Firearms Disposal

Please note that the accompanying Renewal Application Guidelines brochure states that a licence holder has 28 days to dispose of their firearms from licence expiry date if they do not renew their licence before this time.

This is incorrect and is in the process of being amended.

The disposal information should read:

Licence holders who do not renew their licence before the licence expiry date MUST dispose of their firearms by this date. Disposal can be either by -

• Sale to or through a Licensed Firearms Dealer; or
• Surrender to a police station for destruction only.

Note: You cannot simply give or sell your firearm(s) to another licence holder.  If you want to give or sell your firearm(s) to another licence holder –

• The receiver must first obtain a Permit to Acquire a Firearm (for each firearm);
• Both of you must go with the firearm(s) and the Permit to Acquire to a Licensed Firearms Dealer who will act as an agent in the transaction;
• The transaction must occur before the expiry date of your licence. If the transaction cannot be completed before your licence expires, the firearm(s) must either be sold to a Licensed Firearms Dealer or transferred into the Dealer’s name for the period between your licence expiry and the other person’s acquisition of the firearm(s).

You must not be in possession of firearms after your licence expires or you will be in breach of the Firearms Act 1996 and subject to the penalties of the Act.

Once you have disposed of your firearm(s), please advise Licensing Services Division of the disposal details either by telephone on
03 9247 5775 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday, or by emailing licensingservices@police.vic.gov.au

This will prevent police members from attending at your address to seize firearms.