Firearm Licence Application - Perth, Western Australia

Public Safety Western Australia 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia residents who wish to possess or use firearms must apply under the state firearms regime. This guide explains who enforces firearm licensing in Perth, what to expect when you apply, typical compliance and enforcement outcomes, and where to find the official application and contact points. It summarises required documentation, common delays, and practical steps to submit an application or report concerns to the Firearms Licensing Branch. Use the official resources linked in the footnotes to access forms, contact details and the governing statute before you start your application.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcement agency for firearm licences in Perth is the Western Australia Police Force Firearms Licensing Branch, which administers applications, renewals and compliance. [2] The statewide legal framework is the Firearms Act 1973 (WA) and associated regulations; the Act creates criminal offences and enforcement powers. [3]

Firearms are strictly regulated; unauthorised possession can lead to criminal charges.

The official pages used for licensing guidance do not list fixed monetary fine amounts in dollars for most licensing offences; many penalties in the Act are expressed as criminal penalties (imprisonment or penalty units) rather than specific dollar figures on the cited pages. Where exact monetary fines or current penalty unit values are not shown on the cited page, they are stated below as "not specified on the cited page" with the citation.

  • Enforcer: Western Australia Police Force, Firearms Licensing Branch; complaints and inspections are handled by WA Police licensing officers. [2]
  • Legal basis: Firearms Act 1973 (WA) provides offences and enforcement powers; see the Act for section-level penalties. [3]
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for specific licence breaches; refer to the Act and current penalty unit values. [3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: seizure of firearms, licence suspension or cancellation, and court proceedings are enforceable under the Act and by WA Police. [3]
  • Escalation: the cited pages do not give a complete published table of first, repeat or continuing offence monetary ranges; see the Act for criminal penalty details. [3]

Applications & Forms

The official application gateway and guidance for applying for a firearm licence is provided by WA Police; the online guidance and form links are on the WA Police firearms pages. [1]

  • Application form: available from the WA Police Firearms pages; specific form number(s) or name(s) are not specified on the cited page.
  • Fees: the WA Police application page describes fee categories but does not list fixed dollar amounts on the cited guidance page; fee schedules may be linked on the official site. [1]
  • Submission: forms and online application instructions are provided by WA Police; contact the Firearms Licensing Branch for case-specific directions. [2]
Start by checking the WA Police firearms licence eligibility checklist before you complete an application.

Appeals and review routes for licensing decisions are administered under state law; the cited WA Police pages do not set out a full appeal timetable or step-by-step appeal deadlines, so applicants should consult the Firearms Licensing Branch for review procedures and time limits. [2]

How to apply and immediate action steps

  • Check eligibility: confirm age, fit-and-proper person criteria and any disqualifying convictions on the WA Police guidance. [1]
  • Gather documents: identity, proof of residence, safety training or reasons for the licence as required by WA Police guidance. [1]
  • Complete application: use the official form or online portal linked by WA Police and pay the required fee as directed. [1]
  • Submit and follow up: send the form to the Firearms Licensing Branch contact address or portal and note any reference number for enquiries. [2]

FAQ

Who issues firearm licences in Perth?
The Western Australia Police Force Firearms Licensing Branch issues and manages firearm licences for Perth and the rest of WA. [2]
How long does an application take?
Processing times are not specified on the cited WA Police guidance page; times vary by case and completeness of the application. [1]
What happens if I possess a firearm without a licence?
Possession without a valid licence is a criminal offence under the Firearms Act 1973 (WA); penalties include criminal proceedings and measures such as seizure. Specific monetary amounts are not specified on the cited guidance pages. [3]

How-To

  1. Read the WA Police eligibility guidance and checklist. [1]
  2. Complete any required safety training and collect identity documents.
  3. Fill the official application form and attach supporting documents. [1]
  4. Pay the applicable fee as directed on the application instructions.
  5. Submit the application to the Firearms Licensing Branch and retain proof of lodgement; follow up with the contact provided for status. [2]

Key Takeaways

  • WA Police Firearms Licensing Branch is the responsible body for licences in Perth. [2]
  • Use the official WA Police forms and guidance before applying to avoid delays. [1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] WA Police - Apply for a firearm licence
  2. [2] WA Police - Firearms Licensing contact
  3. [3] Western Australian legislation - Firearms Act 1973 (WA)

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