Queensland

How to apply for a Queensland weapons licence

Queensland regulates firearms (and some other weapons) under a weapons licence issued by the Weapons Licensing Group. A licence lets you operate a weapon; owning or buying one also needs a permit to acquire. Online lodgement is preferred. After you apply you still complete a proof-of-identity check at a participating Australia Post outlet, where a passport-quality photo is taken. There is a legislated 28-day waiting period on all new applications. Fees are paid when you lodge and typically change on 1 July — check current amounts with WLG.

QLD Police — applying for a weapons licence →

Process

  1. 01

    Prove a genuine reason and safe storage

    You must show a genuine reason (common examples: sports/target shooting on an approved range; recreational shooting on rural land with owner/occupier permission; occupational uses such as primary production or security). You must also demonstrate access to safe storage for the weapons and ammunition you intend to possess.

  2. 02

    Finish 1102NAT in the 12 months before lodgement

    Complete the Firearms Safety Training Course (1102NAT) endorsed for the category you want, in the 12 months immediately before you lodge, and keep the certificate.

  3. 03

    Lodge online (preferred) or Form 1 at Australia Post

    Submit the online application, or download Form 1 and lodge at a participating Australia Post outlet. Pay the application fee at lodgement. Incomplete supporting documents delay assessment.

  4. 04

    Complete the Australia Post identity check

    Online applicants must finish the identity check at participating Australia Post within 28 days of lodgement; in-person lodgements do it at the counter. Original current documents only — not photocopies. Names (including middle names) must match. Missing the window withdraws the application and refunds fees, per WLG.

  5. 05

    28-day wait, then card by post

    All new applications have a legislated 28-day waiting period. Extra delay happens if an authorised officer asks for more information. Approval is emailed if you supplied an email address; the card is posted (allow about 20 working days from the date of issue to receive it). Check WLG’s main page for current processing times rather than guessing.

Eligibility

  • Only reside in Queensland.
  • Be at least 11 years old (the eligibility fact sheet’s published minimum — confirm adult versus minor licence types on the official sheets before you apply).
  • Have a genuine reason; be a fit and proper person; have access to safe and secure storage; complete an approved weapons safety course.
  • Disclose criminal, traffic and offence history, and historical or ongoing medical or psychological conditions when prompted.
  • Fitness and propriety includes criminal history. WLG notes a person may not be considered fit and proper if convicted, charged, or discharged from custody on sentence for drug-misuse, violence, or weapon offences, or named as a respondent in a domestic violence order (other than a temporary protection order). Mental and physical fitness, false information, public interest and criminal intelligence are also considered.

Genuine reason

Common genuine reasons published by WLG are sports or target shooting (club activities on an approved range), recreational shooting on rural land with permission, and occupational reasons such as primary production or security. Each licence type needs supporting documents specific to the reason you nominate.

Training

Firearms Safety Training Course (1102NAT) for the category, completed in the 12 months immediately before lodgement. Attach the certificate.

Where to apply

Online application form (preferred) or Form 1 at participating Australia Post. Weapons Licensing Group: GPO Box 892, Brisbane QLD 4001; phone (07) 3015 7777, 9am–3pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as published. Use the WLG enquiry form for written questions.

Waiting, fees and acquiring a firearm

Legislated 28-day wait on new applications. A weapons licence does not by itself authorise you to buy or own a weapon — lodge a permit to acquire (PTA) and quote your valid Queensland weapons licence. Application cost varies by licence type and duration; WLG says fees typically increase on 1 July. Confirm the amount on the official application, not here.

Official sources

Last checked 22 August 2026.

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