Permit to Acquire

Permit to Acquire - Australia

Understanding the Permit to Acquire (PTA) – Your Ticket to Buying a Firearm

Got your firearms license sorted? That's awesome, but hold on – you usually can't head straight to the gun shop. That's where the Permit to Acquire, or PTA, comes in. Below outlines what is required, and the steps you'll need to take to get a PTA and eventually a Firearm.

1. Firearms License: You must already have a valid firearms license for the appropriate category of firearm you want to purchase.

2. Application: Fill out a PTA application form. This usually includes:

  • Your personal details and license information.
  • Specifics of the firearm you want to buy (Category, Caliber and Action).
  • Your genuine reason for needing that firearm.

3. Fees: Pay any associated application fees, which vary between states.

4. Processing: The police will process your application. This involves background checks, verification of your 'genuine reason' and potentially a firearm safety inspection in some jurisdictions.

5. Approval/Denial: You'll receive notification on whether your PTA application is approved or denied.

6. Purchase: If approved, you'll have a limited time (specified in the PTA) to purchase the firearm from a licensed dealer. The dealer handles registration and transfer paperwork.

Important Things to Remember

  • Deadlines: PTAs have expiration dates. Use it or lose it!
  • One PTA Per Firearm: You need a separate PTA for each individual firearm you intend to purchase.
  • Restrictions: Some states/territories have additional requirements or limitations tied to PTAs.
  • Category Matters: Make sure the firearm you wish to purchase matches the category on your license.

Always Refer to Your State/Territory Police Website

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the relevant state or territory police website's firearms licensing section. They'll have the exact forms, fees, and requirements for your area.  We've put links to these at the bottom of the page.

 

Queensland

  • Who issues it? The Weapons Licensing Branch of the Queensland Police Service.
  • How long is it valid? 6 months from when it's issued.
  • Special Note: PTAs from NSW will not be recognised for the purchase of firearms in QLD. Firearms can be sent from one dealer to another dealer to facilitate interstate purchases.

New South Wales

  • Who issues it? The NSW Firearms Registry
  • How long is it valid? 90 days.
  • Special Note: NSW has time limits for acquiring your firearm once the PTA is issued. It varies depending on whether you're a new license holder or not.

Victoria

  • Who issues it? Victoria Police's Licensing and Regulation Division
  • How long is it valid? 28 days, you've gotta hustle if you see a gun you like!
  • Special Note: Victoria, like Queensland, recognises PTAs from certain bordering states.

Western Australia

  • Who issues it? The Firearms Branch of the Western Australia Police Force.
  • How long is it valid? Varies depending on how many firearms you're buying.
  • Special Note: WA has separate PTAs for handguns and longarms (rifles/shotguns).

South Australia

  • Who issues it? The Firearms Branch of the South Australia Police (SAPOL)
  • How long is it valid? 90 days.
  • Special Note: SA often requires a firearm safety inspection by the police before the PTA is issued.

Tasmania

  • Who issues it? The Firearms Services section of Tasmania Police.
  • How long is it valid? 90 days.
  • Special Note: Some PTAs may have time limits imposed by the police.

Australian Capital Territory

  • Who issues it? The Firearms Registry of the ACT Policing.
  • How long is it valid? Two phases here - 29 days of 'cooling off' before the permit is issued, then 30 days to buy your firearm.
  • Special Note: For club members buying from another club member, a separate PTA transfer process exists.

Northern Territory

  • Who issues it? Firearms Policy and Administration unit of the NT Police.
  • How long is it valid? Generally around 3 months
  • Special Note: There's often a good bit of paperwork with the NT, including reasons why you picked that specific firearm. 

Folks, this is a general overview for a reason. Laws can change, and each police website will have the most accurate info about application forms, fees, etc. Here are the links again for convenience:

Queensland Police Service - Weapons Licensing: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/units/weapons-licensing

NSW Police Force - Firearms Registry: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms

Victoria Police - Licensing and Regulation Division: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/acquiring-transferring-and-selling-firearms

WA Police Force - Firearms Licensing: https://www.police.wa.gov.au/About-Us/Our-Agency/Police-Licensing-Services/Firearms-Licensing/Firearms-Licence

South Australia Police (SAPOL) - Firearms Branch: https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/firearms-and-weapons

Tasmania Police - Firearms Services: https://fas.police.tas.gov.au/

ACT Policing - Firearms Registry: https://www.police.act.gov.au/safety-and-security/firearms

Northern Territory Police - Firearms Policy and Administration: https://pfes.nt.gov.au/police/firearmsweapons

Happy and safe shooting!