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Part of Firearms services

Firearms safety

Firearms safety tips and advice to help keep Alberta’s communities safe and secure.

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Firearms services

Recent changes

  • Federal announcement on additional firearms prohibitions – March 7, 2025

    On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada by Order in Council (OIC) reclassified 179 additional makes and models of firearms as prohibited. The list of newly prohibited firearms is available on the Canada Gazette (Part II, Volume 159, Number 7) and took effect on March 7, 2025. A new amnesty order for the 179 firearms prohibited on March 7 will remain in place until March 1, 2026. 

    This new amnesty order is separate from the existing amnesty orders for firearms prohibited via OIC under the May 2020 ban (1,500 makes/models) and the December 5, 2024 ban (324 makes/models), with both expiring on October 30, 2025. The amnesty orders have been put in place to prevent law-abiding firearms owners from falling into non-compliance while the federal government establishes its programs to compensate businesses and individuals for disposing of, or deactivation their prohibited firearms.

    Prohibition dateNumber of firearms bannedAmnesty period expiration
    May 20201500+October 30, 2025
    December 5, 2024324October 30, 2025
    March 7, 2025179March 1, 2026

    These firearms may no longer be used and must be securely stored according to their previous classification. “Use” would normally include any of the following activities:

    • loading ammunition into a firearm
    • discharging ammunition from a firearm
    • carry a firearm for the purpose of being able to potentially discharge it and
    • transporting a firearm for the purpose of discharging it (for example: to an approved range or to any hunting location)
    • OIC-prohibited firearms may continue to be used by Indigenous persons exercising Aboriginal or treaty hunting rights until a new firearm can be obtained or the applicable amnesty order expires. This exception only applies to firearms previously classified as non-restricted.

    “Use” would not normally include:

    • cleaning a firearm
    • transporting a firearm for the purpose of changing residence or place of storage
    • exporting a firearm, or transporting it for the purpose of exporting it (Note: OIC-prohibited firearms cannot be transferred to a business)
    • transporting a firearm to and from a gunsmith
    • transporting a firearm for the purpose of returning it to its owner, if the OIC-prohibited firearm was owned by a different person as of the day of the firearm being classified as prohibited, March 7, 2025
    • destroying or deactivating a firearm, or transporting it for the purpose of having it destroyed or deactivated

    Key information for individuals who own OIC-prohibited firearms:

    • To be protected from non-compliance with the Criminal Code by the amnesty order(s), owners of firearms prohibited by OIC must continue to hold a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) with the appropriate privileges.
    • If a PAL expires (beyond the 6-month grace period), owners of OIC-prohibited firearms would no longer be protected by the amnesty orders and would not be able to legally possess firearms of any classification until their licence was renewed.
      • Registration certificates for any restricted or prohibited firearms would be revoked.
      • OIC-prohibited firearms cannot be used, imported, or transferred except for a narrow set of exceptions as set out in the amnesty orders.
      • Participation in the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program is contingent on the prohibited firearm owner being continuously licensed.

  • Temporary Firearms Use Restriction: TransAlta Road/Ghost River – August 29, 2024

    There is a temporary target shooting ban in southern edge of Ghost Public Land Use Zone, located near Cochrane and Banff, effective August 29, 2024, until further notice.

    Due to recent concerns of unsafe use of firearms, Alberta Forestry and Parks has implemented a temporary ban on target shooting on the southern edge of the Ghost Public Land Use Zone under the authority of the Public Lands Administration Regulation. Target shooting is not permitted in the closure area along TransAlta Road to increase safety for campers and commercial users in the area.

    Conservation Officers, government staff and RCMP will be patrolling the area to provide guidance, education, and enforce the closure. Information kiosks along TransAlta Road and signage will also be in place to remind everyone about this change.

    During the temporary ban, recreational shooting will still be allowed in other areas of the Ghost Public Land Use Zone.

    Failure to follow safe firearms practices is illegal and should be reported to the RCMP or 310-LAND.

    Hunting with a license, as defined by the Wildlife Act, remains permitted in the target shooting restriction area.

    More information:

    Contact Alberta Forestry and Parks:
    Phone: 780-310-LAND (5263)
    Map of the affected area
    Ghost Public Land Use Zone

  • Impact of (former federal Bill) C-21 on Alberta's Firearms Businesses - August 1, 2024

    This fact sheet, Impact of (former federal Bill) C-21 on Alberta’s Firearms Businesses  updated on August 1, 2024 explains the changes resulting from Bill C-21 that are of greatest relevance to firearms businesses and their clientele. Highlighted in the fact sheet are the recent Order in Councils coming into effect on September 1, 2024.

    Starting on September 1, 2024, individuals must have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) to :

    • be transferred “firearm parts” (i.e., barrels and slides) by a business or individual and
    • import “firearm parts” (i.e., barrels and slides), ammunition, and cartridge magazines

    Individuals are impacted by both changes, while businesses are impacted by only the former change (regarding firearm parts transfer).

    The federal government’s “firearm parts” definition includes firearm barrels and handgun slides, and any other prescribed part. Other parts may become firearm parts if so, prescribed by the Government of Canada.

Overview

Firearms safety is paramount. An important function of the Alberta Chief Firearms Office is to provide information and advice to Albertans on how to keep their firearms safe. Taking safety measures will help keep Alberta’s communities secure.

Enhance your firearms safety knowledge 

Storing safety

Safety begins at home. Store your firearms safely to prevent accidents and avoid them being lost or stolen.

Always unload and lock your firearms. They can be locked up separately or with other firearms in the same container.

For non-restricted firearms:

  • attach a secure lock, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, or remove the bolt
  • lock the firearms in a cabinet, container or safe room

For restricted and prohibited firearms:

  • attach a secure lock so they cannot be fired and lock them in a cabinet, container or safe room
  • lock the firearms in a vault, safe or room that was built to store firearms safely

Video: ACFO Firearms Safety - Storage

Displaying safety

When displaying your firearms:

  • unload and lock them
  • do not display them with or near ammunition
  • attach them to secure locks

Some rules may be different for firearms displayed away from home – for example, at a gun show.

Video: ACFO Firearms Safety - display

Transporting safety – ATT

Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded during transportation.

For restricted and prohibited firearms:

  • unload them
  • attach secure locks
  • lock them in a strong, non-transparent container
  • obtain an Authorization to Transport

If you must leave any class of firearm in an unattended vehicle:

  • lock them in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment
  • put secured firearms and firearm containers out of sight and lock the vehicle

Authorization to Transport (ATT)

  • You do not need an Authorization to Transport (ATT) for: non-restricted firearms that you transport yourself
  • any firearms that a licensed Alberta carrier ships on your behalf

You need an ATT whenever you wish to transport restricted or prohibited firearms anywhere other than to:

  • an approved shooting club or shooting range within your province of residence
  • pick up newly acquired firearms from the seller’s place that is within your province of residence

You cannot get an Authorization to Transport (ATT) if:

  • you are applying to transport prohibited firearms for which you do not hold the appropriate grandfathering privilege
  • your licence has expired or is not valid
  • you hold a possession licence for minors

To apply for an ATT:

  1. Ensure you have the following information prepared:
    • The exact dates and times during which you intend to transport the firearm(s) you are applying to transport.
    • The registration certificate number(s) of any firearms you are borrowing that will be included in this application, as well as the firearm licence number of the individual or business to whom they are registered.
    • The reason you are transporting the firearm(s).
  2. Apply online
    • Login to Individual Web Services to begin your ATT application.
    • Ensure you have updated your email address and your place of birth is correct. 

Get more information about mailing firearms

Video: ACFO Firearms Safety - Transportation

Authorization to carry

In general, the only firearms allowed for wilderness protection are non-restricted rifles and shotguns.

However, Canadian residents may be authorized to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for wilderness protection or for lawful occupational purposes if they:

  • are licensed to possess restricted firearms
  • are a licensed professional trapper
  • need protection from wild animals in their job

To apply for an Authorization to Carry (ATC), complete and submit an ATC form.

Sport shooting safely

Contact the Alberta Chief Firearms Office to find out if the place where you will be target shooting is approved under federal regulations.

Hunting safety

Alberta's hunting community plays a vital role in wildlife management in the province.

It is important that hunters continue a tradition of responsible and safe hunting practices by keeping well informed about current hunting regulations and requirements.

Get more information about hunting responsibly and regulations.

Find out how to get a hunting licence on My Wild Alberta.

Video: ACFO Firearms Safety - humane hunting 

Firearms safety training and instructors

For information about the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and where to find a certified instructor, see Firearms safety training and instructors.

Borrowing safety

Adults and minors do not need a licence to borrow a firearm in Alberta, but must be under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed adult.

Non-residents need to complete a Temporary Borrowing Licence form. This form must be submitted and approved ahead of time by Alberta’s Chief Firearms Officer.

Learn more about non-resident requirements.

Buying and selling safety

In Canada, a firearm may only be transferred to:

  • adults (18 or older) with a valid licence
  • businesses, museums, or other organizations with a valid licence
  • public service agencies, such as a police services, police academies or certain government departments

Learn more about the buying and selling process.

Restricted firearms sales and transfers

To initiate a restricted firearms transfer:

  1. Download and complete the application form RCMP 5492.
  2. Submit the form by regular mail, or email it to [email protected].

Inheriting firearms safely

Inheritors

To inherit a firearm you must:

  • be 18 years of age
  • hold a valid licence

Executors

Provide the following documents to the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) so that you can act as an executor:

  • a completed Act on Behalf of an Estate form
  • confirmation that the registered owner is deceased by providing one of the following:
    • the death certificate
    • letters of probate
    • a document (on letterhead) from a police department or coroner

Within a reasonable length of time, you must:

  • ensure the firearms are transferred and registered to a properly licensed individual or business, or
  • dispose of the firearms in a safe and lawful manner

Until then, you must ensure that the firearms are safely stored.

The Alberta Chief Firearms Office will assist you if a valid firearms licence and/or registration certificate do not exist at the time of death.

Resources

For requests related to transfers, authorizations to transport or carry, and license verifications, please contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.

Contact

To reduce delays, ensure you include your PAL number or application number, full name and date of birth when you contact us.

Connect with the Alberta Chief Firearms Office:

Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-401-4140
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Alberta Chief Firearms Office
PO Box 458, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 2K1

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