In South Australia, anyone wishing to own a firearm must hold a firearms licence issued by SAPOL, unless covered by a specific exemption.

A current firearms licence must be presented when purchasing firearms, whole ammunition, gunpowder or primers.

A firearms licence is not required to purchase most accessories, optics, clothing or general outdoor equipment.

Eligibility requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident residing in South Australia

• Pass background and suitability checks conducted by SAPOL

• Demonstrate a genuine reason for possessing a firearm such; as

  • Target shooting through an approved club

  • Recreational hunting

  • Primary production

  • Occupational requirements

  • Firearms collecting

• Meet all legislative requirements under the Firearms Act

• Complete an approved firearms safety training course

Application process

• Complete a Firearms Licence Application

• Attend a local police station to have you ID verified, pay the application fee and submit the application

• Once you have received an approval letter you can enrol and complete an approved firearms safety training course

• Once all requirements have been satisfied, a licence can be issued

All firearm sales and transfers must be completed through a licenced firearms dealer and comply with SAPOL requirements.

Every firearm purchase requires a Permit to Acquire (PTA) which includes a mandatory waiting period.

Once approval has been granted, you can take possession of the firearm and you have 14 days to register the firearm at a local police station

Interstate licence holders may purchase firearms subject to their home state's legislation and transfer requirements. The firearm must usually be transferred to a licensed dealer in your home state or territory for collection once all local licensing and permit requirements have been met.

Firearms and ammunition must be stored at your principal residence or business premises. If you wish to store firearms at an alternative location, you must obtain approval from the Registrar

The minimum standard of storage is determined by the quantity and category of firearms held.

Paintball and gel blaster firearms only

• 1-19 firearms

• 20 or more firearms

Category A and B firearms only

• Kept under the main roof - 1-19 firearms

• Kept in an outbuilding - 1-19 firearms

All firearm categories

• 1-19 firearms

• 20-34 firearms total (but fewer than 30 Category H)

• 35-49 firearms total (but fewer than 30 Category H)

• 20-49 firearms total (including 30 or more Category H)

• 50 or more firearms

When transporting firearms:

• Ensure firearms are unloaded

• Secure in a locked container

• Travel directly to and from your intended destination wherever practical

• Keep ammunition stored separately

The Firearms Act 2015 provides a general amnesty to enable persons to surrender any unauthorised or unwanted firearm, part or ammunition to a local police station or a participating licence dealer without fear of prosecution.

The amnesty allows licenced persons to make an application to register an unregistered firearm. Any firearm surrendered without an application for registration will be destroyed.

No compensation is offered for firearms surrendered through the amnesty.

• Ensure the firearm is ‘made safe’ being unloaded and if possible, the bolt removed

• Gel blaster firearms must have batteries and accessories removed

• Place the firearm in a firearm bag or other concealing item to prevent alarm

• Other items, such as ammunition, may be surrendered at the same time, but brought in a separate bag / container.

You must immediately notify SAPOL by attending your local police station or calling 131 444

Submit a Notification to the Registrar within 7 days

Yes, but there are legal procedures that must be followed. We can assist with the transfer process and keep the firearms in secure storage until all licensing and transfer requirements have been met.