For the full PAL walkthrough, see our Canada firearms licence guide.
Quick Answer:Gun registration in Canada works differently depending on whether you own a non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited firearm. Restricted and prohibited firearms require a registration certificate. Non-restricted rifles and shotguns do not have a central registration requirement, but since May 2022 every private transfer must go through a Reference Number system that verifies the buyer’s PAL status before the transfer can proceed.
PAL timelines usually stretch when CFSC proof, references, or CFO follow-up are incomplete — not because of the 28-day waiting period alone. Submit a complete application and answer CFO requests promptly.
Non-Restricted Firearms: No Registration Certificate, But Tracked Transfers
When the Long-Gun Registry was abolished in 2012, registration certificates for non-restricted rifles and shotguns were cancelled. However, all private transfers of non-restricted firearms now require a Reference Number obtained through the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program. The seller requests a Reference Number online or by phone, the RCMP verifies the buyer’s PAL, and only then can the transfer proceed legally. This system replaced registration as a transfer control mechanism for non-restricted firearms.
Restricted Firearms: Registration Certificate Required
Handguns and certain semi-automatic rifles classified as restricted require a valid registration certificate. The registration certificate is linked to the specific firearm by serial number and to the licence holder. When you acquire a restricted firearm, the seller must transfer the registration certificate to your name through the Canadian Firearms Program before you can take possession.
You must have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) that covers restricted firearms to legally hold a registration certificate. If your PAL expires, your registration certificates are at risk of revocation after a six-month grace period. See the PAL renewal guide for how to avoid a lapse.
Who Administers Registration?
The RCMP Canadian Firearms Program handles registration nationally. For provincial-level questions — including authorizations to transport restricted firearms, address changes, and business licences — contact the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) for your province or territory. The CFO is the administrative authority for all licence-related issues within their jurisdiction.
Prohibited Firearms and the Compensation Program
Certain firearms were reclassified as prohibited by the May 2020 Order in Council. Owners of these firearms were required to declare them through the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) by March 31, 2026. All prohibited firearms must be disposed of. Owners who declared are awaiting compensation processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do non-restricted rifles need to be registered in Canada? No registration certificate is required for non-restricted firearms, but all private transfers must go through the RCMP Reference Number system.
What happens if my PAL expires and I have registered restricted firearms? After a six-month grace period, your registration certificates may be revoked. Renew your PAL before it expires. See the PAL renewal guide.
Who do I contact about transferring a restricted firearm? Contact the Chief Firearms Officer for your province, or the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.
Is there a Canadian firearms safety course required to own a gun? Yes. To obtain a PAL, you must complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) for non-restricted firearms, and the CRFSC for restricted firearms.
This article reflects current Canadian firearms law and RCMP Canadian Firearms Program guidance based on official government sources. Licensing and authorization decisions are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Chief Firearms Officer or the RCMP.
When the Long-Gun Registry was abolished in 2012, registration certificates for non-restricted rifles and shotguns were cancelled.
Handguns and certain semi-automatic rifles classified as restricted require a valid registration certificate.
The RCMP Canadian Firearms Program handles registration nationally.
Certain firearms were reclassified as prohibited by the May 2020 Order in Council.
Sources:
Canadian Firearms Program | RCMP
Disclaimer: This article is for general guidance only. Firearms rules, prohibited models, and program requirements change. Confirm current requirements with the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program or your provincial Chief Firearms Officer before applying or transferring firearms.
