The department is one of several government bodies responsible for regulation in Victoria. Licences, certificates and registers managed by this department can be found in this section.
You can find out where to:
- apply for different licences or certificates
- question a licensing decision
- complain about a breach of licence conditions.
For other licences, certificates or registers, you may need to contact:
- your local council
- another Victorian government department
- a federal government department.
You can search a complete list of licensing agencies at all local, state and federal levels at the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (External link)
Firearms
Victoria Police issues firearms licences. Firearms licence holders planning to hunt game require a separate game licence. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) issues game licences.
Applying for a licence
To apply for or find out more about firearms licences, visit the Victoria Police website (External link)
To apply for or find out more about game hunting licences, visit the Game Management Authority (External link)
Appeals
To contest a licensing decision (if, for example, your licence application has been denied or revoked), there are two avenues of appeal:
- lodge an appeal with the Firearms Appeals Committee
- contact the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) (External link)
In the first instance, contact the Firearms Appeals Committee. If the issue is not resolved, it may then be escalated to VCAT.
Gaming licences
Gaming licences (External link)
Agency: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (External link)
Oversights and appeals: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (External link)
Complaints and disputes: Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (External link)
Liquor licences
Liquor licences (External link)
Agency: Liquor Control Victoria (External link)
Oversights and appeals: Victorian Liquor Commission (External link)
Complaints and disputes: Victorian Liquor Commission (External link)
Proof of Age
The Victorian Proof of Age card is used to verify that the person seeking to enter a licensed premises or purchase liquor is over 18 years of age.
To apply or find out more, visit the Liquor licencing website (External link)
Security businesses
The Victorian Security Industry Advisory Council
The Victorian Security Industry Advisory Council provides strategic policy advice to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, as the minister responsible for administering the Private Security Act 2004 on:
- the operation and possible further reform of the regulatory framework for the Victorian private security industry, with a view to improving ethical and professional standards of practice with the industry
- the effectiveness of the regulation of the Victorian private security industry and any need for reform
- the strategic directions for regulation of the private security industry
- specific advice as requested by the minister in relation to the viability of proposals for reform
- the development of draft policies and procedures relating to the operation of one or more aspects of the private security industry for consideration by the minister.
The council’s membership consists of representatives from a broad range of security industry groups and associations, including Victoria Police as the industry’s regulator, who bring particular expertise and knowledge of the industry in supporting the council in its work.
Private security business licenses (External link) – security guarding (armed and unarmed), crowd control, investigators, bodyguards, trainers
Agency: Victoria Police (External link)
Weapons
The department administers Governor-in-Council weapon exemptions made under the Control of Weapons Act 1990. These exemptions are only made in a limited number of circumstances for groups or classes of people to possess, purchase or sell, use, manufacture or carry certain prohibited weapons.
Victoria Police is responsible for weapon approvals for individuals and business entities who legitimately require prohibited weapons. The Victoria Police website has a list of prohibited weapons (External link) available.
In the first instance, you should discuss with Victoria Police whether an approval or exemption is appropriate for your or your organisation’s needs.
For more information on existing weapon exemptions and weapon approvals visit Victoria Police’s website (External link)