Victoria tightened its firearm storage requirements on 30 August 2022. This guide sets out what Victoria Police now require, and how to choose and install a gun safe that meets them.
TL;DR
- Firearms must be stored in a purpose-built steel receptacle made of steel at least 1.6mm thick.
- If the receptacle weighs less than 150kg empty, it must be bolted to the structure of the premises.
- It must be locked with a lock of sturdy construction whenever firearms are inside.
- Ammunition must be stored in a locked container separate from the firearm. A single unit with two separately lockable compartments is acceptable.
- Wooden cabinets, clothing lockers and modified school lockers no longer qualify.
This is a plain-English summary of Victoria Police guidance and Schedule 4 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic). Requirements can change, and some licence types have extra conditions, so confirm your setup on the Victoria Police firearm storage page or with your Divisional Firearms Officer.
Why this matters
Victoria Police can check your storage during your licence period, not only at renewal. Storage that doesn't meet the requirements can put your licence at risk. The 2022 requirements apply to existing licence holders as well as new applicants, so it's worth checking older cabinets against them.
Victoria gun safe requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Material | Purpose-built steel receptacle, steel at least 1.6mm thick |
| Fixing | Bolted to the structure of the premises if under 150kg empty |
| Lock | Lock of sturdy construction, locked whenever firearms are inside |
| Ammunition | Locked container separate from the firearm, or a separately lockable compartment |
The steps
1. Check your licence category and conditions
Confirm the categories on your licence and any storage conditions attached to it. Handgun licences and larger collections can carry additional requirements, so check with Victoria Police if you hold a handgun licence or store several firearms.
2. Choose a steel safe that meets the 1.6mm minimum
A commercial gun safe isn't mandatory, but whatever you use must meet the minimum specification, and a purpose-built safe is the simplest way to be sure. Rifle safes such as the CMI Sports Shooter SS14-D, CMI Sports Shooter SS5 and Guardall G2/3 Rifle Cabinet are common choices. Browse our full gun safes range and check each model's steel thickness on its product page.
3. Bolt it down if it's under 150kg
Most rifle safes weigh well under 150kg empty, so they must be bolted to the structure of the premises — a floor slab, joists or wall framing, not floor coverings or plasterboard. Use the anchor points provided and fixings suited to your floor or wall. Our bolt-down guide covers fixings by surface, or call 1300 405 200 to ask about installation.
4. Store ammunition separately
Keep ammunition in a separate locked container, or in a safe with a separately lockable ammunition compartment. See our ammunition safe guide for options.
5. Keep keys and codes secure
Don't leave keys in or near the safe, and don't share codes with anyone who isn't licensed to access the firearms.
6. Keep a record
Keep the safe's make, model and specifications, your receipt and photos of the installation. It makes storage checks quicker.
FAQ
What are the gun safe requirements in Victoria?
Since 30 August 2022, firearms must be stored in a purpose-built steel receptacle made of steel at least 1.6mm thick, locked with a sturdy lock, and bolted to the premises if it weighs under 150kg empty. Ammunition must be stored separately in a locked container.
Does my gun safe need to be bolted down in Victoria?
Yes, if it weighs less than 150kg when empty. Receptacles of 150kg or more aren't required to be bolted under this rule.
Can I use a wooden gun cabinet in Victoria?
No. Since 30 August 2022 storage must be a purpose-built steel receptacle.
Can ammunition go in the same safe?
Only in a separately lockable compartment. Otherwise use a separate locked container.
Do handguns have different storage requirements?
Handgun licences can carry additional conditions. Check your licence and confirm with Victoria Police.
Buying a gun safe in Melbourne or Victoria
Buy A Safe has supplied gun safes since 1998 and delivers across Victoria. Browse our gun safes or call 1300 405 200 for help choosing a safe that suits your licence.
