This page contains information regarding the safe disposal of firearms and ammunition.
National Firearm Amnesty
Australian governments have come together to hold an ongoing national amnesty to reduce the number of unregistered firearms and improve public safety. Commencing 1 July 2021, the permanent national firearm amnesty is Australian first. The amnesty implores members of the public to anonymously surrender any illegal or unregistered firearms, parts or ammunition in their possession without fear of prosecution.
In Victoria, anyone in possession of illegal or unregistered firearms, parts or ammunition is strongly advised to surrender these to their nearest licensed firearms dealers in the first instance.
A person in possession of the following can surrender:
- unregistered firearm
- firearm parts
- cartridge ammunition
Members of the public are encouraged to contact their nearest licensed firearm dealer to confirm they are participating in the amnesty.
Victoria Police is strongly advising members of the public not to surrender any firearms to police stations. However, if it’s impractical for someone to surrender at their nearest licensed firearm dealer, they must call their local station to organise the conditions surrounding the surrender of the firearm or associated item ahead of any attendance at a station.
Crime Stoppers are leading in managing the national co-ordination of the campaign. For more information concerning the amnesty, including safety considerations and management of items surrendered, refer to the Crime Stoppers website: crimestoppers.com.au/FirearmAmnesty(opens in a new window)
Disposing of a firearm to a licence holder within Victoria
This includes transferring or selling an antique firearm to a collector or licensed museum.
The licensed firearm holder that you wish to sell or transfer ownership of your firearm to must apply to the Licensing and Regulation Division for a permit to acquire.
If the permit is granted, you will both need to sign and pay for the permit and:
- Take it to a licensed firearm dealer along with the firearm.
- The licensed firearm dealer will transfer ownership of the firearm from you to them. Ownership of a firearm only changes when Victoria Police receives formal notification of the transaction from the licensed firearm dealer.
- You should send a copy of the transaction receipt to the Licensing and Regulation Division and confirm in writing that you disposed of your firearm in this way.
If the licence holder that wants your firearm does not already own a firearm, it will take 28 days before a permit to acquire can be issued.
You are unable to dispose of a firearm to a person that is under 18 years of age.
Dispose of a firearm to a licensed firearm dealer within Australia
This is what you might do if you want to sell your firearm but do not have someone to buy the firearm.
How do I contact and find a registered firearms dealer?
There are a number of firearm dealers in Victoria, you can simply search for the best contact on the internet.
What will the licensed firearms dealer do?
The licensed firearm dealer must:
- Record the transaction in their register.
- Provide you with a transaction receipt.
- Notify Licensing and Regulation Division of the transaction within 28 days.
Note: Ownership of a firearm only changes when Victoria Police receives formal notification of the transaction from a licensed firearm dealer.
Dispose of a firearm to a police station
If you wish to have the firearm destroyed, you will need to take the firearm to a police station. If you decide to take this option, you can follow the below process:
- Contact your nearest police station and arrange a time to bring the firearm in. You must ensure that when you transport the firearm you do so in a way that does not cause alarm.
- The police station will provide you with a property-book receipt which you should keep for your own records.
- You are then required to send a copy of the property-book receipt to Licensing and Regulation Division and confirm in writing that you disposed of your firearm in this manner. The station will send the firearm to the Victoria police forensic team for destruction.
- The Victorian forensic team will then inform Licensing and Regulation Division when the firearm has been destroyed.
Dispose of a firearm to a person overseas
If you are selling or transferring a firearm outside of Australia, you will need to apply to Australian Border Force for a Restricted Goods Permit(opens in a new window). In certain circumstances, you may also need to submit additional information to customs authorities.
You can find more information here: Australian Border Force(opens in a new window)
You should then send a copy of relevant export documentation to the Licensing and Regulation Division and confirm in writing that you have disposed of your firearm in this manner.
Firearms that are exempt from the disposal procedures listed above:
The Firearms Act 1996 exempts certain firearms from regulation and therefore the above disposal guidelines are not required.
The Licensing and Regulation Division do recommend however that if you do wish to have an exempt firearm destroyed, you contact your local police station.
Disposal of ammunition
Any unwanted ammunition may be disposed of through the following:
- A licensed firearm dealer (preferred option)
- A local police station
- Through an individual who is appropriately licensed
It is highly recommended that prior to attending a local police station or the premises of a licensed firearms dealer that you telephone and arrange suitable options for the surrender of your ammunition.
Remember, when transporting your ammunition for disposal purposes, you must ensure that it is transported in a safe and secure manner. You need to take reasonable precautions to ensure that the ammunition is not lost or stolen.
Found firearms
If you have found a firearm, you must contact one of the following:
- A licensed firearm dealer (preferred option)
- A local police station
It is highly recommended that prior to attending a licensed firearm dealership or police station, that you telephone and arrange suitable options for the surrender of the firearm/firearm items.
When transporting your firearm/firearm items, you must ensure that it is transported in a safe and secure manner. You need to take reasonable precautions to ensure that the firearm is not lost or stolen.
Note: Do not attempt to destroy the firearm yourself.
Contact us
Get in touch about firearms licensing through our online enquiry form.
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