Section 13, 15 or 16: which licence do you need?
The section you apply under decides which firearms you may hold, and for how long. Most owners fall into Sections 13 and 15.
Section 13 - Self-defence
Valid for 5 years. You may licence a handgun or a manually operated shotgun. This is the only section where the Registrar weighs your "need" for the firearm.
Section 15 - Occasional hunting & sport shooting
Valid for 10 years. You may licence a handgun, a manually operated rifle or a manually operated shotgun.
Section 16 - Dedicated sport shooting & hunting
Valid for 10 years. You may licence handguns, manually operated rifles, semi-automatic rifles / carbines, manually operated shotguns and semi-automatic shotguns - if you hold dedicated status with an accredited association.
The limits (without dedicated status)
- A maximum of four firearms in total across Sections 13 and 15.
- A maximum of two handguns - one under Section 13 and one under Section 15.
- No semi-automatic rifles or semi-automatic shotguns.
To exceed four firearms, or to licence any self-loading rifle or shotgun, you need accredited-association membership plus dedicated hunting or sport-shooting status.
Frequently asked
How many firearms can I own without dedicated status?
A maximum of four in total across Sections 13 and 15, with no more than two handguns - one under Section 13 and one under Section 15.
Can I licence a semi-automatic rifle for self-defence?
No. Semi-automatic rifles and shotguns require dedicated sport-shooting or hunting status under Section 16; Section 13 allows only a handgun or a manually operated shotgun.
How long is each licence valid?
Section 13 is valid for 5 years; Sections 15 and 16 are valid for 10 years.
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