Collect the information and documents you need to provide as part of your application.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last updated
2 August 2023
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Phone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870) 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday |