All supporting documents must be submitted along with an Application Summary when lodging the Application at a participating WA Australia Post outlet. Persons who live in remote WA can contact the local Multi-Function Police Facility (MFPF).
Please retain copies of all documents prior to submission of the Application with Australia Post.
The required supporting documents are dependent on the type of classification you are claiming. The different requirements are outlined below.
Significant Commemorative Value
Must take into consideration any special significance that the firearm, or any firearm or firearms of the same kind as that firearm, or a related kind, has to a particular event in history.
Example:
Winchester Mod 73 Little Bighorn 100 year Anniversary.
Uberti Mod 73 Little Bighorn Tribute Rifle (replica of the Winchester).
There must be a direct link between the firearm (make, model, type, calibre) and the event. In the example, the firearm used at the Little Bighorn battle was the Winchester 1873 lever action 44/40 rifle. Therefore, any Winchester Mod 73 Commemorative lever rifle, or any other Commemorative Winchester model lever rifle whether in the same or different calibre could be approved. Similarly, any replica Winchester Commemorative lever rifle by another manufacturer (Uberti) could also meet the same requirement.
This does not apply if the kind of firearm was not in existence or was not used in the event. For example, the Kimber 1911 Texas Commemorative Handgun commemorating the 1835 Battle of Gonzales has no significant link to the actual event as the Colt 1911 Handgun (on which the Kimber is modelled) was not in existence at the time.
Remember, significant commemorative value links the particular firearm to the event, not simply what is pictured or represented on the firearm.
The following supporting documentation is required for those seeking a Collector’s Licence on a Commemorative basis:
Original Application
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A Firearms Awareness Certificate (issued no more than 12 months prior to the date of the application).
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application), this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information in the applicants own words demonstrating the firearm has significant commemorative value.
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Evidence that the applicant is a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
Additional Application
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application) this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information in the applicants own words demonstrating the firearm has significant commemorative value.
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Evidence that the applicant is a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
Significant Historical Value
Must take into consideration any special significance the firearm, or any firearm or firearms of the same kind as that firearm, or a related kind, has to a particular period in history.
Must be able to address the following points:
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What is the particular period in history and its significance (e.g.: Used by German Army during World War 2. This may require further explanation if the information provided is ‘overly general’ in nature).
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What links the firearm to that particular period in history and the significance of that link?
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What was the historical purpose of the firearm – what was it used for and who by?
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When was it manufactured?
The following supporting documentation is required for those seeking a Collector’s Licence on a significant historical basis:
Original Application
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A Firearms Awareness Certificate (issued no more than 12 months prior to the date of the application).
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application), this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information demonstrating that the firearm has significant historical value.
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Evidence that the applicant is a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
Additional Application
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application) this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information in the applicants own words demonstrating the firearm has significant historical value.
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Evidence that the applicant is a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
Significant Thematic Value
Must take into consideration any special significance the firearm, or any firearm or firearms of the same kind as that firearm, or a related kind, has to the development, manufacture, or use of firearms.
The theme must be specific, e.g. Handguns used by British airmen during World War 2 – rather than a generic ‘Handguns used by British military’ which is too broad.
Must address the following points:
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Must be able to identify a valid theme relating to the development, manufacture or use of firearms.
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How does this firearm fit into the theme and the significance of this firearm to the theme?
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If the applicant already has other firearms within the same theme, how does this firearm(s) add to, enhance or expand the understanding or development of the theme?
The following supporting documentation is required for those seeking a Collector’s Licence on a Thematic basis:
Original Application
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A Firearms Awareness Certificate (issued no more than 12 months prior to the date of the application).
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application), this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information in the applicants own words demonstrating the firearm has significant thematic value.
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Evidence that the applicant is a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
Additional Application
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application) this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information in the applicants own words demonstrating the firearm has significant thematic value.
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Evidence that the applicant is a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
Significant Heirloom Value
Must take into consideration any special significance the firearm has because it was owned or possessed by a direct or indirect member of that person’s family.
Must be able to address the following points:
What is the firearm history including:
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How did it come into the family and the family's history involving the firearm?
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When did it come into the family?
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Who owned or possessed it or otherwise used it?
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What was it used for?
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Is the firearm inter-generational (passed down over generations)?
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What is the applicant’s link to the firearm and the family?
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What is the significant heirloom value and how is that significant (sentimental value of itself is not sufficient)?
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What are the applicant’s future intentions regarding the firearm?
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If the applicant is applying to move a firearm from their own firearm licence onto a Collector’s Licence, in addition to the above, the applicant must also explain why the firearm has special meaning to the applicant and why the applicant would like to preserve it and pass it on to future generations at a later stage.
The following supporting documentation is required for those seeking a Collector’s Licence on an Heirloom basis:
Original Application
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A Firearms Awareness Certificate (issued no more than 12 months prior to the date of the application).
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application), this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information in the applicants own words demonstrating the firearm has significant heirloom value.
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Evidence that the applicant is a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
Additional Application
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A Firearm Serviceability Certificate (issued no more than three months prior to the date of the application), this is usually provided by the firearm dealer.
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Information in the applicants own words demonstrating the firearm has significant heirloom value.
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Evidence that you are a “Student of Arms” (In the event the firearm the applicant is seeking to license is a handgun manufactured after 1946).
What happens after your application?
The Application Summary once lodged at a WA Australia Post outlet will be electronically matched to the application and sent to WA Police Force Licensing Services.