Apply for a firearms licence

Applicants are assessed to determine their suitability to be a hold of firearms license and possess firearms. Read more about the probity assessment.

Status of current applications

Each week SAPOL receives many applications, renewals and registrations for firearms. The below table is provided to give applicants an idea of the progress of applications.

(updated 20/12/2024)

If your licence application relates to your employment please contact Firearms Branch for information specific to your application.

Application process

*NOTE: If you are having difficulty opening or filling out a PDF form we suggest you read these fillable forms tips.

'Applicants must be either an Australian citizen or a permanent resident usually resident in South Australia.’

Non-English speaking students are advised TAFE do not permit translators when undertaking the compulsory training and assessments.

There is a pre-requisite for course participants to have a functional level of English language communication and comprehension which TAFE can assist with.

Step 1: Complete an application form

Complete a firearms licence application form PD303 (fillable forms tips).

*NOTE: If you are using a internet browser like Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, you need to configure your browser to open this online form using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.

Step 2: Check your proof of identity

Check that you have 100 points of original identification.

Find out what we accept as proof of identification

Step 3: Find out what fees you need to pay

An application fee is required for a Firearms Licence. The fee is the equivalent of a 1 year licence period and will be converted to the first year’s payment after the approval of the licence and presentation at a photo point to have your photo taken. This fee is non-refundable in the event that the licence application is unsuccessful. Please refer to the Firearms Act 2015 sections 14.4, 15 and 20.6 for information regarding general provisions relating to licences before you submit your application.

View the current fees for firearms licences

Step 4: Get your application processed

Submit your application at your local police station.

Take your:

• completed application form
• 100 points of original identification
• photocopies of 100 points of identification for certification
• application fee.

Find your local police station

Step 5: Approval letter

We send you a letter telling you:

• to provide further justification if required
• if your application is approved
• what training you need
• who to contact to arrange training.

Step 6: Attend training

Organise and attend the required courses listed in your approval letter.

Your training certificate will be sent to the Firearms Branch by the training provider.

Step 7: Have your photo taken

Take the data card that we send to you to a photo point to have your photo taken.

Take with you:

• 100 points of original identification.

Photo points are located at Service SA centres and some Australia Post offices.

Find a SA Service Centre on the sa.gov.au website

Find a photo point location on the sa.gov.au website

Step 8: Issuing the licence

An interim licence is issued when you attend to have your photo taken and will remain in force for up to 90 days, or until the photographic licence is issued.

Obtain a new licence each time your:

• licence expires
• category or purpose of use changes.

Go to a photo point and take your:

• data card
• supporting information
• licence fee.

An interim licence is issued when you pay the licence fee and will remain in force for up to 90 days, or until the photographic licence is issued.

Photo points are located at Service SA centres and some Australia Post offices.

Find a SA Service Centre on the sa.gov.au website

Find a photo point location on the sa.gov.au website

View the current fees for firearms licences

* NOTE: Applications for variation to an existing Dealer Licence must be made in the first instance by contacting Firearms Branch on 7322 3346 to discuss your application.

Step 1: Complete an application form

Complete Variation/Addition/Revocation of Licence Categories/Firearm Categories/Licence Conditions form PD307

Download application PD307 (fillable forms tips)

Step 2: Check your proof of identity

Check that you have 100 points of original identification.

Find out what we accept as proof of identification

Step 3: Find out what fees you need to pay

An application fee is required for a Variation of licence. This fee is non-refundable in the event that the licence application is unsuccessful. Please refer to the Firearms Act 2015 sections 14.4, 15 and 20.6 for information regarding general provisions relating to licences before you submit your application.

View the current fees for firearms licences

Step 4: Get your application processed

Submit your application at your local police station.

Take your:

• completed application form
• 100 points of original identification
• photocopies of 100 points of identification for certification
• supporting justification
• application fee.

Find your local police station

Step 5: Approval letter

We send you a letter telling you:

• to provide further justification if required
• if your application is approved
• what training you need if required
• who to contact to arrange training.

Step 6: Attend training if required

Organise and attend the required courses listed in your approval letter.

Your training certificate will be sent to the Firearms Branch by the training provider.

Step 7: Issuing the licence

Your amended photo licence will be re issued once all training and justification has been approved.

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.

Contact details

Firearms Branch
100 Angas Street
Adelaide SA 5000

Phone: 7322 3346
Fax: 7322 4182
Email: SAPOL.FirearmsBranch@police.sa.gov.au