Check you meet the requirements and have all the information you need.
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').
Before you begin
Applying for the first time
We recommend you allow 4 to 5 months for your firearms licence application to be processed, as it takes time to arrange and carry out the required interviews and inspections.
Your firearms licence will be valid for 5 years.
Reapplying for a licence ('renewal')
We recommend you submit your application for a new firearms licence 4 months before the expiry date on your current licence.
If you choose to apply earlier, we may ask you to resupply some details before we issue your licence. This is to make sure we have the most recent information to consider when deciding on the outcome of your application.
Note: Reapplying for a firearms licence is often referred to as a 'renewal', but you are not actually renewing your old licence. Each time you apply for a firearms licence, your application is considered in full against the requirements of the Arms Act 1983.
Applying before your current licence expires
If we receive your application before your current licence expires, you can continue to possess and use firearms and ammunition until you get a decision about your new application under section 25A of the Arms Act 1983.
Your new firearms licence will be valid for 10 years.
This does not apply if your old licence is revoked or surrendered during this time.
Applying after your current licence expires
If we receive your application after the expiry date on your current licence, it will expire.
This means that, until your new firearms licence is issued:
- you cannot buy firearms or ammunition
- you must immediately transfer possession of your firearms and ammunition to a person with a current firearms licence and endorsement.
Your new firearms licence will be valid for 5 years.
If your licence has been revoked
If your licence has been revoked, you must wait 5 years before you can apply again under Section 23 of the Arms Act 1983.
Arms Act 1983, section 23 – Application for firearms licence | New Zealand Legislation
If you surrendered your previous licence
Your new firearms licence will be valid for 5 years.
Apply for endorsements at the same time as your licence
To possess and use some classes of arms items, you must also have an endorsement on your firearms licence. You can submit your endorsement application at the same time as your firearms licence application.
How much it costs
Firearms licence application fees:
- First-time firearms licence – $126.50
- Applications made before current licence expires – $126.50
- Applications made after current licence has expired – $241.50
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 firearms licence is online through MyFirearms
To use MyFirearms, you must have a mobile phone and a RealMe login.
What is MyFirearms?
MyFirearms is our online portal that lets you provide information for the Firearms Registry and apply for and manage your firearms licensing.
What is RealMe?
RealMe login is a service from the New Zealand government that lets you use one username and password to access a wide range of services online.
If you do not have a RealMe login already, you’ll be prompted to create one before you start. You do not need a RealMe verified identity.
Step 1: Log in
Visit MyFirearms and log in with RealMe. You’ll need your mobile phone to carry out the security check.
Step 2: Create your MyFirearms profile
To use MyFirearms, you must first create a MyFirearms profile. Select 'Complete Your Profile' and complete the form.
You need to provide your name, date of birth and the details of your New Zealand firearms licence. If you do not have a firearms licence yet, enter your name as it appears on your driver licence.
A MyFirearms profile is unique to each person. It will be linked to your firearms licence, so you do not need to provide these details again when using MyFirearms.
Step 3: Complete the New Zealand Firearms Licence form
To apply or reapply for a firearms licence, select 'New Zealand Firearms Licence' and complete the form.
Step 4: 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 Post Shop.
Step 5: 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 for 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.
To request a paper form, call 0800 844 431 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Note: Applications submitted by post may take longer to process.
How to apply if you're outside New Zealand
If your firearms licence is about to expire and you're not in New Zealand, you cannot currently reapply using MyFirearms.
Step 1: Download, complete and sign the form
Step 2: Pay the fee
Your application fee must be paid at an NZ Post Shop. Ask a trusted person to pay the fee on your behalf.
There are separate fees for a firearms licence application and endorsement application.
Step 3: Submit or post your form and supporting documents
You can submit your form with your supporting documents by:
- uploading them to the Firearms forms upload web page
- posting to Kapiti Digital Services Centre, PO Box 722, Paraparaumu 5032, New Zealand.
For help, call us on +64 4 499 2870 between 8.30am and 5pm (NZST), Monday to Friday.
Note: To apply for a New Zealand firearms licence, you must be registered with a New Zealand health practitioner.
What to expect after you submit your application
Once we’ve received your application, Police will carry out further checks to assess if you are fit and proper to possess firearms or airguns.
This includes:
- arranging an in-person interview with you to discuss your application
- interviewing your referees
- inspecting your firearms and ammunition storage facilities, such as a gun safe or strong room.
Firearms safety knowledge
You must attend and pass a firearms safety course before you are interviewed if:
- this is the first time you have applied for a firearms licence, or
- your licence expired more than 1 year ago.
You'll be tested on your knowledge of current firearms safety requirements during your interview if:
- your licence is still valid, or
- your licence expired less than 1 year ago.
Your obligations as a licence holder may have changed since you last applied, so you should familiarise yourself with any new requirements. You can do this by reading the Firearms Safety Code.
Providing information for the Firearms Registry
If you held a firearms licence at 24 June 2023, you're required to provide information for the Registry the first time an activating circumstance happens. Activating circumstances include applying for a firearms licence.
Last updated
24 January 2024
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Phone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870) 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday |