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Do I need a firearms licence

What type of firearms licence do I require?

Use this guide to find out if you require a firearms licence or if you are eligible to apply for one.

For some firearm uses there may be additional requirements depending on your circumstances. Contact the Firearms Branch if you have further questions via sapol.firearmsbranch@police.sa.gov.au

Firearms licence holders are reminded that within 14 days you must give the Registrar written notice of a change of name or address or any other detail recorded on the licence to avoid a fine.

Find out how to notify the Registrar.

If you are OVER 18, select the required category of licence to read more.

Shooting club

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose of use as, or by a member of, a shooting club.

You will be required to arange training through your club. If you require other categories of use as well, then you will also need to undertake training through TAFE SA.

Target shooting

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose of use in target shooting.

Hunting

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose of use in hunting.

Paint-ball shooting (includes gel blaster firearms)

This category of licence authorises you to possess paint-ball firearms for the purpose only of:

  • Use in the business of a recognised paint-ball operator as the operator of the business; or
  • Use on the grounds of a recognised paint-ball operator under the supervision of the operator or an accredited paint-ball employee.
Primary production

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of use in a primary production business, as either the operator or an employee or relative.

Security Guard
  • This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of use in the business of guarding property, as either the person carrying on the business of guarding property or as an employee.
  • You must hold an appropriate licence under the Security and Investigation Industry Act 1995.
Contract shooter

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of use as a contract shooter.

Commercial range

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of use in the business of a recognised commercial range operator, as either the operator or employee.

Shooting gallery

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of use in the business of operating a shooting gallery, as either the operator or employee.

Collector
  • This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of collecting and/or displaying the firearms.
  • You must be an active member of a collectors club.
  • Any firearms held will not be for firing.
Dealer

This category of licence authorises you to possess and use firearms, firearm parts and ammunition for the purpose only of the business of a dealer.

Miscellaneous

This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for one or more of the following:

  • For a purpose approved by the Registrar.
  • For the purpose of use in the provision of training in respect of safe handling, carriage and use of firearms.
  • For the purpose of the collection and/or display of firearms in museums.
  • For the purpose of the collection and/or display of firearms by the Returned and Services League (RSL).
  • For the purpose of the collection and/or display of firearms for which a category 10 (collectors) licence does not apply.
  • For the purpose of use by the Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc.
  • For the purpose of use by a veterinary surgeon registered under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 for the purpose of the humane destruction of animals.
  • For the purpose of use on land by persons who maintain the land for conservation purposes.
  • For the purpose of use in film, theatre and television productions.
  • For the purpose of use in historical re-enactments.
  • For the purpose of use in commemorative and ceremonial events.
  • For the purpose of the business of firearms manufacturer.

If you are UNDER 18, select the required category of licence to read more.

Shooting club
  • This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of use as a member of a shooting club.
  • You must be 12 years of age or more, and need a firearms licence to participate in a competition or competitions held in another State or Territory of the Commonwealth or another country, to be eligible to apply for a licence.
Primary producer
  • This category of licence authorises you to possess firearms for the purpose only of use in a primary production business.
  • You must be 15 years of age or more, and an employee or relative of the operator of a primary production business to be eligible to apply for a licence.

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Digital Firearm Licence now available on the mySA Gov App
Firearm licence holders can now add their valid licences (Individual, Collector and Dealer) on the mySA Gov App. You must have the mySA GOV app on your smartphone along with an active account. A step-by-step user guide is available for download here and a FAQ document can be downloaded here.

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