NSW shooters will now receive Permits to Acquire more quickly as the state’s Firearms Registry begins issuing digital PTAs through its Gun Safe online portal.
A statement from the Registry says, “Digital PTAs eliminate time-consuming delays associated with the printing and posting of paper-based documents and help to further streamline transactions completed via the Gun Safe Dealers Portal.”
The system should save several days, if not a week or two, in printing and delivery times but it is not an instant system as applications will still be assessed by staff at the Firearms Registry, a process that typically takes a day or two in normal circumstances.
The new system will work alongside the existing paper-based system, which is still available to those who do not use online services.
Under the digital system, prospective gun buyers who apply online for a PTA will be sent SMS and email notifications when it is issued.
Application progress can also be seen on the portal.
An approved PTA can be accessed on the Gun Safe portal, after which it can be presented to a firearms dealer in one of two ways: in digital form on-screen on a mobile or other electronic device; or in paper form if the gun buyer prints it out.
The majority of NSW firearms dealers are also using the Gun Safe portal and can complete the transaction online, whether they receive the PTA in digital or paper form.
However, if the dealer is not using the portal, the entire transaction will have to be completed using a printed version of the PTA.
Apart from a new design for the PTA application form, nothing else changes in the processes or rules regarding PTAs, including the $30 fee and the 90-day validity.
The Gun Safe portal is available to all NSW residents who have a Service NSW account and will be familiar to anyone who has already access the current online services for firearms transactions.
The portal also allows shooters to update various personal details, apply for new genuine reasons and categories, and renew licences.
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