My firearms after I die

In your will, you can choose someone to inherit your licensed firearms or shotguns after you die.

If you don't choose someone, the firearms become part of your estate (everything you own). You would have chosen executors to manage your estate as part of your will. Any firearms would then become their responsibility to manage in a lawful way.

Consider making it as easy as possible for the person who will inherit your firearms. Put helpful information in an envelope which they can open after your death.

You should:

• list the firearms and ammunition you own
• explain where you store them and how to access them
• include copies of your certificate(s)
• write down where to find your original certificate(s)
• provide details about how to contact the firearms department

The police may provide the person with a temporary permit. It allows that person to possess (but not use) your firearms. A permit usually lasts up to three months. They can use this time to decide what to do with them.

If the person has their own firearm certificate, they will not need a temporary permit. But they need enough room on their certificate to take ownership of your firearms. To do that, they may need to vary their certificate.