Types of Licences

When considering an application for a Weapons Act 1990 licence, it is important you are familiar with the types of licence available.

Your genuine reasons and the categories of firearms that you intend to use determine the type/s of licences you may apply for.  Some types of licences are listed below.  You may also have other genuine reasons for which you are seeking approval.  If you are unable to find the information that you require in our website, please contact the Weapons Licensing Branch. 

Firearms licence – The most common type of licence issued for possession and use of category A, B, C and D weapons for recreational shooting, sports or target shooting, primary production and occupational reasons.  (Categories C and D have extremely restricted access) 

Concealable firearms licence - With this type of licence you may possess or use handguns (category H), either for sports or target shooting or occupational reasons. This licence does not authorise possession or use for recreational shooting. 

Collector's licence (heirloom) – for ownership of an heirloom firearm (category A, B, C, D, H and R). This type of firearm is passed to a person by testamentary disposition or the laws of succession e.g. in a Will. A firearm owned under this licence must be made permanently inoperable. 

Collector's licence (weapons) – This licence allows registration of category A, B, C, D, E, H, M and R weapons that are collectable weapons that have obvious and significant historic, thematic, commemorative or investment value. 

Security guard's licence - You may only possess a category H revolver, semi-automatic pistol or a category C pump action shotgun. If you are employed under the licence of a security organisation's
owner you may use the firearm only in performing your security guard duties. The maximum term for this licence is 12 months.

Security Organisation's licence - This licence may only be issued to a body or organisation that provides security guards and the services of security guards. This licence may be endorsed for Category C, E and/or H firearms/weapons. 

Dealer's licence - authorises the holder to: buy, sell, transfer or broker the sale of weapons other than category R or restricted category M weapons; broker the acquisition of Category R weapons (to certain licence holders) only if they are rendered permanently inoperable; and receive, dispatch, repair and store weapons in the course of the business. 

Armourer's licence - authorises the licensee to store, manufacture, modify or repair any category of weapon in the course of an armourer’s business. 

Blank-fire firearms licence - Under this category the licensee is allowed to possess and use a blank-fire firearm (category A, B, C, D, H and R), for uses such as starting sporting events, or theatrical productions. 

Minor’s licence - The holder of a minor's licence must be at least 11 years of age. A licence may be issued to authorise possession and use under supervision by a range officer at an approved range for category A, B or H, use of a category A or B weapon in primary production in the conduct of the licensee’s employment or category C weapons for certain occupational purposes.  This licence is valid only till the licensee’s 18th birthday.
 
Visitors licence - A visitors licence is available to those who live outside Australia or Queensland and hold an interstate licence that is not valid under temporary recognition provisions (Section 32 of the Weapons Act 1990) and intend to visit for a purpose which is a genuine reason for possession of a weapon.  You can possess or use a weapon according to the specifications on the licence. In some instances, interstate licence holders do not need a visitors licence (refer to ‘Visitors Licences’). A visitors licence is only available for up to three months. 

Miscellaneous licence - This licence may only be issued for a category E or some category M (“martial arts” or “historical/military”) weapons. Certain conditions apply.  A crossbow licence is deemed a miscellaneous licence. 

Group licence - A group licence may be issued to an individual or body to satisfy an occupational need, or to a body that is a sports or target shooting club to satisfy its needs in sports or target shooting. It may only be issued for certain categories of weapons. 

Theatrical ordnance suppliers licence - authorises the holder to possess and supply weapons, replicas, blank-fire firearms or permanently inoperable firearms or other items for use in theatrical, film or television productions. 

Firearms licence (Instructor) - This licence permits the possession and use of firearms for safety training approved by the Commissioner. 

Shooting Clubs, Ranges, Galleries and Weapons Clubs - Anyone wishing to operate a shooting club, gallery, range or weapons club must obtain an approval/permit to do so.