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Frequently asked questions
Membership, firearms licensing, and club confirmation — practical guidance for SSHA members and prospective members.
This page provides general club guidance only. NSW Police and the Firearms Registry are the authoritative sources for licensing law, application requirements, and processing times.
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Club
Club
Common questions about SSHA membership, where we shoot, and how the club fits into your shooting journey.
Who can join SSHA?+
SSHA welcomes shooters who hold a valid NSW firearms licence (or are progressing toward one with appropriate supervision). Membership categories cover longarms, pistol, collecting, and club insurance depending on your licence categories and genuine reasons.
Where does the club shoot?+
SSHA is affiliated with Sydney International Shooting Centre at Cecil Park and the Southern Highlands Regional Shooting Complex at Hill Top. Most club days and clay events are at Cecil Park.
How do I renew my membership?+
Sign in to the member portal, review your membership status, and pay online. Adult memberships include a grace period after expiry; junior memberships run until the member’s 18th birthday.
What disciplines does the club support?+
The club supports shotgun (trap, skeet, sporting clay), pistol (ISSF precision, action, and service disciplines), and rifle shooting. See the Disciplines page for the full list of groups and variants.
Do I need my own firearms?+
Requirements depend on the discipline and club day. Some activities allow club firearms or supervised use. Contact the club or attend an introductory club day for guidance.
How do I contact the committee?+
Use the contact form on the website or sign in to the member portal for account-specific enquiries. For urgent membership or compliance matters, include your member number if you have one.
Which SSHA membership do I need for my licence?+
The membership category you need depends on what you want to do and which licence or permit you are applying for. SSHA offers separate memberships for longarms target shooting, pistol, collecting, and hunting club activities.
- Longarms target shooting — SSHA Longarms membership
- Pistol sport/target shooting — SSHA Pistol membership
- Firearms collecting — SSHA Collection membership
- Hunting club activities — SSHA Hunting Club membership
How can SSHA help before I apply to NSW Police?+
SSHA supports members through the licensing and membership process. The club cannot lodge applications on your behalf, but we can help you understand what is required and point you in the right direction.
- Use the licence guide on this website to see requirement checklists for your situation
- Join or renew the correct SSHA membership category before applying to NSW Police where required
- Attend club days and introductory sessions to understand disciplines and supervision rules
- Contact the club office or committee for guidance on safety courses and membership documentation
Getting a firearms licence
Getting a firearms licence
How to apply for a personal NSW firearms licence. SSHA membership is often required for Sport/Target and Hunting genuine reasons — use the licence guide for your specific checklist.
How do I apply for a personal firearms licence?+
Apply online through the NSW Police Force Community Portal. You will need a MyServiceNSW account, proof of identity, supporting documents for your genuine reason, and payment if applicable. If you are applying for categories above Category A, you must also provide evidence of a special need.
- A MyServiceNSW account
- Proof of identity (for example, driver licence and Medicare card)
- A firearms safety training certificate, a previously held NSW licence number, or a current interstate firearms licence number
- Supporting documentation for your genuine reason(s)
- Evidence of special need if applying for categories above Category A
- A current credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for payment, if applicable
NSW Police Force Community Portal · Licence guide — SSHA requirements · NSW Police Firearms Registry
What is the minimum age to apply for a firearms licence?+
You must be 18 years of age or over to apply for a NSW firearms licence. If you are aged between 12 and 18, you can apply for a Minor’s Permit, which allows you to use firearms under supervision to receive instruction or compete in approved shooting events. Junior SSHA membership categories apply for members under 18.
How do I complete a firearms safety course?+
Contact your local longarm or pistol shooting club, or an accredited training provider, to arrange a firearms safety and training course. SSHA can point prospective members toward accredited trainers in the Sydney area — contact the club office if you need guidance.
- Firearms Safety Training Council — 02 9486 3077 or training@firearmtraining.com.au
- SSAA Training — 02 7900 1555 or admin@nsw.ssaa.org.au
- Department of Primary Industries, Game Licensing Unit — 02 6391 3750 or game.licensing@dpi.nsw.gov.au
How long does it take to process a licence application?+
There is a legislated mandatory 28-day waiting period on all new applications. Some applications may take longer while the Firearms Registry completes its review. After submitting your application, you will receive a transaction reference number and a confirmation email. You can track progress in the NSW Firearms Registry Customer Portal.
Firearms Registry Performance Dashboard · NSW Police Firearms Registry
What can delay my licence application?+
Your application may take longer if any of the following apply:
- Required supporting documents were not submitted with the application
- Your NSW driver licence number was not supplied (if held)
- The name, date of birth, or address on your firearms application differs from your driver licence — update your driver licence with Service NSW first
- The Firearms Registry needs further information to assess your suitability
- Adverse police holdings require additional review
What if I do not provide all required information?+
The Firearms Registry will email you to request further information. If you do not respond within the specified timeframe, your application may be lapsed or refused (for renewals, refused). Keep your contact details current in the Community Portal.
What personal history checks are conducted?+
Police checks are conducted on all applicants to ensure legislative provisions are met, including public safety requirements. A licence cannot be issued if certain conditions apply — for example, being subject to an Apprehended Violence Order, a Firearms or Weapons Prohibition Order, or certain criminal convictions within prescribed periods. This summary is not exhaustive; the registry applies the full Firearms Act 1996 and Firearms Regulation 2017.
What restrictions apply to issuing a firearms licence?+
A licence must not be issued unless the applicant meets all of the following requirements:
- Is a fit and proper person who can be trusted to possess firearms without danger to public safety
- Has completed a firearms training and safety course (if never previously licensed)
- Is a resident of NSW, or about to become a resident of NSW
- Can provide evidence to justify their genuine reason for possessing and/or using a firearm
What is a Photograph Advice?+
If your application is approved, a Photograph Advice letter is posted to you. Take this letter and proof of identity to a Service NSW Centre to have your photo taken before the expiry date on the letter. The Photograph Advice is valid for 60 days — if it expires, you will need to submit a new application. Once your photo is taken, your licence card is sent by post.
What happens after I apply online?+
After submission you receive a transaction reference number and confirmation email. The mandatory 28-day waiting period begins. Track your application in the NSW Firearms Registry Customer Portal using your Service NSW login. If approved, you will receive a Photograph Advice letter — attend Service NSW before it expires to complete your licence card.
NSW Police Force Community Portal · NSW Police Firearms Registry
Club confirmation
Club confirmation
When applying for a Permit to Acquire (PTA) a handgun for Sport/Target shooting, NSW Police requires confirmation from your nominated pistol club. SSHA is commonly nominated by members shooting pistol disciplines with us.
What is club confirmation?+
Club confirmation is a requirement for licence holders applying to acquire a handgun for Sport/Target shooting, including Probationary Pistol Licence (PPL) and Large Calibre Pistol Permit holders. When you nominate SSHA on your PTA application, an email is sent to an authorised club official who can accept or reject the confirmation on the club’s behalf.
How does SSHA confirm my PTA application?+
You do not need to visit the club in person for confirmation. If club confirmation is required, NSW Police sends an email to the nominated club official at SSHA. The official confirms your membership and eligibility. Ensure your SSHA pistol membership is current and that you have entered the correct club details on your PTA application before submitting.
- Hold a current NSW firearms licence or permit in an issued status
- Maintain active SSHA Pistol membership
- Nominate SSHA correctly on your online PTA application
What if SSHA has not confirmed my application?+
If SSHA has not responded within 14 days, NSW Police sends a reminder email to the club. You will also receive notification if no action has been taken. Contact the SSHA office or committee with your PTA application details so an authorised club official can complete the confirmation promptly.
What do I need before applying for a handgun PTA?+
Do not apply for a PTA until your firearms licence has been issued and you have received your photo licence card from Service NSW. You may only acquire a firearm category that matches your licence category, and you must have a good reason for each acquisition.
- Current NSW firearms licence or permit (issued status with photo card received)
- Active SSHA Pistol membership for Sport/Target shooting
- Separate PTA application for each handgun, with a good reason selected
- Probationary Pistol Licence holders: additional restrictions apply in the first and second six months — contact the club or registry for current rules
Licence guide · NSW Police Force Community Portal · NSW Police Firearms Registry
Still have questions?
Send a message through the contact form, use the licence guide for requirement checklists, or read how to join for step-by-step membership instructions.