Business licence supporting documents

If you live in Queensland and wish to own or use a firearm, crossbow, paintball gun or certain knife types for a business purpose, you must hold the appropriate weapons licence.

Before you can apply, you will need to select the correct type of weapons licence – this will depend on your genuine reason for needing the firearms or weapons. This page has more information about the types of weapons licence you can hold as a business, so you can decide which may be most appropriate for you.

Armourer's licence

An armourer’s licence is for a person or organisation that operates a business storing, manufacturing, modifying or repairing weapons. The armourer’s licence may be endorsed for weapon categories A, B, C, D, E, H, M and R.

In order to become a licensed armourer in Queensland, you need to have a very strong understanding of legislation relating to firearms in Queensland as well as qualifications and experience relevant to performing the functions of an armourer.

Before beginning construction of your purpose-built premises, it is recommended you supply building plans to Weapons Licensing for review and feedback.

You must provide the following documents as evidence of your genuine reason for an Armourer's licence:

• Detailed supporting letter including:-
  • skills you possess that allow you to perform the functions of an Armourer, having regard to individual and public safety including trade qualification certificates
  • equipment you possess to enable you to perform the functions of an Armourer.

 

• Your understanding of the legislation as it affects a licensed firearms Armourer.
• ASIC Business Registration - Certificate including the Extract detailing the officeholders of the company.  If the nominated Representative is not listed on the ASIC Extract as an office holder, a Letter of Authority, on corporate letterhead, from an office holder of the company authorising the applicant to act as a representative for the Dealer’s Licence, is required.
• Security precautions advice (Armourer) – Written advice of the security precautions to be taken to ensure the safekeeping of all weapons to be stored, include detailed information addressing the requirements of sections 78-87 of the Weapons Regulations 2016, including photographs and/or building plans.
• Business operation location – include proof of business address for the business premises e.g. rates notice or lease agreement.
• Council approval – Written approval from your local council/authority which gives direct approval for your intended business or states there is no objection to your intended business operating from the business operation address.
• Armourer qualification/experience– Details of all qualifications and experience relevant to performing the functions of an armourer. This may be in the form of a resume and may contain referees from person/s within the industry.
• Business plan – Copy of your business plan with business name where you intend undertaking this work
  • details of intended client/market base
  • details addressing risk, police contact, firearm use and community safety.
• Safety course certificate – A current safety course certificate is required for any categories of firearms the Representative is not currently licenced for.
• Remote Alarm – Current and signed confirmation provided by your security service confirming continued compliance with section 85(2) of the Weapons Regulations 2016.

Documentation required when renewing Armourer Licence:-

You must provide the following documents as evidence of your genuine reason when renewing your Armourer's licence:

• Armourer’s Secure Storage – Written advice of the security precautions to be taken to ensure the safekeeping of all weapons to be stored, including an indication on whether or not these precautions meet the requirements of sections 78-87 of the Weapons Regulations 2016
• Weapons Register Armourer (Form 11 or Form 16) – A copy of the last two completed pages of your register (Part A and Part B which is both sides of the open book).
• Remote Alarm – Current and signed confirmation provided by your security service confirming continued compliance with section 85(2) of the Weapons Regulations 2016.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Blank-fire firearms licence

Blank-fire firearms licences allow the possession and use of blank-fire firearms for two purposes only: To start sporting events, or for use in theatrical productions. A blank-fire firearms licence can be issued to a theatrical organisation, or an athletic or other sporting organisation. 

When you apply for a new licence application for a blank-fire firearms licence, you must provide the supporting documents as listed below, with your application and as evidence of your genuine reason:  

Supporting letter/letter of authorisation – a current and signed letter with details of business name and a full description of the activities the weapon/s are used and your genuine reason for the possession of weapons.

Enterprise type details – a copy of the registered business or company name providing details of the type of enterprise (e.g. sole proprietor, partnership or company) including the extract detailing the office holders of the business/company.

Business/employer letterhead – a current and signed letter on a business letterhead verifying:

• the reason why firearms are necessary
• the position held by the applicant
• the authority for the applicant to be the representative for the licence
• the category of firearms required to use, and
• the nature of the duties undertaken in the conduct of your business/occupation.

Business plan – copy of your business plan with business name – only include pages relevant to the following: Addressing risk, police contact, firearm use and community safety.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Dealer's licence

A dealer's licence authorises the licensee to carry on the business of:

• buying, selling, transferring or brokering any weapons (other than category R weapons or restricted category M weapons) stated on the licence,
• brokering the acquisition of any permanently inoperable or blank-fire weapons in category R by the holder of a theatrical ordnance supplier's licence, or of any permanently inoperable weapons in category R by the holder of a collector's licence (weapons)
• receiving, dispatching, repairing or storing weapons.

In order to become a licensed firearms dealer in Queensland, you need to have a very strong understanding of legislation relating to firearms in Queensland. Before beginning construction of your purpose-built premises, it is recommended you supply building plans to Weapons Licensing for review and feedback.

You must provide the following documents as evidence of your genuine reason for a dealer's licence:

• Business operation location – Details of the location of the premises where you propose to operate the business including proof of business address e.g. rates notice or lease agreement.
• Dealer’s Secure Storage – Written advice of the security precautions to be taken to ensure the safekeeping of all weapons to be stored, include detailed information addressing the requirements of sections 78-87 of the Weapons Regulations 2016, including photographs and/or building plans.
• Safety Course Certificate – A current safety course certificate is required for any categories of firearms the Representative is not currently licensed for. Your detailed understanding of the legislation as it affects a licensed firearms dealer.
• ASIC Business Registration Certificate including the Extract detailing the officeholders of the company. If the nominated Representative is not listed on ASIC Extract as an office holder, a Letter of authority, on corporate letterhead, from an office holder of the company authorising applicant to act as Representative for the Dealer’s Licence, is required.
• Business operation location – Details of the location of the premises where you propose to operate the business including proof of business address e.g. rates notice or lease agreement.
• Council approval – Written approval from your local council/authority certifying the intended local land use for the business is in compliance with local by-laws and which gives direct approval for your intended business operating from the business operation address.
• Business plan – Copy of your business plan with business name where you intend undertaking this work
• details of intended client/market base
• details addressing risk, police contact, firearm use and community safety.
• Form 34 – You must provide details of all dealer’s associates.
• Remote Alarm – Current and signed confirmation provided by your security service confirming continued compliance with section 85(2) of the Weapons Regulations 2016. Dealer’s Secure Storage – Written advice of the security precautions to be taken to ensure the safekeeping of all weapons to be stored, include detailed information addressing the requirements of sections 78-87 of the Weapons Regulations 2016, including photographs and/or building plans.

Documentation required when renewing Dealer’s Licence:-

You must provide the following documents as evidence of your genuine reason when renewing your Dealer’s licence:

• Dealer’s Secure Storage – Written advice of the security precautions to be taken to ensure the safekeeping of all weapons to be stored, including an indication on whether or not these precautions meet the requirements of sections 78-87 of the Weapons Regulations 2016.
• Weapons Register Dealer (Form 11 or Form 16) – A copy of the last two completed pages of your register (Part A and Part B which is both sides of the open book).
• Remote Alarm – Current and signed confirmation provided by your security service confirming continued compliance with section 85(2) of the Weapons Regulations 2016.
• Form 34 – You must provide details of all dealer’s associates.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Group licence - occupational

A group licence allows the members and employees of the group to physically possess and use weapons for the purpose stated on the licence. However, the members or employees must hold a current licence that allows them to possess and use weapons of the same type allowed under the group licence.

You must provide the following documents as evidence of your genuine reason for a Group licence - occupational:

• Safety Course Certificate - A current safety course certificate is required for any categories of firearms which the Representative is not currently licensed for
• Storage facility details – Details of the storage facility where weapons are to be stored and its compliance with legislation, including photographs
• Business/Employer letterhead – A current and signed letter on a business letterhead verifying:
  • the reason why firearms are necessary
  • the position held by the applicant
  • the authority for the applicant to be the representative for the licence
  • the category of firearms required to use
  • the nature of the duties undertaken in the conduct of your business/occupation
  • location of proposed firearm use (rural/non-rural)
  • if the use of tranquilisers is required
• ASIC Business Registration Certificate including the Extract detailing the officeholders of the company
• Public Liability Insurance – Copy of your Public Liability Insurance
• List of employees required to use firearms in the course of their duties for the company

For non-rural property protection and safety documents 

• All of the above, and
• the inclusion of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) stating how you will operate, e.g. risk assessment, contacting police, how the firearms are used with protection of property and safety of persons paramount.

 

Category H firearms

• Full colour photos – Photos depicting terrain, vegetation and access around the property.

Documentation required when renewing Group Licence – Occupational:

You must provide the following documents as evidence of your genuine reason when renewing your Group licence:

• Business/Employer Letterhead – A current and signed letter on a business letterhead verifying:
  • the reason(s) why firearms are necessary
  • the position held by the applicant
  • the authority for the applicant to be the representative for the licence
  • the category(s) of firearms required to use
  • the nature of the duties undertaken in the conduct of your business/occupation
• Weapons Register Group – A copy of the last two completed pages of your register
• Registered Business Details – A copy of the registered business or company name providing details of the type of enterprise (eg. sole proprietor or partnership etc) including the extract detailing the office holders of the business/company.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Group licence - shooting club

A group licence allows the members and employees of the group to physically possess and use weapons for the purpose stated on the licence. However, the members or employees must hold a current licence that allows them to possess and use weapons of the same type allowed under the group licence.

A group licence can be issued for two (2) genuine reasons – either because an individual or organisation has an occupational need to possess weapons, or for a sports or target shooting club.

When you apply for a new licence application for a group licence, you must provide the supporting documents as listed below, with your application and as evidence of your genuine reason:  

Enterprise type details – a copy of the registered business or company name providing details of the type of enterprise (e.g. sole proprietor, partnership or company) including the extract detailing the office holders of the business/company.

Storage facility details – details of the storage facility where weapons are to be stored and its compliance with legislation.

Business/employer letterhead – a current and signed letter on a business letterhead verifying:

• the reason why firearms are necessary
• the position held by the applicant
• the authority for the applicant to be the representative for the licence
• the category of firearms required to use, and
• the nature of the duties undertaken in the conduct of your business/occupation.

Proof of occupation – if the applicant is a shooting gallery operator, provide details of the shooting gallery approval number.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Group licence - occupational - Government Service Entity

This type of group licence is issued to government service entities only.  Before applying, further enquiries should be made to Weapons Licensing about whether this is the appropriate licence type to use. 

When you apply for a new licence application for a group licence, you must provide the supporting documents as listed below, with your application and as evidence of your genuine reason: 

Business/employer letterhead – a current and signed letter on a business letterhead verifying:

• the reason why firearms are necessary
• the position held by the applicant
• the authority for the applicant to be the representative for the licence
• the category of firearms required to use, and
• the nature of the duties undertaken in the conduct of your business/occupation.

Proof of occupation -  Government Service Entity verification – a current and signed letter on letterhead from your employer, verifying that you are employed by a government service entity and which outlines which category and the duties for which firearms are necessary.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Miscellaneous weapons licence 

A miscellaneous weapons licence allows you to possess and use weapons such as crossbows, some knives and martial arts weapons, and body armour (categories E and M). Genuine reasons for a miscellaneous weapons licence include crossbows for sports or target and recreational shooting or historical, military re-enactments and martial arts.

When you apply for a new licence application for a miscellaneous weapons licence, you must provide the supporting documents as listed below, with your application and as evidence of your genuine reason: 

Historical, military or martial arts – proof of current membership of a club that:

• is, or is affiliated with, a state, national or international historical, military re-enactment organisation, or martial arts organisation, or
• is a genuine historical, military re-enactment organisation or martial arts organisation that gives training in the use of the type of weapon.

Supporting letter - weapon description – Specific details of why the weapon is required, including when and where the weapons are required for physical possession.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Security licence (organisation)

A security licence (organisation) is for a security organisation which employs security guards. 

When you apply for a new licence application for a security licence - organisation, you must provide the supporting documents as listed below, with your application and as evidence of your genuine reason: 

Supporting letter – details of the address where business will be conducted from

• must include proof of business address for the business premise

Proof of occupation – security firm licence – a copy of front and back of current security firm licence (issued through Office of Fair Trading) issued under the Security Providers Act 1993 in the name of your business. 

Enterprise type details – a copy of the registered business or company name providing details of the type of enterprise (e.g. sole proprietor or partnership etc) including the extract detailing the office holders of the business/company.

Business plan – copy of your business plan with business name – only include pages relevant to the following: Addressing risk, police contact, firearm use and community safety.

Company client list – that verifies there is a need for applicant to provide an armed service

• a list of potential clients and letters on company letterhead that includes the following:
  • the author’s name, address and contact number/s
  • the nature of the services required by the business (e.g. cash in transit, bringing change back from bank etc)
  • the frequency of the services required (e.g. twice per week) and,
  • perceived risks that require possession of a firearm.

Standard operating procedures - only include pages relevant to the following:

• procedures for employees when using weapons in the course of their occupation.

Council approval – written approval from your local council/authority which gives direct approval for your intended business or states there is no objection to your intended business operating from the business operation address.

Storage facility – a description of facilities in place for the storage of weapons, including details of the safe/vault location, construction and weight.

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence

Theatrical ordnance supplier's licence

A theatrical ordnance supplier's licence is for a person or organisation that supplies weapons on a temporary basis for use in theatrical, film or television productions. The supply of the weapons must not involve a change of ownership of the weapons. This licence allows the possession and supply of blank-fire, replica or permanently inoperable firearms.

When you apply for a new licence application for a theatrical ordnance supplier's licence, you must provide the supporting documents as listed below, with your application and as evidence of your genuine reason: 

Supporting letter – a current and signed letter with details of business name and a full description of the activities the weapon/s are used and your genuine reason for the possession of weapons.

Enterprise type details – a copy of the registered business or company name providing details of the type of enterprise (e.g. sole proprietor or partnership etc) including the extract detailing the office holders of the business/company.

Storage facility details – 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 Weapons Act 1990 (sections 78-87 of the Weapons Regulation 2016 refers).

Council approval – written approval from your local council/authority which gives direct approval for your intended business.

Business/employer letterhead – a current and signed letter on a business letterhead verifying:

• the reason why firearms are necessary
• the position held by the applicant
• the authority for the applicant to be the representative for the licence
• the category of firearms required to use, and
• the nature of the duties undertaken in the conduct of your business/occupation.

Evidence of involvement – in the film, television or theatrical production industries (e.g. references, previous employment).

Further information about what safety course you need to complete for this type of licence