In Victoria, you must be at least 18 years old (or 12–17 with a Minor’s Licence), complete an accredited firearms safety course, hold a genuine reason (such as sport, hunting, or primary production), be a fit and proper person, and apply online through the Victoria Police eServices portal. You’ll also need secure storage and may need to provide police checks.
Getting a firearms licence in Victoria involves a structured process that ensures safety, compliance and genuine intent. Here’s a full breakdown:
Most first-time applicants apply for a Category A or B long arm licence (for rifles and shotguns used in sport or hunting). To shoot pistols, you’ll need a Category H (pistol) licence, which comes with extra conditions and requires club membership.
All applicants must finish a Victoria Police‐approved firearms safety course. These courses are typically organised through clubs. For example:
You must demonstrate a genuine reason for possessing a firearm—such as sport, target shooting, pest control, or collecting. A key step is joining an approved club, like the Hume Pistol Club or the Kyneton Clay Target Club, and securing an endorsement letter.
Before licence approval, you must install an approved gun safe and meet exactly the Victorian storage requirements. Police may inspect storage as part of the final process.
Most licences require a club membership to show commitment and allow access to supervised use. Clubs also handle:
For example, Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club welcomes newcomers seeking guidance through licensing, while Echuca Pistol Club and Hume Pistol Club are excellent starting points outside metropolitan Melbourne.
