How to Apply for a New Zealand Firearms Licence - GUN CITY


In New Zealand we have a long history of hunting and shooting for food, and conserving the local countryside through pest eradication and sport. A firearms licence in New Zealand gives you the ability to compete in great target sports like clay target, pistol and rifle target shooting and go into our great countryside and hunt for meat with species like deer, pigs, goats, duck, geese and more! Obtaining a New Zealand firearms licence is necessary to own and buy firearms although you can hunt or shoot without a licence if you go under direct supervision with a licence holder. We have taken the time to lay out the steps below on getting your firearms licence in accordance with the New Zealand Firearms Safety Authority. 
 

How to Apply for a New Zealand Firearms Licence
 

You apply for a licence through The Firearms Safety Authority and the process can take 3-4 months.
Before you apply its important to consider these factors that are important to successful application:

  • Having a close friend & family member you've known for at least two years who can support you and be interviewed by licence vetters
  • Having the ability to install a safe or other approved firearm storage at your property,
  • Having a clean record with the police

Please see these considerations in detail at the bottom of the page.

The process of applying for an NZ Firearms licence can be done two ways, either online or by physical paper application. Online applicants must use the MyFirearms online govt based portal managed by the The Firearms Safety Authority. If you're unable to apply online through MyFirearms, you can request a form. To request a form, call 0800 844 431 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
 

Create an Account:

Visit the MyFirearms portal and create an account. You must have a mobile phone and a RealMe account online login.
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.
Create your MyFirearms online profile. 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.
 

Prepare Documentation:

You will need:

  • A recent digital photograph that meets the specified criteria.
  • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver's license).
  • Employment & educational information
  • Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
     

Complete the 'New Zealand Firearms Licence' Application Form:

  • Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete information.
  • Pay the Application Fee:
  • Pay the required fee online. For first-time applicants and renewals, the fee is $126.50.
     

Submit the Application:

Once the form is completed and the fee is paid, submit your application online.
 

Safety Training Course:

  • Enroll in a firearms safety course approved by the New Zealand Police.
  • Attend and complete the course, obtaining a safety course certificate.
  • Purchase Approved Security For Storage of Firearms & Ammunition (requirement for future inspection)

The gun safes we sell are at least A category approved. You can store ammunition in the safe if it has an internal lock box with a different key.
Alternative options are the use of gun racks or lockable ammunition tins. See our storage options here:
For information on secure storage and installation see PDF file here
 

Police Interview:

  • Undergo an interview with a firearms officer. You will be contacted to arrange an interview and inspection of your secure storage at your property.
  • Bring all required documents and your safety course certificate to the interview.
  • Answer questions about your application and demonstrate knowledge of firearms safety.
     

Character Reference Interview:

  • Your character references will be contacted and interviewed by the police.
  • Ensure your references are aware and prepared to speak on your behalf.
     

Wait for Approval:

The police will review your application, interview results, and security inspection. This process can take time and is likely the longest of the steps.
 

Receive Your License:

If approved, you will receive your firearms license in the mail. Your license will be valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiration.
 

Who Can Apply for a Firearms License in New Zealand?

For your application to be successful, the Firearms Safety Authority must find that the below requirements are met:

• Age Requirement: Must be 16 years or older.
• Residency: Must be a New Zealand resident or citizen.
• Licensing History: Must not have had a firearms license revoked in the last five years.
• Legal Standing: Must not be disqualified from holding a firearms license due to criminal convictions or legal restrictions.
• Character and Conduct: Must be a person of good character and conduct, use firearms responsibly, and store them securely.
• Secure Storage: You must have secure storage at your home for firearms and ammunition. Ask us for helping you find the right safe for you.
• Household Considerations: No one in your household should have had a firearms license revoked, been disqualified from holding a license,
or been deemed unfit to use firearms
 

Disqualifications

You cannot apply if you currently have or have had a final protection order against you in the last ten years.
You cannot apply if you have been convicted of certain offenses under the Arms Act, Crimes Act, or Sentencing Act within the last ten years.


 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FIREARMS LICENCING IN NEW ZEALAND

questions on firearms licencing in new zealand.jpg

How long does the process take?

On average 3 months. The application process can take several weeks up to 4 months, depending on various factors, including the completion of
interviews and security inspections. The processing time has greatly improved since the establishment of the FSA with less direct Police involvement. 

What happens if my application is declined?

If your application is declined, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons. You may appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues.

Can I apply if I have a minor criminal record?

Minor offenses may not automatically disqualify you, but they will be considered during the application review process on a case basis.

Can I apply if I have a history of mental health struggles?

You will not automatically be excluded because of this and will be handled on a case basis. If you have acknowledged your mental health struggles it is appropriate to show that they have been addressed through professional help, and that your GP is happy that there is no safety threat to you or others.
A medical certificate can be provided to you by your GP that you can then include with your firearms application.

Is there a fee for applying?

Yes, there is an application fee. For first-time applicants and renewals, the fee is $126.50, and for those reapplying after expiration, it is $241.50.
It is also worth considering the added cost of attaining a police approved gun safe which will be needing to be inspected as securely installed in your home before a licence can be granted. The exact amount can be found on the New Zealand Police website or by contacting your local police station.

I am visiting New Zealand and wish to hunt, do I need to apply for an NZ firearms licence?

If you'll be in New Zealand for more than a year, you must apply for a New Zealand firearms licence.
If you'll be in New Zealand for less than a year, you must apply for a visitor's licence or you can use a firearm under the immediate supervision
of a New Zealand firearms licence holder.

I am currently renting a house, can I still apply for a licence and store my guns at my rental home?

To best avoid any complications we would encourage the applicant to first seek permission from their landlord concerning the installation of a gun safe
bolted into the wall or floor and the storage of firearms on the property.

Do you need a firearms licence to own air rifles, BB guns, dart/blow guns, paintball guns, gel blasters, air pistols and archery equipment such as recurve/compound bows and crossbows?

To own and purchase these items in New Zealand you only need to be over 18 years old or 16/17 with firearms licence.
PCP air rifles however are restricted and must be purchased and owned with a firearms licence.
We carefully note this on all relevant PCP firearms product listings.

 

By following these steps and ensuring you meet all the requirements, you can successfully apply for a firearms license in New Zealand.
For more detailed information and to start your application, visit the Firearms Safety Authority website.

The information provided is accurate and up-to-date as of the latest available sources from July 2024.