Visitors

If you are a resident of another State or a Territory and are visiting Tasmania for the purpose of participating in an approved shooting competition you are not required to hold a Tasmanian Category A, B or H firearms licence so long as you hold a corresponding licence issued in another jurisdiction. This is pursuant to Section 55 of the Firearms Act, 1996.

If you are visiting Tasmania for the purpose of recreational hunting or vermin control, you are not required to hold a Tasmanian Category A or B firearms licence so long as you hold a corresponding licence issued in another Australian jurisdiction.  You must also have written permission from the landowner to shoot a type of animal on any land in Tasmania.

This arrangement is pursuant to the Commissioner’s approval of recreational hunting and vermin control as an ‘approved purpose’, pursuant to Section 55 of the Firearms Act 1996.  The approval document is available here.

If you intend to hunt or take game, you need a hunting licence.  Please visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website for more information about applying for a hunting licence.

It is important to note that while possessing and using firearms in Tasmania under the authority of a corresponding firearms licence, you must comply with all other requirements of the Firearms Act 1996 (Tasmania), including transport, storage and safekeeping of your firearms.

NOTE:  The Firearms Act 1996 does not provide for mutual recognition of Category C or D firearms licences.

Moving to Tasmania

If you are moving to Tasmania and you intend to bring firearms with you, Section 56 of the Firearms Act 1996 requires that you must notify the Commissioner in writing that you intend to reside in this State.  Provided you have notified the Commissioner in writing, any corresponding firearms licence held by you will be valid in Tasmania for a period of:

  • 3 months, in the case of holders of a corresponding Category A or B firearms licence
  • 7 days, in the case of holders corresponding Category C, D or H firearms licence

Before expiry of this period, you must apply for a Tasmanian licence if you wish to continue to possess or use firearms.

It is important to note that while possessing and using firearms in Tasmania under the authority of a corresponding firearms licence, you must comply with all other requirements of the Firearms Act 1996 (Tasmania), including transport, storage and safekeeping of your firearms.