Thread: FAL application turn around time frames

So my FAL application is in and I'm off to do the safety course next weekend. Does anyone have an inkling on processing time for new applications? South Canterbury based if that's relevant.
Whilst I understand that the process takes as long as it takes..... I'm keen to get going as the bloody wallabies are decimating future wifeys natives and food tree's!!

Dad applied for his license and is based in Auckland. He applied about a month and half ago. He sat the safety course last weekend and has final vetting interviews next week. After the interviews it should be a couple of weeks to get the license all going well. So, roughly a couple of months-ish?

Originally Posted by Tall kiwi

Dad applied for his license and is based in Auckland. He applied about a month and half ago. He sat the safety course last weekend and has final vetting interviews next week. After the interviews it should be a couple of weeks to get the license all going well. So, roughly a couple of months-ish?

Wow, that's quick!! Today I was told 9-12 months.......so fingers crossed we're as efficient down here as Auckland....🧐

Originally Posted by Zedrex

Wow, that's quick!! Today I was told 9-12 months.......so fingers crossed we're as efficient down here as Auckland....��

Fingers crossed. I think the new Firearms authority have got their A into G. When I had a chat with one of the guys at Gun City they also said they heard of people getting their license within 4 months.

This time last year it probably would have taken 9-12 months. I applied in January 2022 and it took a total of 14 months for my license to arrive...

It seems like it, when I first started looking into the FAL application process last year, it took me 3 phone calls to find the right person to talk to. The FSA so far have been onto it and prompt in handling my queries.

Been helping a hunting friend renew his fal,since last November.He just recieved his hard plastic card copy today in the mail.So took about 7months from start to finish.English not his first language so needed a little help.
Time for him to get a deer in the freezer befor real winter sets in.

I applied for a renewal 3 months ago and I had the licence process done in 3 weeks (interviews and safe check within that timeframe) I was astounded. The man here in Tauranga was slick. He said it had a lot to do with having available referees.

Day 0 for me - submitted my paper application and supporting documents to my local police station.

Interestingly I was asked for photo ID when handing over the paperwork !!!

I pointed out the application included a large photocopy of my FAL and two passport type photos - but that wasn't good enough as - despite the current photos of me - I could be someone else applying for a license in my name !!!

Rather than argue the point I dug out my drivers license to satisfy the request. Best not to argue at the police station.

Originally Posted by Cyclops

Day 0 for me - submitted my paper application and supporting documents to my local police station.

Interestingly I was asked for photo ID when handing over the paperwork !!!

I pointed out the application included a large photocopy of my FAL and two passport type photos - but that wasn't good enough as - despite the current photos of me - I could be someone else applying for a license in my name !!!

Rather than argue the point I dug out my drivers license to satisfy the request. Best not to argue at the police station.

On June 2 (Day 9) I received the following email:
"We have confirmed all the components of you Firearms Licence Application and now will be passing it on to your District to create your vetting pack.

For any other information or queries please contact your local District.

Please familiarise yourself with the Secure Storage and Transportation Standards for Firearms and Ammunition prior to the vetting interview:
https://www.firearmssafetyauthority....transportation

Please ensure that you have your firearms storage installed at your home address before the vetting team arrives to conduct interviews. Any other installations should be discussed with your local Arms Officer.


New legislation that came into effect November 29th 2022, now allows for existing firearms licence holders to be able to continue to use and possess firearms while they wait for their application for a new licence to be processed, provided they applied for a new licence before their previous licence expired. This includes all activities associated with their licence such as purchasing firearms, ammunition and the continuation of endorsements."

Originally Posted by Cyclops

Day 0 for me - submitted my paper application and supporting documents to my local police station.

Day 22: Received an email with possible dates for vetting interviews. 3 days next week or the week following.

Next week doesn't suit, have selected 3 days & 5 times the week following.

Interestingly my unrelated referee will be interview by phone, they are asked to be available at the same time as my interview but they don't have to be physically present.

Originally Posted by Cyclops

Day 22: Received an email with possible dates for vetting interviews. 3 days next week or the week following.

Next week doesn't suit, have selected 3 days & 5 times the week following.

Interestingly my unrelated referee will be interview by phone, they are asked to be available at the same time as my interview but they don't have to be physically present.

An hour after I replied to the email I rec'd an interview appointment.

They book a long time 1230 - 1500 for related referee interview, unrelated referee interview, my interview and security check.

Originally Posted by Cyclops

Originally Posted by Cyclops

Day 22: Received an email with possible dates for vetting interviews. 3 days next week or the week following.

Next week doesn't suit, have selected 3 days & 5 times the week following.

Interestingly my unrelated referee will be interview by phone, they are asked to be available at the same time as my interview but they don't have to be physically present.

An hour after I replied to the email I rec'd an interview appointment.

They book a long time 1230 - 1500 for related referee interview, unrelated referee interview, my interview and security check.

Day 34: Interviews (the delay of 1 week was my choice)

Two hours was booked for interviews (3) and security check.

The interview with my "non related" referee was done - by phone - before the face to face interviews.
Probably before the vetter left the office.

The interviews with my wife & I and the security check took less than 30 minutes.
Very few questions as it is a license renewal not a new application.

Must of passed as I was told it would be about 3 weeks for my new license to be printed.
If that's the case it will be about 8 weeks from start to finish including 1 week delay by my choice.

Security Check:
Viewed the firearms safe, made no overt move to note or record the number and type of firearms therein.
Did check for bottom (floor) bolts beneath the safe carpet - the bolts in the wall were visible.

Showed the interviewer that the other safe is used for ammunition storage.
He made the comment that the ammunition safe keys should be kept separate from the firearms safe keys.
Fair point I replied and said I'd action that.

Friends have been telling me things are going a bit quicker these days. New FAL taking less priority to FAL renewals.

Yesterday got an email asking me to choose 3 calendar slots for interview and inspection next month, seems like things are moving along nicely 👍🏻

Mine took almost 2 years to the day.. Dec 2020 - Dec 2022.. 4 months in incredibly fast.