Are you struggling to find answers about firearms licencing in NSW? This article contains some of the most common questions asked on social media.
What is the minimum age to apply for a firearms licence?
You must be 18 years old or over to apply for a firearms licence.
If you are aged between 12 – 18 you can apply for a minor’s permit. This will allow you to use a firearm whilst under the supervision of a fully-licenced adult.
Who do I contact to do a firearms training course?
Most gun clubs or approved hunting organisations (AHOs) will conduct this training, or know someone who does. Reach out to them and ask the question, they won’t bite.
How long will it take to process my application?
The minimum waiting period is 28 days. However, it’s extremely unlikely that you will be approved on the 29th day. My firearm licence application took 8.5 months, and I’ve heard stories of people waiting up to 12 months. So, there’s no hard and fast rule in terms of when you’ll be approved. The best advice I can give you is to hold off on making any firearms-related purchases or plans until the licence is resting in the palm of your hands.
My firearms application hasn’t been approved after (insert months), have I been declined?
I can guarantee that every applicant has asked this question at some stage throughout the application process. A delay in approval doesn’t necessarily mean that your application has been declined. Pending the length of your delay, it may sign that your application is undergoing further scrutiny from a review panel, or the Firearms Registry has a backlog of applications.
What factors can delay an application?
- Failure to submit all requested supporting information and/or documents with your licence application.
- Failure to supply your NSW driver’s licence number (if held).
- The name, date of birth, and address used for your firearms licence application are different from your driver’s licence. If these details are different you should update your driver’s licence details with Service NSW before submitting your firearm licence application.
- Further information is required by the Firearms Registry to assist in the determination of your suitability to hold a firearms licence, i.e. a mental health assessment.
- Adverse police holdings have been flagged in the system, and your application will require further scrutiny.
Firearms registry:
- Staff shortages.
- A backlog of firearms applications.
What happens if I don’t supply all of the required information?
The Firearms Registry will contact you via email to request additional information. If you fail to do so within the specified time frame, it will be determined that you no longer wish to proceed with your application. The application will then lapse, or be refused – if it is a renewal.
I’m required to get a mental health assessment. What did I do, and what’s involved in the assessment?
If you are required to get a mental health assessment, you’ve likely been involved in a situation with the police, where your mental health was questionable, to say the least. This may apply even if no charges were laid against you. Don’t stress, it’s not the end of the world. However, it does mean that your application will take longer to be assessed. Generally speaking, the process goes like this:
- You will receive a letter that notifies you of the requirement to undertake a mental health assessment. If you choose to continue with your application, you will be required to book an appointment with your local GP. As part of your notification letter, you should receive a sealed envelope which is addressed to your GP. Do not open it! Take it with you to your GP appointment.
- Discuss the situation with your GP and allow them to read the letter provided. They will refer you to a Psychologist/Psychiatrist for the assessment. Keep in mind that your assessment will cost money, and you may require multiple visits for them to make an accurate assessment. As frustrating as this may be, you need to stay calm. Remember – you are asking a stranger to vouch for your mental health so that you can obtain a firearm. Neither one of you should take this responsibility lightly.
- Go to any appointments that are required by your Psychologist/Psychiatrist. Be honest with them, allow them to make an informed decision, and wait to be notified of the result. This will be delivered by the NSW Firearms Registry, not the Psychologist/Psychiatrist.
What can I do to speed up my application?
There are a few things that you can do to get your application processed faster.
These include:
- Contact your state firearms registry by phone or email.
- If your application drags on for multiple months, contact your local member of parliament (MP) and request for them to make inquiries on your behalf.
This probably shouldn’t need to be said, but I’m going to say it anyway – Don’t call the Firearms Registry and demand a decision on the 29th day. Ideally, give them a few extra weeks before hassling them. Everyone gets busy and you don’t want to appear rude or impatient in this scenario. If you do make the decision to contact them, always be polite and use your manners.
The firearms registry phone number doesn’t work, how do I contact them?
This is an issue that I’ve faced a few times in NSW. If the listed phone number doesn’t work, reach out to your local social media hunting group and ask for the contact details. Worst case, send the Firearms Registry an email.
Conclusion.
Hopefully, this article can clear up some of the questions that you have about firearms licencing. If I’ve missed something, send me an email at [email protected]. If I like the question, I’ll add it to the list above.
