Juniors can take part in hunting and club sports by obtaining a Minor’s Permit. Juniors must be 11 years or older and be supervised by a firearms licensed adult at all times. Note: A Minor’s Permit does not have firearm activity codes attached to it but it does allow for both hunting and club target shooting.
If you live in Queensland and wish to own or use a firearm, crossbow, powerhead or paintball marker, you must hold a valid weapons licence. To apply for a Queensland weapons licence, you must:
- be an Australian citizen
- be at least 11 years old (if you are aged between 11 to 17 you can apply for a minor’s licence)
- have a genuine reason for needing a weapons licence
- reside only in Queensland
- be a fit and proper person
- have completed an approved safety course in weapons safety
- have a safe and secure place to store a weapon.
There are several genuine reasons for holding a firearms licence, including:
- sports or target shooting
- recreational (hunting)
- primary production (farming)
- occupational.
It is your responsibility to ensure your firearms licence is current. You may not receive any form of notification that your licence renewal is due so be sure to make note of the date.
Family members residing in the same dwelling should only have access to a firearms safe if they are a firearms licensed adult and have the appropriate category of firearms licence, e.g., A, B, H, etc.
A firearms licenced adult, including family, can borrow your firearms as long as the appropriate firearms category licence is held. The firearm must be safely stored if it is away from its normal registered location.
To be a ‘fit and proper person’ in the past five years, you must not have been convicted of offences relating to:
- drugs
- threats or use of violence
- use, carrying, possession or discharge of a weapon
- being named in a domestic violence order.
Also considered are:
- your mental and physical health
- accurate statements on your application
- criminal intelligence or other relevant information
- the interests of the public.
Note: The definition of ‘Fit and Proper’ has over the years expanded to not just being of good character, but also examining physical dexterity and health, which SSAA Queensland considers a subjective and potentially discriminatory interpretation. If you feel you have been discriminated against, please contact SSAA Queensland for advice.
Weapons Licensing are currently displaying on their website the time it takes to process a Permit to Acquire. They are also publishing the time it takes for new firearms applications to be approved: police.qld.gov.au/units/weapons-licensing
You must report the loss, destruction or theft of a weapons licence to the police immediately after you become aware of it. If you don’t, you may be prosecuted. Reporting of such an incident can be made by phoning Policelink and record the QPRIME occurrence number provided.
If your licence card has been lost, stolen, destroyed or is illegible you can apply for a replacement by completing form 3 – application for a replacement licence-permit to acquire, lodging it at your local police station and paying the applicable fee.
If you’ve changed your name, contact details or address, you can update your details by visiting Update | QPS (police.qld.gov.au) If your circumstances have changed the process is different. This includes changes to your genuine reason, your business particulars or moving interstate.
Can’t Find The Answer to Your Question?
If you have additional questions about firearms licensing that aren’t covered here, we’re here to help! Contact us for expert advice on licensing requirements, processes, and any other enquiries to guide you through the steps with ease. Email licensing@ssaaqld.org.au or complete the following enquiry form for personalised support.
