Renewing Your Firearms Licence

If you possess firearms or if you handle them in the course of your work, you are required under the Firearms Act to have a valid firearms licence. You also require a valid licence to be able to obtain more firearms or ammunition.

Don’t forget to renew your licence before it expires - it’s your responsibility. Eligible individuals may not be subject to criminal penalties unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm during the course of an amnesty period that expires on May 16, 2010. However, avoid the possible complications and consequences of not renewing on time.

The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) is making every effort to help you renew your licence:

• The CFP will send you a renewal notice and a partially completed renewal application formapproximately 90 days before the expiry date of your current licence. Let us know if your address changes so we send it to the right place;
• Complete and return your renewal application to the CFP promptly, to ensure that you get your new licence before your current licence expires. It takes at least three weeks to process an application and issue a new licence;
• It is important to notify the CFP if your address changes to ensure that you get your renewal notice and other important information. You can do this online or by calling 1 800 731-4000; and
• If your licence is about to expire but you have not received a renewal application form, you can download form CAFC 979 or obtain it by calling 1 800 731-4000.

Here are some of the advantages of renewing your licence before it expires:

• You can renew a Possession-Only Licence (POL). A POL is only available as a renewal of an existing licence. If you do not renew your POL on time, you will have to obtain a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), including meeting safety training, if you still want to own or use firearms.

• You can use the streamlined renewal application form instead of the longer form for individuals who do not have a licence or whose licence has expired.
• You can avoid the risk of having your registration certificates revoked and permanently losing your grandfathered privileges for any prohibited firearms you may possess.
• You can avoid the risk of penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Fees

The fee to renew a POL or PAL has been waived until May 16, 2010.

A Snapshot Look at Licences for Individuals 18 and Older

	Type of Licence
	Possession-Only (POL)	Possession and Acquisition (PAL)
Licence renewal (form CFP 979) You have a valid POL or PAL that is about to expire; and You do not want to change your privileges.	Must renew before your current licence expires Must hold at least one valid firearms registration certificate. (Licence will only be valid for classes of firearms registered to you)	Must renew before your current licence expires if you possess firearms Not necessary to possess a firearm to be eligible for a PAL
New licence Applies to the following cases: you do not have a licence; or Your licence has expired; or You want to change your licence privileges; or You need to switch from a Minor’s Licence when you turn 18.	Form RCMP-GRC 6006 Only available to those with a POL that expired after January 1, 2004. Must apply before May 16, 2010 Must still have firearms that were registered to you Contact the CFP for a form if you are eligible.	Form CFP 921 The only licence now available to unlicensed individuals 18 and older. (See exception for those with an expired POL who meet criteria) Must meet safety-training requirements. (See below)
Safety-training requirements	None. POLs were only available to experienced firearm owners who did not plan to acquire more firearms.	Safety-training requirements set out in the law: Must pass the Canadian Firearm Safety Course; or Obtain alternative certification from a Chief Firearms Officer. Some pre-1995 hunter-safety courses in Manitoba and Quebec are also acceptable. Additional requirements for restricted and prohibited firearms.
Cost (application fee) If you only have non-restricted firearms, and you need to hunt to sustain yourself or your family, fees may be waived.	Renewal fees waived until May 16, 2010.	The initial PAL will cost $60 for non-restricted firearms; $80 for any combination of non-restricted and restricted firearms. Renewal fees waived until May 16, 2010.

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.

May 2008