In a statement on Tuesday, the local command said there has recently been an increase in the number of firearms that police have seized due to owners failing to renew their licences on time.

"No one should be in possession of firearms unless they possess a current firearms licence and the firearms are registered," Detective Inspector Urquhart from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District said.

"Penalties of up to 14 years jail can apply for those who contravene these laws. It is not the responsibility of police to provide safe keeping for the firearms whilst owners renew their licenses.

"There are local firearms dealers who can assist in safe storage and disposals of firearms.

"Firearms that are seized or currently in police possession will be kept for 28-days from seizure and then can be disposed of by court order destruction."

The term of a licence is generally up to five years. It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure that they renew their licence on time.

If they do not receive a renewal notification from the Firearms Registry prior to the expiration of the licence, the Firearms Registry should be contacted.

If people choose not to renew their licence, they must dispose of their firearms legally before their licence expires.

All firearms owners are encouraged to check the expiry date of their firearms licence and to contact the Firearms Registry on 1300 362 562 if their licence needs to be renewed or is shortly due to expire.

All enquiries in regards to firearms should be made with the Firearms Registry.