This site isn't selling anything and is offered as a public service only. Your particular location might have additional regulations, (especially Québec.) Usage of this site is subject to terms and conditions.

Update! This site has been updated since passage of
the  Ending the Long-gun Registry Act  in 2012.

There is a section at the bottom of this article to ask any questions about firearms you may have.

How can I legally buy a gun in Canada?

Legally buying firearms in Canada isn't complicated, or expensive. Millions of people have done this before you.

You just need to pass a short safety course, and then mail away for a license. When you're approved you'll get it in the mail and you can go shopping.

Easy.

The course is called the CFSC, that's short for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, and the license is called a PAL short for Possession and Acquisition License. It's generally pronounced "pal", like the word for a friend, not "Pee Eh Ell".

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The PAL is a pink card that looks similar to this:

Detailed steps to get your PAL (Canadian Firearms License)

1. Pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (CFSC). It's fun and easy, very few people have any trouble. There are no trick questions, or difficult concepts. There's more on this later.
2. Get the simple application form from from your instructor, or print out from the RCMP CFP website (details later.)
3. Fill out the application. It comes with really good instructions.
4. Mail in your application, photo (as described in the application's instructions,) and applicable fee. The fee is generally $60, but you may not have to pay one at all.
5. Wait a few weeks
6. Receive your license in the mail!
7. Go to a store and buy a firearm!
8. Go shooting!

What about handguns?

Yes, handguns are legal in Canada. If you want to own a handgun, or other "restricted" firearms in Canada you need to pass a second course called the CRFSC (the R is for Restricted,) and pay an extra $20 on the application to get a special PAL which allows you to buy restricted firearms. Generally it's called an RPAL, you can guess what the R in front is for.

If you can afford it, get the restricted license. Yes, it's going to cost a little bit more, but if you can afford it, it's well worth it. Especially if you want to target shoot, or collect guns, both of which are a lot of fun!

There is a section at the very end of this article on handguns, but don't worry about it until you get there, the rest of the information before then applies.

What's the safety course like?

The course is fun and easy, and is designed to be sufficient instruction for people who have no prior experience with firearms.

Most people simply take a one day class (usually a Saturday), that includes watching a video, listening to an instructor, going over a book, you know typical classroom sort of stuff. It's pretty low key, and most people have a lot of fun. It's usually costs around $75, though the price can certainly vary, particularly from province to nbsp province.

The course comes with a great book, it's an easy read with lots of pictures, and diagrams to help you learn the details. You can probably get a copy of the book at your local public library if you'd like to flip through it before taking the class, though you certainly don't need to.

Is the test hard?

At the end of the course there is a test based only on what is covered in the course. Don't worry, it's pretty easy. You'll have to answer some questions and demonstrate some basics of what you learned. The vast majority of people pass, just don't let the word "test" make you so nervous that you make mistakes.

Where can I take the class?

There are thousands of instructors who run the classes all over the country. In order to find a class near you select your province from the drop down box below and call the phone number provided.

Can I take the CFSC online?

Nope. You can't because there is a hands-on component involving the handling of firearms and ammunition, (but not at the same time.) Also the person testing you needs to verify your identity in person.

 NOTICE  There are websites out there selling practice tests and study material, don't mistake these for taking the course, or the test.

Will They Deny My Application?

Very few applications are denied. In 2011 there were 99,677 licenses issued, and only 519 refusals, about 0.5%

You don't need to be a resident or citizen of Canada to hold a Canadian firearms license.

There aren't many reasons your application might be denied. As you can imagine these center around the possibility that someone might be a danger to themselves, or others. Don't assume that anything would automatically disqualify you. Your application will be assessed in light of the details of your individual history and situation.

You can always call the RCMP CFP at +1 (800) 731-4000 and ask.

Where Do I Get The Application Form?

Your instructor will usually give you one, but you can get it online. It's called a CAFC 921E / RCMP 5592 and you can get it from the RCMP CFP website.

I recommend you print off a couple of copies, you'll want to make sure you send in one that's really neatly filled out so that messy writing doesn't delay your license while they have to try and call you to find out what something that might be hard to read says.

How much does a firearms license cost?

It's really not that expensive. It really only works out to a couple of bucks a month.

Generally speaking shooting is a pretty inexpensive hobby; and hunting can be an excellent source of inexpensive high quality meat.

Here is a rough guide to the costs; this is based on what I paid in Alberta, it is my understanding that the prices may vary from tester to tester, and province to province.

Approximately every five years you may have to pay the fee again to renew your license; however the fee may be waived for renewals.

Notes on handguns and registration

Licensing and registration are not the same thing. Even without a "long gun registry" restricted and prohibited firearms must still be registered. That means handguns, and even some kinds of long guns must still be registered.

You need a license to buy or own all firearms (that aren't exempt by some very limited special rules) even though you don't necessarily have to register them. Almost none of the firearms most people would want to own would be exempt from requiring a license anyways.

Registration is the relatively simple process that amounts to letting the RCMP CFP know who owns particular firearms. It happens automatically when you purchase an applicable firearm at a store. With a private sales the buyer and seller must call the RCMP CFP and initiate the transfer themselves. I find the calls tend to take about 10 minutes, they can any questions not covered in the CRFSC at that time too.

Please note that an RPAL does not allow you to carry a handgun in public, either concealed or visible. If you have questions about firearms for defence (or any questions for that matter) you can use the "Ask a Question" link above.

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For more information you may wish to contact the Canadian Firearms Program. Remember that there may be additional laws and regulations which affect you in addition to the federal laws and regulations.

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