Applying for a New Possession Only Licence

Fact Sheet

A Possession Only Licence (POL) is valid for five years and allows firearm owners to possess registered firearms, including borrowed firearms, of any class their licence allows. The POL does not allow for the acquisition of more firearms; only the Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) does.

New Initiative

A new policy initiative which encourages holders of expired POLs to return to compliance with firearms licensing regulations has been launched and will be in effect until May 16, 2010. Firearm owners whose POL expired on or after January 1, 2004, may be eligible to apply for a new POL, if they meet the following criteria:

• They previously held a POL which expired naturally (was not revoked or refused);
• They are in possession of at least one registered restricted or non-restricted firearm; and
• They meet all public safety requirements in order to possess firearms.

Eligible individuals who have maintained a valid address with the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) will be sent a new POL application.

Eligible individuals who have not received an application or who are unsure if they have updated their addresses are encouraged to call the CFP’s toll-free number: 1-800-731-4000. It is essential to notify the CFP of any address changes to ensure renewal notices and other important CFP information are received.

Previous POL holders with a PAL application still in process may apply for a new POL under this initiative. Individuals who have had a POL refused or revoked are not eligible to apply for the new POL.

Grandfathering privileges for prohibited firearms are permanently lost when a POL expires. They cannot be reinstated after obtaining a new POL. In these situations, prohibited firearms must be lawfully disposed of. Guidance on how to lawfully dispose of a firearm can be obtained through one of the contact options listed below.

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 1244 E (2008/06) V1