Legislation
- Queensland Weapons Act
- Licence conditions
- Storage requirements
- Transport rules
Practical Skills
- Supervised handling
- Range procedures
- Ammunition management
- Cleaning basics
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a Queensland firearms licence, you must meet these requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age (children aged 11-17 can apply for a minor's licence)
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a valid genuine reason for owning firearms (sports shooting, hunting, collecting, etc.)
- Be a "fit and proper person" - this considers criminal record and health issues
- Pass a criminal history check conducted by police
- Complete an approved firearms safety training course within the past 12 months
- Have secure storage for firearms (or a plan to obtain storage before acquiring)
After Your Course
Important information about the next steps after completing your training
Certificate Validity
Your Statement of Attainment (training certificate) is valid for 12 months. You must submit your licence application to Queensland Weapons Licensing within this period.
Permit to Acquire (PTA)
Once you have your licence, you need a PTA for each firearm purchase. There is a mandatory 28-day waiting period from when you lodge your PTA application. Deceased estate firearms may be applied for together under one PTA.
Safe Storage Requirements
Before applying for a PTA, you must have approved safe storage organised. This can be your own safe, or you may share storage with another licensed person (both must hold the appropriate category licence for stored firearms).
Change of Address
If you have a weapons licence and change your home or storage address, you must notify police within 14 days using the online change of address form.
Types of Weapons Licences
Queensland offers different licence types depending on your needs
Categories of Weapons
Weapons are grouped into categories based on type and capability
Rimfire rifles (other than self-loading), single or double barrel shotguns, paintball guns, air rifles, and powerheads (specialised underwater weapons).
Centre-fire rifles (other than semi-automatic), shotgun/rifle combinations.
Semi-automatic or pump action shotguns holding 5 rounds or less; semi-automatic rimfire rifles holding less than 10 rounds. Restricted to primary producers and professional shooters.
Semi-automatic centre-fire rifles; semi-automatic shotguns holding more than 5 rounds; semi-automatic rimfire rifles holding more than 10 rounds. Highly restricted.
Bullet-proof vests and body armour.
Handguns including pistols and revolvers. Requires pistol club membership.
Crossbows, certain knives, and other hand-held weapons capable of causing bodily harm.
Machine guns and fully automatic large calibre military weapons. Extremely restricted.
Useful Resources
Official links and helpful information
Queensland Weapons Licensing
Apply for licences and permits online
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Create or check your USI status
Safe Storage Requirements
Official QLD Weapons Licensing storage information
Weapons Licensing Fees
Current fees for licences and permits
Weapon Categories Legislation
Detailed weapon category definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
11029NAT - Course in Firearms and Weapons Safety
(Approved for Firearms Licensing in Queensland)
Delivered through approved Registered Training Organisations
Ready to Get Started?
Book your firearms safety course today. $100 deposit secures your spot.