Find out how to apply for or renew a dealer's licence so you can carry out activities such as selling, hiring, lending or supplying firearms and other arms items in New Zealand.

Before you begin

Collect the information and documents you need to provide as part of your application.

Check what information you need to provide

When to apply

Dealer’s licences are valid for 12 months.

We recommend you apply for a new licence 4 months before your licence expires. If you apply for a new one before your current dealer’s licence expires, your business can continue as usual until you get a decision about your new application. Your new licence starts on the date of this decision.

How much it costs

Dealer's licence application fees:

  • New or renewed dealer licence – $204
  • Dealer gun show consent – $50
  • One or more endorsements, applied for at the same time – $204

These fees include GST and are not refundable. If you apply through MyFirearms you can pay using a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard). You will be charged a credit card surcharge of 1.9%.

Apply online through MyFirearms

The fastest way to apply for a dealer's licence is online through MyFirearms

To use MyFirearms, you must have a mobile phone and a RealMe login (not a ‘RealMe verified identity’). If you do not have a RealMe login already, you’ll be prompted to create one before you start your application.

What is RealMe?

RealMe is a New Zealand government service for proving your identity online.

  • You only need a RealMe login to use MyFirearms.
  • You do not need a RealMe verified identity.

RealMe website

Step 1: Log in

Visit MyFirearms and log in with your RealMe account. You’ll need your mobile phone to carry out the security check.

Visit MyFirearms

Step 2: Complete the Dealer's Licence form

Select 'Dealer’s Licence' and complete the form.

Save a draft to make sure you do not lose the information you have entered. Once saved, you must submit your application within 30 days or it may be removed from your account.

Step 3: Pay the fee

You can pay online with Visa or Mastercard. You will be charged a credit card surcharge of 1.9%.

Note: When you apply online, you must pay the application fee in MyFirearms. Do not pay the application fee at an NZ PostShop.

Step 4: Submit your application

Review the summary, then submit the form. You’ll receive an email to confirm we’ve received your application.

If you're also applying or renewing an endorsement

You need to complete the endorsement application form and pay the fee.

Endorsements

Other ways to apply

How to apply by post

If you're unable to apply online through MyFirearms, you can use a paper form.

Note: Applications submitted using a paper form may take longer to process due to the manual handling involved. If you need help applying online, call 0800 844 431 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Step 1: Print, complete and sign the form

Step 2: Pay the fee

Pay the application fee at an NZ PostShop and get a receipt to include with your application.

There are separate fees for a dealer’s licence application and for application for endorsement to a dealer’s licence.

Find NZ Post

Step 3: Submit or post your form and supporting documents

You can submit your form with your supporting documents:

  • to your local Police station
  • or post it to Kapiti Digital Services Centre, PO Box 722, Paraparaumu 5032.

What to expect after you submit your application

Once we’ve received your application, Police will contact you to arrange a time to interview you.

Police will ask your referees to fill out a questionnaire and then interview them.

You will need to show Police your secure storage facilities are suitable for the proposed activities and the classes of arms items held for those activities.

Providing information for the Firearms Registry

The first time you apply for a licence or endorsement from 24 June 2023, you must register all arms items in your possession within 30 days.

When to register your arms items

What the Firearms Registry means for dealers

Last updated
2 August 2023

 

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