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Frequently Asked Questions – Eligibility and identification

Who will be eligible to purchase, possess, carry and use OC spray?

To be eligible to purchase OC spray from 1 September, a person must:

  • Be 18 years of age or over
  • Present valid photo ID at the time of purchase
  • Complete a declaration that you have no relevant criminal history, police or court orders
  • Only purchase in person, from a Declared OC spray Firearms Dealers in the NT.
What kind of valid identification do I need to show a Declared OC spray Firearms Dealer?

Valid identification means the original or a copy of any current of the following documents as long as they contain a photograph of the person purchasing:

(a) an Australian passport or other passport containing an Australian visa that is in force;

(b) another document evidencing entitlement to Australian residency;

(c) a licence or permit issued under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory that specifies the person's date of birth;

(d) a proof of age card issued by a State or Territory;

(e) an NT Working with Children Clearance.

Who is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, carrying or using OC spray in the NT?

A person is a prohibited person and not eligible to purchase, possess, carry or use OC spray if, at the time of making the declaration, or at a time following making the declaration, one or some of the following apply:

  • You are not 18 years of age (or older); or
  • You have been found guilty of an offence holding a maximum penalty of two or more years imprisonment unless:
    • If you went to prison – at least five (5) years have passed since you were released or since you were found guilty (whichever happened later); or
    • If you didn’t go to prison – at least two (2) years have passed since you were found guilty; or
    • Otherwise – at least two (2) years have passed since the day you were found guilty; or
  • You have been found guilty of a disqualifying offence within the period of ten (10) years (see next section); or
  • You are a reportable offender as defined in section 6 of the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Registration) Act 2004 (NT); or
  • You have a final or interim domestic violence order (DVO) currently in force against you, or a final DVO was in force within the last five (5) years; or
  • You have a personal violence restraining order or an interim personal violence restraining order is in force against you; or
  • You are subject to an order, made in the NT or elsewhere, to keep the peace; or
  • You have breached a condition of the Exemption: OC spray available here.

For more information, read the prohibited person factsheet.

What if I’m not sure if I’m a prohibited person?

A Prohibited person fact sheet will be available. If you are still unsure whether you are a prohibited person you should seek legal advice.

For more information, read the prohibited person factsheet.

Can visitors or tourists buy OC spray while in the NT?

Yes, visitors and tourists can buy OC spray while in the NT, as long as they:

  • Are 18 years of age or over;
  • Present valid photo ID at the time of purchase;
  • Complete a declaration that you have no relevant criminal history, police or court orders;
  • Only purchase in person from a Declared OC spray Firearms Dealers in the NT.

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