Applying For A Firearms Licence in South Australia

Why would I want to shoot?

Shooting in reality is not like you see on TV or in the movies.

It's a sport that needs new skills to be learned, muscle memories to form, and it takes lots of practice. To become proficient in any one discipline can take years!

However, there is something for almost everyone, such as IPSC handgun (shown on the left).

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Precision rifle shooting - note the targets at top right!

Challenge yourself with a muzzleloading rifle!

Clay target shooting is a good day out.

The process

Step 1: Complete an application form

Complete a firearms licence application form PD303 (fillable forms tips).

*NOTE: If you are using a internet browser like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, you need to configure your browser to open this online form using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.

Step 2: Check your proof of identity

Check that you have 100 points of original identification.

Find out what we accept as proof of identification

Step 3: Find out what fees you need to pay

An application fee is required for a Firearms Licence. The fee is the equivalent of a 1 year licence period and will be converted to the first year’s payment after the approval of the licence and presentation at a photo point to have your photo taken. This fee is non-refundable in the event that the licence application is unsuccessful. Please refer to the Firearms Act 2015 sections 14.4, 15 and 20.6 for information regarding general provisions relating to licences before you submit your application.

View the current fees for firearms licences

Step 4: Get your application processed

Submit your application at your local police station.

Take your:

  • completed application form
  • 100 points of original identification
  • photocopies of 100 points of identification for certification
  • application fee.

Find your local police station

Step 5: Approval letter

We send you a letter telling you:

  • to provide further justification if required
  • if your application is approved
  • what training you need
  • who to contact to arrange training.
Step 6: Attend training

Organise and attend the required courses listed in your approval letter.

Your training certificate will be sent to the Firearms Branch by the training provider.

Step 7: Have your photo taken

Take the data card that we send to you to a photo point to have your photo taken.

Take with you:

  • 100 points of original identification.

Photo points are located at Service SA centres and some Australia Post offices.

Find a SA Service Centre on the sa.gov.au website

Find a photo point location on the sa.gov.au website

Step 8: Issuing the licence

An interim licence is issued when you attend to have your photo taken and will remain in force for up to 90 days, or until the photographic licence is issued.

Now you've got your licence...

Before being able to possess a firearm in South Australia, it must first be registered.

You must hold a current South Australian firearms licence to register a firearm in South Australia. Firearms licence holders are reminded that within 14 days you must give the Registrar written notice of a change of name or address or any other detail recorded on the licence to avoid a fine.

Find out how to notify the Registrar

Step 1: Complete an application form

Complete an application for a permit to acquire a firearm PD306

Include:

  • your details
  • details of the current firearms owner
  • details of the firearm
  • the genuine need for acquiring the firearm.

Under Section 23(3)(d) of the Firearms Act 2015, the Registrar may refuse an application to acquire a firearm if the Registrar is not satisfied you have a genuine reason to acquire the firearm, and a genuine need for the firearm which cannot be met by a firearm already in your possession.

The PD306 form requests this information. If further clarification is required, then Adjudication staff will contact you in the first instance.

Step 2: Submit your application

Submit your application to the Firearms Branch

What happens after I apply?
Step 3: Assessment and processing

We assess and process your application.

In some cases there may be a mandatory 28 day cooling off period.

Step 4: Approval

We return your application form PD306 with the 'approval details' completed by the Firearms Branch.

Step 5 Transfer the firearm

Transfer the firearm from the current owner to you.

The transfer must be witnessed by a prescribed person, namely:

  • an authorised officer of a recognised firearms club
  • a licenced firearms dealer or dealer's employee
  • a police officer
  • an authorised Public Service employee.

The witness must complete the 'witness to transfer' section of your application form.

Step 6: Apply for registration

Within 14 days of taking possession of the firearm, you must attend your local police station and take the:

  • firearm
  • completed, authorised and witnessed application form PD306.
  • registration fee.
Step 7: Issuing a registration certificate

The Firearms Branch issues a registration certificate.

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Where can I shoot?

There are various shooting clubs in South Australia, catering for all interests.

Disciplines include:

  • Clay targets
  • IPSC handgun, rifle and shotgun
  • ISSF (olympic) target
  • Precision rifle target
  • Blackpowder rifle and handgun