The Gun Safe PTA applications system has returned online after NSW legislation updates.

In Short:

• • The Gun Safe PTA applications system is back online following updates required under the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025
  • New limits on the number of firearms a person can possess will commence by proclamation, but immediate restrictions apply to Permit to Acquire applications
  • Applications that would cause someone to exceed the new limits will not be issued and no refunds will be provided

The Gun Safe Permit to Acquire applications system has returned to service following updates required to comply with recent changes to New South Wales firearms legislation.

The system was temporarily offline while updates were implemented to support the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025, which introduces new limits on the number of firearms a person can legally possess.

While these possession limits will not take effect until a date to be determined by proclamation, the legislation has placed immediate restrictions on applications for Permits to Acquire firearms.

Under the immediate changes, applicants cannot lodge a Permit to Acquire application if approving that application would cause them to exceed the new firearm limits once those limits commence.

This represents a significant shift in the application process, as the system must now assess not only current possession but also future compliance with limits that have been legislated but not yet activated.

Applications that would result in an applicant exceeding the upcoming limits will not be issued. The New South Wales Police Force has advised that such applications will be treated as never having been made, with no refund provided for application fees.

This policy aims to prevent applicants from attempting to acquire firearms in the period before the limits take effect, only to find themselves non-compliant once the proclamation is made.

The legislation does not require immediate seizure of firearms from individuals who currently possess more than the new limits will allow.

Instead, authorities have indicated that further information regarding compliance pathways and a buyback scheme will be provided before the new limits take effect. This approach recognizes that many legitimate firearms owners, particularly in rural areas, may currently possess collections that exceed the new thresholds.

The New South Wales Police Force has apologised for any inconvenience caused by the system downtime and thanked the community for patience during the transition period.

Full details on the new limits, compliance requirements and other legislative changes are available on the New South Wales Firearms Registry website.

Anyone requiring specific advice regarding their circumstances or pending applications is encouraged to contact the Firearms Registry directly or visit the website for comprehensive information about the changes and their implementation timeline.