How to Apply for a Permit to Acquire (PTA) in Queensland: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’re looking to purchase a firearm in Queensland, holding a valid weapons licence is only the first step. To legally acquire a firearm, you’ll also need a Permit to Acquire (PTA). This guide will walk you through the PTA application process, referencing the official online system, so you know exactly what to expect.

⏳ PROCESSING TIMES ARE VARIABLE:
 - First PTA: Mandatory 28‑day waiting period.
 - Subsequent PTAs: usually faster, provided your licence and storage are in order.

(CHECK THE QUEENSLAND WEAPONS LICENSING WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO).

  Licence vs. Permit to Acquire.

 A weapons licence allows you to own and operate firearms, but it does not automatically allow you to buy one.

 For every firearm you wish to purchase, you must apply for a Permit to Acquire (PTA).

  When you log into the online portal, you’ll be asked to choose between:
  - Permit to Acquire (for buying a firearm)
  - Licence (for applying for or renewing your weapons licence)

     If you’re buying a firearm, select Permit to Acquire.

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 Step 1: Identification & Licence Details.

The first part of the PTA form will ask for your weapons licence number and expiry date.

You’ll also need to confirm your contact details (phone and email) and your residential/postal address.

Make sure your licence is current and your details are up to date — incorrect information can delay approval.

 When purchasing a firearm from a dealer, complete only the fields marked with red asterisks * . 

 

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Step 2: PTA Disposer Details

In this section, you’ll provide information about the **disposer**

which is the licensed dealer or individual you’re acquiring the firearm from.

If you’re buying from a gun shop, their business name, licence number, and address will be required.

You’ll also be asked:
- Whether the firearm is coming from a **deceased estate** (most customers will select “No”).
- The **disposer type** (e.g., individual or business).
- The **country and state** (Australia, QLD).
- The **disposer’s licence number** and **business name** (e.g., Townsville Gun Shop see bottom left of page).

Make sure these details are accurate — they must match the dealer’s registered licence information.

You can also tick the option to have your approved PTA emailed directly to the disposer (FASTER).

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Step 3: Weapon Details.

 Next, you’ll be asked to provide details of the firearm you intend to acquire.

 This includes:
 - Category (e.g., Category A for rimfire rifles, shotguns, etc.)
 - Description (e.g., rimfire rifle)
 - Action (e.g., bolt, lever, pump)
 - Calibre (e.g., .22LR)

 When purchasing a firearm privately (not from a dealer), all fields in step #3 are required to be completed.

 You’ll also need to confirm your secure storage facility details.

Queensland law requires all firearm owners to have compliant storage, even if this is your first firearm.

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 Step 4: Declarations.

 Before submitting, you’ll be asked to agree to a series of legal declarations, including:
 - That all information provided is true and correct.
 - That you comply with the Weapons Act 1990 and Weapons Regulation 2016.
 - That you understand the firearm may need to be registered once acquired.

 ✅ Read these carefully — providing false or   misleading information is a serious offence.

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 Step 5: Application Summary & Payment.

 The final step is a summary of your application.

Here you’ll see:
 - Your licence details
 - The firearm details
 - The disposer’s details (e.g.,Townsville Gun Shop, if you’re purchasing from us)
 - Your storage declaration

Once you’ve confirmed everything is correct, you’ll be directed to a secure payment page.

The current PTA application fee  is $45.98. (CORRECT 10/10/25).                                                                                                                                                                     

*