Applying for Other Licence Classes - Fact Sheet

Download Applying for Other Licence Classes - Fact Sheet (PDF)

Applying for a Licence: Business, Organisation’s and other licence classes

There are many different classes of licences that can be applied for under the Weapons Act 1990. A Queensland weapons licence is not exclusively limited to individual recreational use and may be acquired for a variety of reasons, including use by a body (business or organisation).

Some classes of weapons licence include:

Blank-fire firearms licence
Collectors licence
Firearms Instructor
Firearms licence (Group)
Security licence (business, organisation, or guard)
Theatrical ordnance supplier

To find additional licence classes, visit the Individual Licence Types page.

Obligations and responsibilities

Queensland weapons licence holders must follow rules set out in the Weapons Act 1990, Weapons Regulation 2016, and Weapons Categories Regulation 1997.

Genuine reason

You must demonstrate that you have a genuine reason to possess and use weapons under a Queensland weapons licence. Below are common genuine reasons:

Firearms licence (group): An occupational group that may conduct the business of animal control, wildlife conservation, veterinary services, or other.
Security organisation: An entity that provides security guards and security services by licensed employees.
Firearms licence (group) shooting club: Shooting clubs, galleries, paint pellet galleries and approved training ranges.

Different licence types and their associated genuine reasons require supporting documentation specific to the genuine reason you have nominated.

Safe and secure storage

A person who possesses a firearm must take all reasonable precautions to ensure safe and secure storage of the firearm.

To apply for weapons licence, you must demonstrate that you have access to safe storage for the weapons you intend to possess.

Weapons safety training

You will need to provide details of a current Queensland weapons licence for the same category of weapon for which you are now applying, or a copy of your completed Firearms Safety Training Course (1102NAT) endorsed for the category of weapon you wish to own and operate. The certificate must be dated in the 12 months immediately prior to lodging your new application for a licence.

Group representative

Some group licences require an individual to be a nominated representative on the licence.

Any employees (other than the representative) who are required to utilise firearms registered to a group licence must lodge a Form 4B – Change of weapons category and/or Change of Condition to have the appropriate condition codes and categories endorsed on their licence.

The representative must hold a current Queensland weapons licence in order to represent the group.

If you’re not sure if your business or group requires a representative, read the Individual Licence Types page and visit our knowledge base articles for license types.

How to apply

Online applications are the preferred lodgement method. Online applications reduce the risk of not providing sufficient supporting information.

Online – complete and submit your application via the Online application form and watch our New licence application instructional video.

Can I apply another way?

In Person – a hard copy Form 1 – Application for a Licence (PDF) can be downloaded and lodged at a participating Australia Post outlet. You can also watch the New licence application instructional video for more information.

It is important that all supporting documentation is provided with your lodgement to avoid unnecessary delays with your application being processed.

Application cost

Our fees typically increase on 1 July each year. Your application fee will vary based on the licence type and licence duration you select. Fees are payable on lodgement of your application.

Application assessment timeframes

There is a legislated 28 day waiting period on all new applications for a Queensland weapons licence.

You may experience a delay in the assessment of your application where you have not provided all the required information at lodgement and an Authorised Officer requests further information.

It is important that you read the request for further information carefully and reply before the due date.

If you do not provide the information in time, the assessment will continue with the information available. This may result in the decision to withdraw or reject your application.

For current processing times please see Weapons Licensing Group's main page.

Inspection of premises

Some licence classes are required to meet specific storage measures outlined in the Weapons Regulation 2016. For example:

Collectors – refer to section 88-92 of the Weapons Regulation 2016.
Security Organisation – refer to section 75-76 of the Weapons Regulation 2016

The Authorised Officer will conduct an inspection of your premises as part of the assessment process to ensure compliance before your application can be finalised.