How to Obtain Your Firearms Licence with SSAA Sydney
If you’re interested in recreational target shooting, hunting, or firearms collecting, you’ll need to obtain a NSW Firearms Licence.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
For full details, visit the NSW Police Firearms Registry:
Apply for a Firearms Licence – NSW Police
Note: Applications are completed via your Service NSW online account.
SSAA Sydney Club Approval Numbers
In NSW, Club Approval Numbers are unique identifiers assigned by the NSW Police Firearms Registry (FAR) to approved shooting clubs under the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW).
These numbers verify that a club is legally registered and compliant with state regulations.
Purpose of Club Approval Numbers
- Legal Compliance – Ensures clubs meet safety and operational requirements
- Member Licensing – Required when applying for or renewing a firearm licence under a club-based genuine reason (e.g., target shooting)
- Firearm Acquisition – Necessary for purchasing firearms under club-related categories
- Annual Reporting – Helps the FAR track participation compliance
Where Are They Used?
- On club membership certificates
- On firearm licence applications
- In correspondence with the firearms registry
SSAA Sydney Approval Numbers
- Target Shooting Approval Number: 409 053 351
- Hunting Approval Number: 409 053 360
- Collecting Approval Number: 409 053 378
Step 1: Complete a Firearms Safe Handling Course
Before applying for a firearms licence, you must complete a Firearms Safe Handling Course. This mandatory course covers:
- Firearm types, parts, and operation
- Safety rules for handling firearms
- Relevant NSW firearm legislation
Course Locations
SSAA Sydney Branch offers accredited training at various locations across Sydney.
- Silverdale Range – 395 Avoca Rd, Silverdale NSW 2752
- Anzac Range – Franklin St, Malabar NSW 2036
- Chatswood – SOI Meeting Rooms, 465 Victoria Ave, Training Room 16, Ground Floor, Chatswood NSW 2067
- Hornsby – Hornsby Heights Community Centre, 104 Galston Rd Hornsby Heights NSW 2077
- Revesby – Unit 2, 65 Marigold St Revesby NSW 2212
- Holroyd – 2a Hyland Rd Greystanes NSW 2145
The cost of the training is $150 per adult and $75 per junior. We accept online prepaid bookings only.
After successfully completing the course, you will receive a Statement of Attainment, which is required for your licence application.
Step 2: Obtain SSAA Sydney Membership
To support your firearms licence application, you must be a member of an approved shooting club. SSAA Sydney offers various membership categories:
- Adult Membership – For general shooters
- Junior Membership – For individuals under 18
- Family Memberships – Discounted for families
- Senior Memberships – Discounted for seniors
- Associate Memberships – For members of other SSAA branches
How to Join SSAA Sydney
- Visit the SSAA National website: https://www.ssaa.org.au
- Click on “Join or Renew”
- Select NSW as your state and enter your details
- Choose Sydney Branch (No1) as your preferred branch
- Pay the membership fee (varies by category)
- Receive your SSAA National Membership Number via email.
Step 3: Apply for a Firearms Licence
Once you have completed your Firearms Safe Handling Course and obtained your SSAA Sydney Membership, you can apply for your licence online.
How to Apply
- Log into your Service NSW account
- Start your application: Apply for a Firearms Licence – Service NSW
Documents Required
- A MyServiceNSW Account linked to the NSW Police Force
- Your Firearms Safe Handling Course Certificate (Statement of Attainment)
- Your SSAA Sydney Branch Membership Number
- Supporting documents for your Genuine Reason
- Club Approval Numbers (found above)
- Payment method for licence fee
Step 4: Submit Your Paperwork to the Firearms Registry
After completing your online application, NSW Police will send you additional paperwork. You must return the following documents to the NSW Firearms Registry:
- Completed application paperwork
- Firearms safe handling course statement of attainment
- SSAA Sydney membership details
Processing time: Approximately 6 – 10 weeks (please allow longer as current wait times has significantly increased).
Step 5: Obtain Your Firearms Licence Photo ID
Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. You must:
- Visit Service NSW to have your photo taken
- Receive your official Firearms Licence Photo ID by mail (you must have your physical card to attend a range)
Firearms Licence Categories Supported by SSAA Sydney
SSAA Sydney can support applications for the following licence categories:
- Category A/B – Target Shooting (A = Rimfire/B = Centrefire)
- Category G – Firearm Collectors (will show as Category C on your membership card)
- Category H – Hunting (special conditions apply – refer to the NSW Police Firearms registry website)
Licence Requirements by Category
Target Shooting
- Must be a member of an approved shooting club (excluding pistol clubs)
- Must participate in at least four shooting activities per compliance period (financial year)
Collecting
- Must be a member of an approved collectors’ club
- Must attend at least one meeting per compliance period (financial year)
Hunting
- Must hold a hunting club membership, landowner permission, or R-Licence
- Must participate in at least two hunting activities per compliance period (financial year)
For further assistance, feel free to contact SSAA Sydney Branch. We are here to help you every step of the way!