How To Get Your First Firearms Licence in WA
There are two main reasons to license firearms in Western Australia - Hunting or Club Use.
Hunters will need to have a Written Authority to Shoot issued on the Firearms Portal.
Club Shooters will need to join a Gun Club that will support the calibre(s) they wish to licence. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria & must be a fit and proper person as deemed by the Firearms Act 2024
Step 1 - Firearms Portal & myID Setup
Download and setup myID on your device through the app store
From the homepage of the portal you will be able to perform a variety of different functions such as open a firearms application, register your property and view written authorities. If you are a property owner you can register your property now.
Open a new firearms application – this will help guide you through the next steps.
Step 2 - Theory Training Course
The online course is run through Central Regional Tafe and covers the following aspects
- Firearms legislation and licensing requirements
- Safe handling, operation, and storage of firearms
- Firearms types and responsible ownership
- Proper transport and security measures
- The role of firearms within the community
- Additional key information relevant to all shooters
Firearms Theory Safety Training Course Enrolment
Step 3 - Practical Handling Course & Serviceability Certificate
Come visit us instore to pick out the firearm(s) you wish to licence. Our friendly team will guide you through a variety of firearms and calibres to suit your needs. Once a deposit is placed on the firearm(s) a Serviceability Certificate will be provided for each firearm. At this point you can complete the Practical Firearms Training in store. We will do the practical training with the same or similar firearms you intend to licence.
Genuine need & reason for licencing the firearm(s) – there are many genuine needs and reasons depending on the type of firearm and its intended use. See us in store for assistance with wording your genuine reason for hunting and pest control. Firearms for Club Use will require a Club Support Letter. Talk with your club regarding support for your firearms.
Step 4 - Health Assessment
The medical assessment form is accessible when you have a firearms application open in the WAPOL firearms portal. The Health Assessment is done through your GP (please note many GP's do not provide this service, you will need to find one that does)
Step 5.1 - Property Authority - Hunting
As a Hunter you will need to get the owner or manager of the property to add you onto the property as an authorised shooter. They will need your Last Name and Application number to do this. If they are unable to add you to their property contact WAPOL for assistance. You may need to wait until step 6 is completed for the authority to be issued.
Step 5.2 - Club Support Letter - Club Use
Club use firearms need to be supported by your gun club.
Generally you will be able to present the Serviceability Certificate to your club and they will provide you with a letter of club support. Different Gun Clubs have their own membership & vetting process to join. You will need to discuss with your club the process of joining and gaining support for your firearms.
Step 6 - Upload Documents into the Portal
Upload the above documents into your open application on the Firearms Portal. The Portal will guide you through this process. Once you have completed the application and submitted it WAPOL will be in contact to take payment.
Step 7 - Safe Storage
WAPOL will contact you asking for evidence of your safe storage. Purchase the applicable Safe & Security System (Level 1 or Level 2 + Alarm + CCTV).
Once installed complete the storage statement declaration and send the completed form to WAPOL.
Step 8 - Licence Approval & Firearms Collection
Once your license has been approved you will receive a hard copy in the mail. Bring the original hard copy and valid photo ID (Firearms ID card, Drivers License or Passport) to collect your firearm(s).
You MUST have the original hard copy & Valid ID EVERY TIME you have firearms, ammunition or parts with you.
The information above is not legal advice - this is a guide only!
Information is subject to change without notice.