Why the NFR is being introduced
The NFR was agreed upon by National Cabinet in December 2023 and officially commenced on 1 July 2024. It will create a centralised, near real-time register of all legally owned firearms in Australia. The goal is to:
- Improve national consistency in firearms data.
- Enhance community and police safety.
- Streamline processes for firearms owners, dealers, and regulators.
The register is being developed and operated by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), with each state and territory responsible for aligning their systems and data.
What NT Firearms owners need to do
All NT firearms licence holders are required to complete a one-time self-check. This involves:
- Entering your name, licence number, and firearm serial numbers.
- Uploading five photographs of each firearm, showing:
- Serial number
- Both sides of the firearm
- Make and model
- Trigger/action
- Any distinguishing markings
This process ensures that your firearm records are accurate and meet the National Data Standards before being uploaded to the NFR.
Support and accessibility
If you don’t have access to a device to complete the form, you can contact the NFR team by phone or email. If needed, they can arrange a home visit to help you complete the process.
You can also complete the form in stages — there’s no need to upload all your firearms at once. And while there’s no fixed deadline yet, licence holders are encouraged to complete the process as soon as possible.
Data security and accuracy
All submitted photographs and personal information are stored securely, with strict access controls. Only authorised project staff can view them, and they are protected under the same protocols as other sensitive police records.
If you accidentally upload a photo of someone else’s firearm (e.g., your partner’s), the validation team will detect this and contact you to clarify.
Even if the uploaded photo appears distorted on the form, the system confirms that the image quality is preserved — no need to re-upload.
What happens after submission
Once your self-check is submitted:
- Your firearm record may be updated to meet national standards.
- If significant changes are made, you’ll receive a new registration certificate.
- If no changes are needed, your current certificate remains valid.
- If you’ve recently purchased a new firearm, your dealer will submit the transaction details. However, completing a self-check ensures the firearm is accurately recorded and templated.
No changes to licensing or fees
The NFR does not change how licensing, storage, or ownership is managed in the NT. The NT will not adopt Western Australia’s licensing model, and there are no changes to fees or limits on firearm ownership.
Any legislative changes will be consultative and transparent, focused solely on improving registry operations and aligning with national standards.
Why you must re-enter your details
Even though NT Police already have your information, the self-check form requires you to re-enter your name, licence number, and serial numbers. This ensures that your Firearms identification information matches your existing records.
Why some states haven’t heard of the NFR yet
Each jurisdiction is progressing at its own pace. The NT is among the first to implement the self-check process. National collaboration is ongoing, and more information is available at: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/criminal-justice/firearms/national-firearms-register
Didn’t find what you are looking for? Get in touch by emailing NationalFirearmsRegister@pfes.nt.gov.au