Purchasing a firearm

Purchasing a firearm in South Australia is a regulated process governed by the Firearms Act 2015. You must hold a valid firearms licence and follow the steps below to legally acquire and register a firearm.

Step-by-step guide to purchasing a firearm

Step 1: Hold a valid firearms licence

Before purchasing a firearm, you must:

• Be a fit and proper person.
• Hold a current South Australian firearms licence.
• Have a genuine reason and need for acquiring the firearm

Refer to Can I own a firearm? for eligibility information.

Step 2: Complete a permit to acquire application

Fill out the PD306 – Application for a Permit to Acquire a Firearm form. You’ll need:

• Your personal details
• Details of the firearm and current owner
• A statement of genuine need

Guide to Satisfying Genuine need

Step 3: Submit your application

Submit the completed form to the SAPOL Firearms Branch via your local police station.

Step 4: Application assessment

SAPOL will assess your application 28 days after the date of the application. This may apply for first-time applicants or certain firearm types.

Step 5: Receive approval

If approved, SAPOL will return your PD306 form with the approval section completed.

Step 6: Transfer the firearm

The firearm must be transferred from the current owner to you. This must be witnessed by a prescribed person, such as:

• A licenced firearms dealer
• A police officer
• An authorised officer of a recognised firearms club

The witness must complete the “Witness to Transfer” section of the PD306 form.

Step 7: Register the firearm

Within 14 days of taking possession, visit your local police station with:

• The firearm
• The completed and witnessed PD306 form
• Payment for the registration fee

SAPOL will issue a Certificate of Registration once processed

Once your firearm is registered, you can link your firearm licence to your mySAGOV account and access it via the mySAGOV app. For more information refer to “How to purchase and register a firearm.”