Firearms law in Australia
Last reviewed: 2026-05-06 · editorial review
Following the 1996 National Firearms Agreement (NFA), all Australian states and territories operate a category-based licensing system. Categories range from A (Non-prohibited rabbit/fox-class) up to D (military-style prohibited weapons) plus H for handguns. Self-loading centre-fire rifles and pump-action shotguns (Cat C/D) are prohibited for most civilians.
Every applicant must show a “genuine reason” (most commonly: primary-producer farming, target shooting at an approved club for at least 6 months, vermin control, recognised collector). Self-defence is NOT a genuine reason in any state.
Each state runs its own registry, fees and waiting periods — see the state pages.
Key laws
- National Firearms Agreement 1996 (NFA) — federal/state agreement after Port Arthur.
- State legislation — Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), Firearms Act 1996 (VIC), Weapons Act 1990 (QLD), Firearms Act 1973 (WA), etc.
- Categories A, B, C, D, H with state-specific permits per firearm.
Licences in Australia
- Category A licence · 18+ · training required
- Category B licence · 18+ · training required
- Category C licence · 18+ · training required
- Category H (handgun) licence · 18+ · training required
Licence → what you can own
Quick-glance matrix. Click a licence for the full conditions.
| Licence | Category A — Air rifles, .22 rimfire, single/double-shot shotguns | Category B — Centre-fire rifles, muzzleloaders, lever shotguns ≤7 shots | Category C — Self-loading rimfire, pump/self-loading shotguns ≤5 shots | Category D — Self-loading centre-fire rifles, pump shotguns ≥5 shots | Category H — Handguns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category A licence | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | — | ✗ |
| Category B licence | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | — | ✗ |
| Category C licence | ✓ | ✓ | Primary producers; restricted disciplines only | — | ✗ |
| Category H (handgun) licence | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | — | 6-month probationary period; club participation requirements |
Key: ✓ permitted (often with conditions) · ✗ not permitted under this licence · — class is prohibited in Australia
State laws
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Always check with your local firearms registry or a lawyer for your specific situation.