Check what the endorsement allows you to do, who can apply, and what you need to provide in your application.
Before you begin
If you’re reapplying for (‘renewing’) your endorsement
If your endorsement expires, you must not use your endorsed items until a new endorsement is issued.
Note: Reapplying for an endorsement is often referred to as a ‘renewal’, but you are not actually renewing your old endorsement. Each time you apply for an endorsement, your application is considered in full against the requirements of the Arms Act 1983.
If you’re applying for a licence as well as an endorsement
If you are applying for or renewing a licence and endorsements, you must complete an application form for the licence and another application form for the endorsements.
There is a fee for each.
How much it costs
It costs $204 to apply for an endorsement.
If you apply for other endorsements at the same time, you only pay $204 in total.
This endorsement fee is in addition to a firearms licence application fee.
Fees include GST.
The fastest way to apply and pay is online through MyFirearms (there is a 1.9% card payment fee).
Fees cover the cost of processing your application and are not refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
Apply online through MyFirearms
To use MyFirearms, you must have a mobile phone and a RealMe login (not a ‘RealMe verified identity’). If you do not have a RealMe login already, you’ll be prompted to create one before you start your application.
What is RealMe?
RealMe is a New Zealand government service for proving your identity online.
You only need a RealMe login to use MyFirearms.
You do not need a RealMe verified identity.
Step 1: Log in
Visit MyFirearms and log in with your RealMe account.
You’ll need your mobile phone to carry out the security check.
Visit MyFirearms
Step 2: Complete the Endorsement Application form
Select 'Endorsement application' and complete the form.
Save a draft to make sure you do not lose the information you have entered. Once saved, you must submit your application within 30 days, or it will be removed from your account.
Step 3: Review the summary
Check everything is correct, and when you're ready click 'Pay now'.
Error message?
If you get an error message that says, 'linked endorsements must be completed prior to submission', check you have completed 'endorsement details' for all the endorsements you are applying for.
When all your endorsements show 'Ready for submission', try 'Pay now' again.
Step 4: Complete payment information and submit form
Complete payment information, and when you're ready click 'Pay now'.
You’ll receive an email to confirm we’ve received your application.
You can pay online with Visa or Mastercard. You will be charged a credit card surcharge of 1.9%.
How to apply by post
Step 1: Print, complete and sign the relevant form
- Prohibited firearm/magazine endorsement: Pest control business owner/sole trader application form (FRM02A) (DOCX 64.81 KB)
- Prohibited firearm/magazine endorsement: Pest control employee application form (FRM02B) (DOCX 56.08 KB)
- Prohibited firearm/magazine endorsement: Business owner/manager of agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural business directly involved in pest control activities form (FRM02L) (DOCX 57.73 KB)
- Prohibited firearm/magazine endorsement application: Employee of an agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural business directly involved in pest control activities form (FRM02M) (DOCX 62.17 KB)
Step 2: Pay the fee
Pay the application fee at an NZ PostShop and get a receipt to include with your application.
Step 3: Post or deliver your form and supporting documents
You can submit your form with your supporting documents by:
- handing in to your local Police station
- posting them to New Zealand Police, National Support Team – Kapiti, PO Box 722, Paraparaumu 5032.
What to expect after you submit your application
Once your application has been received, we will carry out further checks to assess whether you are a suitable person to be issued an endorsement.
This includes:
- arranging an in-person interview with you to discuss your application
- interviewing your referee
- showing your storage facilities.
Approving or refusing your application
If we approve your application, you’ll receive a letter that includes guidelines and the conditions of the endorsement.
If we do not approve your application, you’ll receive a letter saying we intend to refuse it. You’ll be given the opportunity to respond to the consideration of refusal. If you do not make a submission or your submission is insufficient, you’ll receive a final refusal letter.
If it is refused, you may appeal to the District Court.
You must appeal within 20 working days of the refusal decision (unless the court gives special leave to extend that time).
Arms Act 1983, section 62B – Right of appeal to District Court | New Zealand Legislation website
Fees cover the cost of processing your application and are not refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
Need help? | |
Phone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870) 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday |