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Firearms services

Get or renew a firearms licence, register a firearm and learn about firearms safety.

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Firearms services

  • Federal Amnesty Order – October 11, 2023

    On May 1, 2020, the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Justice and Public Safety announced an immediate prohibition on approximately 1,500 models of assault-style firearms and specific prohibited devices. This was accomplished through changes to the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited, Restricted or Non-Restricted.

    Also, at that time, the Government of Canada enacted an accompanying 2-year Amnesty Order to protect individuals who were in possession of these firearms and devices at the time that these changes came into force from criminal liability for unlawful possession, while they took reasonable steps to come into compliance with the law (for example, export the firearm or deliver it to a police officer).

    On October 11, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it will extend the Amnesty Order until October 30, 2025. 
     

  • Federal buyback program clarification – December 15, 2022

    The ACFO has received a large number of questions around the recent announcement, on December 15, 2022, pertaining to the federal buy back program. Please note the following:

    It is not legal to use the 2020 OIC prohibited firearms – nor has it been – since May 1, 2020. The protocol relates to being in possession of prohibited firearms after the Amnesty expires on October 30, 2023.

  • Firearms sales and transfers – October 21, 2022

    As of October 21, 2022, individuals and businesses will no longer be able to submit applications to transfer handguns through the Program’s Contact Centre or Business Web Services (BWS), when the buyer is an individual, unless the buyer belongs to one of the identified exempt groups. The Canadian Firearms Program continues to provide firearms owners with the information they need through the RCMP website.

    This regulatory provision does not apply in respect of any application for the transfer of a handgun that was submitted before the entry into force of this regulatory amendment”, for example, that was submitted by midnight on the day before the new regulations entered into force which was October 21, 2022.

    For further comments, concerns or questions regarding the new policy, please contact Public Safety Canada:

Overview

Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office supports a wide range of firearms services, including:

  • licences for individuals
  • licences for businesses, museums and other organizations
  • firearms registration
  • shooting range approvals
  • overseeing firearms safety courses

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Licences and safety

Get a firearms licence
How to get a firearms licence if you are an individual, non-resident, minor, collector, or sport shooter.
Firearms safety
Firearms safety tips and advice to help keep Alberta’s communities safe and secure.

Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office

Alberta administers the federal Canadian Firearms Program to:

  • oversee firearms licences and registration
  • maintain provincial firearms safety training standards
  • assist and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to help enhance public safety
  • inform Albertans about firearms safety
  • advocate for law-abiding firearms owners

Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office collaborates with partners to:

  • reduce smuggling and straw purchasing
  • crack down on firearms theft
  • protect Albertans’ property rights

Learn more about Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office

Contact

To reduce delays, ensure you include your PAL number or application number, full name and date of birth when you email [email protected].

Connect with Alberta’s Chief Firearms Office:

Email: [email protected]

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

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