1
Find a welcoming club
Start by finding a local clay target club. Many clubs are happy for newcomers to visit, watch, ask questions and learn how the sport works before committing.
Get Started
Obtaining Your Licence
If you are brand new to clay target shooting, the licence process can feel confusing at first. This guide explains the general pathway, what clubs usually help with, and where to find the official requirements for your state or territory.
Start with your state or territory authority
This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Firearms licensing requirements vary by state and territory and can change. Always check with your official police or firearms licensing authority.
Firearms licensing rules are different across Australia. This guide is designed to help you understand the general pathway, but you should always check the official police or firearms licensing authority in your state or territory before applying.
- This is general information only.
- Requirements can change.
- Your local club can usually help point you in the right direction.
- Always follow the official requirements for your state or territory.
Review metadata
This guide is being prepared and reviewed. Always follow the official authority links below.
Draft content
- Source authority
- Tasmania Police Firearms Services
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-07
- Next review due
- 2026-10-07
- Review notes
- First detailed draft guide. Tasmania-specific language reviewed for beginner clarity.
The basic pathway for new clay target shooters
2
Ask about come-and-try options
Some clubs and associations offer come-and-try days, beginner sessions or supervised introductions. The rules around this vary between clubs, states and territories, so always contact the club first.
3
Understand your genuine reason
For clay target shooting, the usual genuine reason is sport or target shooting. In many cases, your club membership helps support that reason when applying for a licence.
4
Join an approved or recognised club
Most competitive shooters will need to become a member of a registered, approved or recognised shooting club that conducts the type of shooting they want to participate in.
5
Complete the required safety training
Your state or territory may require a firearms safety course, club safety process, assessment, or other supporting documentation before or during your application.
6
Apply through your state or territory authority
Applications are handled by the relevant police or firearms licensing authority in your state or territory. You will usually need identification, genuine reason evidence, supporting documents and information about safe storage.
7
Wait for approval before acquiring a firearm
Getting a licence does not automatically mean you can immediately buy a firearm. In most places, acquiring a firearm is a separate process and may require a permit to acquire.
8
Keep learning through your club
Once licensed, stay connected with your club. Ask about coaching, safe handling, range procedures, event formats, grading, competitions and beginner-friendly practice days.
Licence requirements by state and territory
Choose your state or territory to find the official licensing links and beginner notes for your area.
Choose your state or territory
This selector is designed to become an interactive Australia map later. For now, use these quick links.
Tasmania
Draft contentTasmania Police Firearms Services is the official authority for licensing. This draft guide explains the general beginner pathway and points you to official state sources.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-07
Tasmania Police Firearms Services
Official links available.
Draft guide available.
New South Wales
Needs reviewOfficial source links are now available. A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for NSW is still being prepared.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08
NSW Police Force Firearms Registry
Official links available.
Guide being prepared.
Victoria
Official links addedOfficial source links are now available. A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for Victoria is still being prepared.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08
Victoria Police Licensing and Regulation Division
Official links available.
Guide being prepared.
Queensland
Official links addedOfficial source links are now available. A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for Queensland is still being prepared.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08
Queensland Police Service Weapons Licensing
Official links available.
Guide being prepared.
South Australia
Needs reviewOfficial source links are now available. A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for South Australia is still being prepared.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08
South Australia Police Firearms Branch
Official links available.
Guide being prepared.
Western Australia
Official links addedOfficial source links are now available. A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for Western Australia is still being prepared.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08
Western Australia Police Force Licensing Services Firearms
Official links available.
Guide being prepared.
Australian Capital Territory
Needs reviewOfficial source links are now available. A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for the ACT is still being prepared.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08
ACT Policing Firearms Registry
Official links available.
Guide being prepared.
Northern Territory
Official links addedOfficial source links are now available. A beginner-friendly step-by-step guide for the Northern Territory is still being prepared.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-08
Northern Territory Police Firearms Policy and Recording Unit
Official links available.
Guide being prepared.
How clubs can help
Clubs can help guide newcomers and explain practical next steps. They do not replace official licensing advice, so always follow the state or territory authority.
Explain the sport and disciplines
Tell you what licence category may be relevant
Help you understand membership requirements
Explain safety expectations
Point you to official licensing information
Introduce you to coaching or beginner shoots
What you may need before applying
Starter checklist
- Proof of identity
- Club membership or evidence of sport/target shooting reason
- Safety course or training evidence, where required
- Safe storage details
- Application fee
- Any state-specific forms or supporting documents
The exact requirements vary, so treat this as a starting checklist only.
After your licence is approved
Stay active with your club
Learn range etiquette and safety routines
Ask about coaching
Understand competitions and disciplines
Research suitable beginner gear
Learn the permit-to-acquire process before buying your first firearm
Related guides
Your First Clay Target Shoot
Understand what happens on your first visit and what to expect at the club.
Learn moreWhat to Bring
Use a practical checklist so you can arrive prepared and confident.
Learn moreClay Target Disciplines
Compare the common formats and find a style that suits your goals.
Learn moreBeginner Gear
Practical guidance for choosing safe, suitable first gear and building your kit gradually.
Learn moreFinding a Club
Browse clubs near you and contact a welcoming venue before your first visit.
Learn moreHow we keep this guide useful
We are building these guides around official police and firearms licensing authority sources. Each state and territory guide includes a review date and links to the relevant authority. Because requirements can change, always check the official source before applying.
Official sources first
Every state guide is built around links to official authority information.
Reviewed by state or territory
Each region includes a review record so updates can be tracked over time.
Beginner-friendly explanations
We explain the pathway in plain language while pointing you to official requirements.
Need a hand with your first steps?
Start with a welcoming club, then work through the official pathway for your state or territory.