For those seeking to legally own and operate firearms in New Zealand, obtaining a firearms licence is a critical step. This process is designed to ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are granted the privilege of possessing firearms. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most important aspects of acquiring a firearms licence.
Who is eligible to apply for a firearms licence in New Zealand?
To be eligible for a firearms licence in New Zealand, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be 16 years or older to apply for a firearms licence.
- Citizenship: You must be a New Zealand citizen or hold permanent residency status.
- Criminal record: A clean criminal record is essential, as any past convictions may disqualify you from obtaining a licence.
- Reason for ownership: You must have a valid and legitimate reason for wanting to own firearms, such as engaging in hunting, pest control, target shooting, or collecting.
- Fit and proper person: The New Zealand Police must deem you a responsible, trustworthy, and capable individual who can safely own and use firearms.
Additionally, to ensure a successful application, you must also:
- Not have had a firearms licence revoked in the past five years.
- Not be disqualified from holding a firearms licence due to any legal reasons.
- Have secure storage facilities at your home address for storing firearms and ammunition.
- Ensure that no one living with you who has had their firearms licence revoked, been disqualified from holding a licence, or been found unfit to possess and use firearms has access to your firearms and ammunition.
How to apply for a New Zealand firearms licence
Here are the steps to apply for a firearms licence in New Zealand:
- Complete the firearms licence application form, which can be obtained from the New Zealand Police website or your local police station.
- Gather all the required documents (see the “Documents required for a New Zealand firearms licence application” section below).
- Submit your application form and required documents.
- Pay the application fee, which covers the cost of processing your application and conducting background checks.
- Attend a firearms safety course, designed to educate you on the safe handling, use, and storage of firearms, as well as your legal responsibilities as a firearms owner.
- Undergo a face-to-face interview with a member of the New Zealand Police, who will assess your suitability to own firearms.
- Wait for the police to review your application and supporting documents, which may take several weeks.
- If your application is approved, you’ll receive your firearms licence card in the mail. If denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons and information on how to appeal.
Documents required for a New Zealand firearms licence application
To apply for a firearms licence, you will need to provide the following:
- A completed application form
- Proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s licence
- Two recent passport-style photos
- Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or bank statement
- Two character references from non-family members who have known you for at least 2 years
- Evidence of your legitimate reason for wanting a firearms licence
Costs and validity of a New Zealand firearms licence
The current cost of a new firearms licence application is NZD $126.50. If your application is approved, your firearms licence will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue. After this period, you will need to renew your licence to continue legally possessing and using firearms.
Firearms licence application processing times
The processing time for a firearms licence application can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the completeness of your application, the volume of applications being processed, and any additional checks required. On average, the process takes around 4 months from the time you submit your application to when you receive your licence.
Get your firearms licence application photo with Smartphone iD
Your firearms licence application requires two high-quality, compliant passport-style photos. The Smartphone iD app guides you through the process of capturing the perfect photo, providing real-time instructions and expert verification.
With our advanced AI technology and team of specialists, you can trust that your photo will meet all the necessary requirements. We pride ourselves on offering the most cost-effective and efficient solution on the market. Once your photo is verified, it will be directly sent to your email, ready for you to attach to your firearms licence application.
Sources
https://www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/manage-and-apply/firearms-licence/apply-firearms-licence
