Firearm Owners Moving to Canada

Fact Sheet

Licensing and Registration Requirements

In order to lawfully possess a firearm in Canada, it is necessary to have both a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), which allows for the possession and acquisition of a specified class or classes of firearms, as well as a valid registration certificate for each firearm. PAL’s and registration certificates are issued by the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program (CFP).

• Firearms classified as “Prohibited” in Canada and other prohibited items, including replica firearms, cannot be brought into Canada.
• Replica firearms are devices that resemble real (other than antique) firearms with near precision but can not discharge harmful projectiles.
• Firearms classified as “Restricted” are allowed only for approved purposes, such as target shooting or collecting. They are generally not allowed for self protection.
• Only those who are at least 18 years old are permitted to bring a Restricted or Non-restricted firearm to Canada.

As Canadian firearms safety-training requirements must be met prior to applying for a PAL, it is necessary to wait until arriving in Canada to apply. A course from another country would not meet legal requirements.

As a temporary measure, firearms can be brought to Canada and declared in writing, using the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form CAFC 909). If there are more than three firearms, the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet (form CAFC 910) can be attached. Once a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs officer has confirmed the declaration, it will act as a licence for the owner and a registration certificate for all the specified firearms, for up to 60 days, for a single fee (regardless of how many firearms are listed) of $25 Canadian.

The processing of the PAL application and the registration of the firearms will likely take longer than 60 days, so the confirmed declaration will require renewal before it expires. This can be done by calling the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of the province or territory of residence at 1-800-731-4000. There is no fee to renew a confirmed declaration.

Obtaining a PAL

To apply for a PAL, submit form CAFC 921 and include evidence that safety-training requirements have been met. Contact the CFO of the province or territory where the firearms will be used for information on any other documents that may need to be provided by authorities in the former country of residence to assist with the background safety check.

Two references must also be provided on a PAL application. It is not necessary that these references be from Canada. However, they must have known the applicant for three years or more, and they will need to sign the form. A spouse cannot act as a reference.

Spouses or conjugal partners who have lived with the applicant in the previous two years must be notified or sign the application form before it will be approved.

The fee for an initial PAL is $60 for non-restricted firearms, or $80 for any combination of restricted and non-restricted firearms. It must be renewed every five years. The fee to renew a PAL is waived.

Complete and accurate PAL applications are processed within 45 days, including a legislated minimum waiting period of 28 days before a licence can be issued.

Registering your Firearms

Once a PAL is obtained, firearms must be verified and registered. For help in verifying and registering firearms, please call 1-800-731-4000 (Canada and the U.S.) or 1-506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the U.S.). There is no fee to verify or register a firearm.

Questions for Canada Border Services Agency can be directed to 1-800-461-9999 (inside Canada); or, 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064 (outside Canada).

Transporting Firearms

All firearms must be unloaded and transported in a safe and secure manner to deter loss, theft and accidents.

If an individual transports firearms, they need to comply with the safe transportation rules for individuals.

If any of the firearms are restricted, an Authorization to Transport (ATT) from the CFO of the province or territory where they enter Canada will be necessary. A copy of the ATT, along with the licence and registration certificate, will need to be shown to the CBSA customs officer.

A CFO can issue an ATT to permit a Restricted firearm to be brought into Canada only if the owner has a valid Canadian licence and registration certificate or a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration that has been confirmed by a CBSA customs officer.

With a valid PAL and registration certificate, application can be made in advance. If the firearms are brought and will be declared with a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, the declaration must be confirmed before the CFO is contacted to request an ATT. CFOs can be reached Monday to Friday, from 09:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, by calling 1-800-731-4000. These hours of operation must be kept in mind when making travel arrangements.

If the firearms are shipped, they must be sent by licensed carrier. They must be unloaded and packed in a sturdy, non-transparent container that cannot be easily broken open. To deter loss and theft, it is generally recommended that there be no markings on the outside of the container to indicate that there is a firearm inside. Instead, an envelope labeled “customs documents” can be attached to the outside of the container, while any documents needed to identify the contents for customs purposes are kept inside.

Information

For more information, contact the CFP.

This fact sheet is intended to provide general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Firearms Act and its Regulations. Provincial, territorial and municipal laws, regulations and policies may also apply.

La présente fiche de renseignements est également disponible en français.

CAFC 1215 E (2008/12) V1