Check what the endorsement allows you to do, who can apply, and what you need to provide in your application.
Apply or renew
Learn about to apply for or ‘renew’ an endorsement through MyFirearms.
On this page
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.
Licences and endorsements require separate application forms and fees. If you are applying for or renewing both, you must complete a separate application for each.
Note: Reapplying for an endorsement is often referred to as a "renewal", but you are not renewing your existing endorsement. Each endorsement application is assessed in full against the requirements of the Arms Act 2026.
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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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 card surcharge of 1.9%.
Apply by post
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Print, complete and sign the relevant form
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Pay the fee
Pay the application fee at an NZ Post shop and get a receipt to include with your application.
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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
- courier to National Services Team, Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand, Level 3, 210 Federal Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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.
Outcome of your application
If we approve your application, you’ll receive a letter.
If we are considering refusing your application, you’ll receive a letter, and be given the opportunity to provide further information and make a submission. After the response time has lapsed, we will consider your submission (if any) and make a final decision.
If it is refused, you may appeal to the District Court.
Appeals to District Court | Arms Act 2026, Part 8, Section 352 | New Zealand Legislation website
You must appeal within 20 working days of the refusal decision (unless the court gives special leave to extend that time).
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 |