Firearms FAQ
Transferring a Firearm.
Step 1:
Make sure you have a PTA for the required firearm. They can be acquired from any dealer or online.(Link)
Also have the previous owners Firearms License details.
(Full name, License number, Expiry)
Step 2:
Bring the firearm and all the above to the dealer of your choice.
Step 3:
The dealer will then transfer the firearm into the buyers name.
** There will be a fee of $20 per firearm transfer.
Transportation of Firearms in Victoria.
The information below has been developed to provide firearm licence holders a guide on how firearms and ammunition should be transported in most circumstances.
While the guidelines are aimed at minimising risk, licence holders should consider all factors that may contribute to the firearms being transported in a manner that is not secure or in a way that presents a danger.
Police will treat each individual case on its merits and there may be circumstances where the guidelines are followed but criminal charges are still warranted if the overall security of the firearms are compromised due to aggravated circumstances.
For example if a firearm is securely stored in the trunk but the owner of the vehicle is driving the vehicle while intoxicated or speeding they might be considered to have compromised the security of the firearm. Additionally circumstances such as this may indicate that the firearm owner may not really understand the responsibilities required for proper firearm ownership.
In most circumstances firearms should be transported in the following manner:
- Firearms should be transported in a padded cover or hard case, unloaded and preferably rendered inoperable;
- While being transported, firearms and ammunition should be kept out of sight and stored in separate receptacles that are either secured to the inside of you vehicle or in a lockable component of your vehicle; and
- Cartridge ammunition should be stored separately from the firearms in a part of the vehicle not readily accessible by an unauthorised person. A lockable glove box would suffice provided the key to the glove box is kept securely by the holder of the firearm licence and cannot be accessed by persons unauthorised to possess ammunition or firearms.
Licence holders should exercise a common sense approach to storage when transporting their firearms and be mindful of all of their obligations.
The advice above has been provided as a guide only and does not override storage requirements imposed by other regulatory frameworks. For example the storage requirements imposed under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012 when hunting in a deer habitat.
The Victorian Firearm Safety Foundation has further information and practical tips on their website regarding the safe and secure transportation of firearms, including by road, rail and/or air.
Can I store my firearms and ammunition in the same safe?
Legislation requires that cartridge ammunition must be stored in a locked container separate from the receptacle in which the firearm is stored.
Victoria Police has determined that for the purposes of implementing this part of the legislation, a single, purpose-built storage receptacle comprising of two separate lockable compartments, one for ammunition and one for firearms, is classified as separate storage areas (and therefore suitable) provided that each compartment is locked with a separate lock and key or combination lock.
The key consideration is that firearms cannot readily accessed by persons not authorised to do so.