To assist you, application guidelines have been produced for licences/permits issued by the Commissioner of Police. These guidelines explain in detail the procedures to be followed when applying for a particular licence or permit. They are available in English and Chinese and can be obtained by browsing our website or visiting us direct.
- Web page: www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/11_useful_info/licences/
- Address: 12/F, Arsenal House, Police Headquarters, 1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
- Office hours:
9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:45 pm on weekdays.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and general holidays
Service Delivered
This performance pledge covers issuance of all the licences and permits by the Commissioner of Police.
Performance Standards and Targets
Performance targets for services provided by the Police Licensing Office are expressed in terms of time required to process your application. The targets depend much on the sufficiency of information provided in your application which may affect the processing time required.
| Application / Licence / Permit | Working days required to process |
|---|---|
| Licence for Possession (Individual) (Firearms) | 24 days |
| Limited Licence for Possession (Firearms) | 2 days (in person) 9 days (by other means) |
| Exemption Permit (General) (Firearms) | 24 days |
| Exemption Permit (TV/Film Shooting or Sports) (Firearms) | 9 days |
| Authorisation for Arms Instructor | 2 calendar months |
| Approval for Range Officer | 2 calendar months |
| Approval for Agent for Arms Licence | 1 calendar month |
| Pawnbroker Licence | 26 days |
| Massage Establishment Licence (for the issuance of a letter of approval-in-principle for establishments) | 35 days |
| Temporary Liquor Licence | 12 days |
| Societies Registration | 12 days |
| Lion / Dragon / Unicorn Dance Permit | 14 days |
| Security Personnel Permit | 6 days |
The time taken to process Full and Restricted Firearms Dealer's Licence will depend on individual applications and related requirements.
Service Environment
The Police Licensing Office is committed to providing an efficient and professional service. On receipt of your application, you will be informed that your application has been received and is being processed.
Effective Monitoring
The Police Force will monitor these standards internally.
The Public's Role
To improve our service, the Police Licensing Office welcomes comments or suggestions from members of the public. There may be occasions, for example, because of high demands for a particular service, or when your application does not contain all the relevant information - when the time taken to process your application may take slightly longer than the target times.
If you feel that your application has not been dealt with adequately, you can contact the officer-in-charge of the appropriate licensing section who will provide an explanation for any delay incurred.
Channels for Complaints
If you wish to complain that your case has not been dealt with adequately, you may:
- attend the report room of any police station;
- make an appointment through the complaint hotline at 2866 7700 to lodge a complaint to CAPO in person;
- call the complaint hotline at 2866 7700 or by fax to 2200 4460 or 2200 4461;
- by post to the Complaints Against Police Office, Police Headquarters, 1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai; and
- use the "Complaint Against Police e-Report form" on the Hong Kong Police Force website (www.police.gov.hk) or "e-Report Centre" of the "Hong Kong Police Mobile App".
Download "Hong Kong Police Mobile App"
Where to Go for Further Information
You may telephone the relevant licensing section:
| Arms Licensing Section | 2860 6536 |
| Liquor and Miscellaneous Licensing Section | 2860 6524 |
| Societies Office | 2860 3572 |
| Security Personnel Permit Section | 2860 6543 |
| Public Order Events Support Section | 2860 6551 |
