Find out how to apply or reapply for a New Zealand firearms licence. You need a firearms licence to possess and use non-prohibited firearms, ammunition and specially dangerous airguns without supervision.

Before you apply

Find out what a New Zealand firearms licence allows you to do, who can apply and what you need to provide in your application.

Apply or reapply

Find out how to apply for a New Zealand firearms licence. The steps are the same whether you're applying for the first time or reapplying for a licence ('renewal').

Surrender a firearms licence

You may surrender (give up and hand in) your firearms licence to Police or Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority at any time.

Ammunition sellers

Ammunition sellers are individual firearms licence holders, who sell ammunition to other firearms licence holders.

Applying or reapplying for a firearms licence

Licensing demand has increased this year, and we are expecting this increase in licence renewals to continue until 2028. We appreciate your patience while we process your application. 

If you have any questions, email MyFirearms.support@police.govt.nz, or give us a call. Phone 0800 844 431 between 8:30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Licence application fee reminder (two options - pay once)

There are two options to pay your licence application fee, but you should only pay once:  

  • through MyFirearms, OR 
  • at a NZ Post shop.

The easiest way to pay is through MyFirearms when doing your licence application online (Please note a 1.9% surcharge applies to card payments).

If you are not applying through MyFirearms, pay your application fee at a NZ Post shop.

Fees include GST, cover the cost of processing your application, and are not refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.

Last updated
22 May 2026

 

Need help?
phone Phone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870)
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday