Owning a Handgun in Victoria

Owning a handgun in Victoria is tightly regulated. To be granted and keep a handgun licence you must have a genuine reason (such as sport or target shooting), meet strict eligibility requirements, and follow safe storage laws at home. This page gives an overview of what’s involved and how Cranbourne Dandenong Pistol Club (CDPC) can help you on that journey.

1. Owning a handgun for sport

In Victoria, handguns are generally licensed for:

  • Sport or target shooting
  • Certain employment purposes (for example, security or corrections roles)

For most CDPC members, the genuine reason is sport/target shooting.

To maintain your licence on that basis, you must:

  • Be a financial member of an approved pistol club
  • Meet annual participation requirements for competition shoots
  • Continue to satisfy eligibility requirements and remain a fit and proper person

2. New to shooting? No licence yet

Yes, you can still try pistol shooting without a handgun licence.

  • Attend the club on designated NORI (Notification of Receiving Instruction) days.
  • Shoot under the direct supervision of qualified club representatives.
  • Learn safe handling, range etiquette and basic target shooting.

Each visit requires a NORI form to be completed and lodged with Victoria Police. Under current club policy, you can attend a limited number of NORI sessions (currently up to 13 times in your life), giving you plenty of opportunity to decide whether the sport is right for you before committing to the full licensing process.

If you decide you’d like to pursue pistol shooting seriously, you can join CDPC, complete your handgun safety course and begin the licensing pathway.

For the full step-by-step, see our “Acquiring Your Handgun Licence” page.

3. Your pathway to owning a handgun

This is a simplified overview of the main stages from “curious about shooting” to “owning a handgun”.

Step 1 – Try shooting

Attend NORI sessions at CDPC and learn safe handgun handling under supervision.

Step 2 – Join the club

Apply for membership at CDPC so you can continue training and work toward a licence.

Step 3 – Safety course

Complete an approved handgun safety course at the club to understand legal and safe use.

Step 4 – Provisional licence

Apply for a Provisional General Category Handgun Licence via Victoria Police eServices.

Step 5 – Competition shoots

Complete the required number of competition shoots and maintain active participation.

Step 6 – Full licence & PTA

Apply for your full Category H licence and then your Permits to Acquire (PTAs) for each handgun.

For detailed requirements, forms and timing for each of these steps, please refer to our Acquiring Your Handgun Licence guide.

4. Safe storage of handguns at home

Before you buy a handgun, you must have compliant safe storage in place at your nominated address. In general:

  • Handguns must be stored in a purpose-built steel receptacle.
  • The steel must be at least 1.6 mm thick.
  • If the receptacle weighs under 150 kg empty, it must be bolted to the structure of the premises.
  • The receptacle must be locked with a sturdy lock whenever firearms are stored inside.
  • Cartridge ammunition must be stored in a separate locked container from the firearm.

Storage requirements can change with legislation, so always check the latest guidance from Victoria Police before purchasing a safe or modifying storage.

5. Responsibilities once you own a handgun

Once you own a handgun and shoot at CDPC, you have responsibilities under Victorian law and under our Constitution, By-Laws and Code of Conduct.

As a member you must:

  • Use and store firearms strictly in accordance with your licence conditions and safe storage regulations.
  • Notify the club within 7 days of acquiring or disposing of a handgun.
  • Ensure all Permits to Acquire (PTAs) are endorsed and signed by an authorised committee member before submission.
  • Inform the club of any changes to your handgun licence status, including expiry, suspension or cancellation.
  • Advise the club if you change your principal club to or from CDPC.
  • Advise the club immediately if you become a prohibited person or are made subject to any relevant order.

CDPC can only operate as an approved pistol club while Victoria Police Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD) is satisfied with our compliance.

Serious breaches of safety, conduct or eligibility may be reported to LRD.

6. Where to next?

Last Updated: March 2025

Key points at a glance

  • You must have a genuine reason (such as sport/target shooting) to own a handgun.
  • Unlicensed shooters can attend a limited number of supervised NORI sessions at CDPC.
  • Compliant safe storage is mandatory before you can keep a handgun at home.
  • Members must keep the club informed of firearm ownership and licence status changes.

Useful links

Need help or have questions?

If you’re unsure about the licensing process, safe storage requirements or how club rules apply to you, please speak with a committee member or contact the club directly.

Contact the club