Storage requirements for firearms and ammunition - frequently asked questions

Firearms cannot be stored with friends or family unless they too, are licensed to those specific firearms.

If you wish to store your firearms for safekeeping for an extended period, they may be warehoused with an approved warehouseman. Contact your licensed firearm dealer for further information.

For exceptional circumstance only, and at the discretion of the Officer in Charge of a police station, firearms may be stored at a police station. A fee is incurred for storage at a police station.

Travelling with firearms is lawful but the licence holder remains responsible for their safekeeping at all times.

Your licensed firearm dealer or the local police station where you are travelling may be able to offer some advice based on your particular circumstances.

Most firearms are stolen opportunistically during a home burglary.

To reduce your risk please consider the following preventative measures:

• Conceal your cabinet so it is not noticeable if your home is burgled.
• Install an alarm and/or CCTV system at your home to reduce your risk of burglary, particularly if you have multiple firearms.
• Install window locks and door locks – and use them – even when you are home.
• Cabinet keys should not be left anywhere someone may find them. Many firearm thefts occur because the cabinet keys were left in a bedside drawer or other place in the house, whilst the owner was out. (It’s best to keep firearm storage keys on your person). It is an offence to have the keys readily accessible where the cabinet is located as this is deemed to have been left unlocked if this is found to be the case.
• If your cabinet is located within a shed or workshop, ensure that any tools that may be used to cut open a safe are not accessible, eg an Angle Grinder.
• Most importantly, if you are going to be away for any period of time then consider having your firearms safely stored with a dealer or at a police station. Many thefts occur when the owners are away on holidays or business and the premises are left unattended.
• Never leave a firearm unattended in a car. It is an offence to do so.
• Be aware of unknown persons trying to find out if you are a firearms licence holder.
• Ensure details are not released that identify you as a firearms licence holder.
• Review your social media and be cautious of uploading any images or information that may indicate you own firearms.
• Avoid firearm brand name stickers on your vehicle.

You are required to provide a Form 22 Storage Statement with supporting photographs as per Regulations 11A and Schedule 4 of the Firearm Regulations 1974.

Please see Resources section of relevant licence page on this website for Form 22 Storage Statement.

Propellant and black powder must be stored in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Goods Safety Act.

For reference, these requirements are contained in regulation 85 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Explosives) Regulations 2007.

For all other queries relating to storage, carriage or conveyance of propellant or black powder, please contact the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Firearms and/or ammunition must be stored in an approved storage cabinet (as per Regulation 11A and Schedule 4 of the Firearms Regulations 1974).

Please refer to relevant licence page and select the Storage Requirements drop down for further information.