Applying for a Collector’s Licence (Weapons)

The following is further information about applying for this specific licence type in addition to what is provided in “Obtaining a new licence”.

It is important you refer to both the general steps in applying for a licence and the further information provided here.

This will ensure all necessary information is provided in your application.

A collector’s licence (weapons) may be issued to an individual or body who wishes to collect weapons permitted to be collected under the authority of this licence.  Collectors must have a genuine reason for collecting the weapon/s.

This licence may be endorsed for Category A, B, C, D, H, M and R weapons. However the licensee may only possess:

• category D, M or R weapons-
  
  (i) for firearms – those made permanently inoperable; or
  (ii) for other weapons – those that are inert; or
  
• category A, B or C weapons that are collectable firearms manufactured on or after 1 January 1901, only if the weapons are made temporarily inoperable; or
  
• category H weapons –
  (i) manufactured on or after 1 January 1901 and before 1 January 1947 that are temporarily inoperable, collectable firearms (‘collectable handguns’); or
  
  (ii) manufactured on or after 1 January 1947 that are temporarily inoperable, collectable firearms and the licensee’s licence is endorsed to allow possession of collectable firearms manufactured on or after 1 January 1947 (‘modern collectable handguns’); or
  
  (iii) otherwise – they are permanently inoperable  

Groups such as private museums, historical societies and R.S.L.’s wishing to display firearms or military re-enactment/historical demonstrations will require this licence.

Application for a collector’s licence (weapons) –

You must provide:

• A completed Form 1 application for a licence
• Evidence of completion of a safety course for the category of weapon to be possessed under the authority of the licence.
• Details of the reason and/or use to be made of the weapon/s to be endorsed on the licence (e.g. private collection, public museum display or military re-enactment).
• Advice as to the security precautions to be taken to ensure the safekeeping of all weapons to be held by the applicant. This should include an indication on whether or not these precautions meet the current standards set by the Act (Sections 39-44 of the Weapons Regulation 1996 refers).
• For military re-enactment or historical demonstration, proof of current financial membership of a recognised military re-enactment club/society.

If you are intending to collect temporarily inoperable category H weapons manufactured before 1 January 1947, you must also include with the application:

• A completed QP517 – Approved Historical Society Declaration.  This declaration must be completed by the endorsed representative of an approved historical society, declare that you are a member of the society and include your membership number and the expiry date of your membership.

If you are intending to collect temporarily inoperable category H weapons manufactured after 1 January 1947 (modern handguns) you must include with the application:

• A completed QP517 – Approved Historical Society Declaration.  This declaration must be completed by the endorsed representative of an approved historical society, declare that you are a member of the society and include your membership number and the expiry date of your membership; and
• Information to satisfy the authorised officer that you have prolonged and genuine interest in the study, preservation or collection of firearms.