Table of contents

Be advised that as per the ‘caretaker convention,’ the Alberta Chief Firearms Office (ACFO) will not be physically attending gun shows until the new government is sworn in. While ACFO staff and CFO Bryant will not be physically attending any gun shows, staff will be available to offer a limited operational service to support the legal transaction of firearms by confirming Possession and Acquisition Licences by telephone.

All other operational questions should be directed to [email protected].  

  • 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. Specific details pertaining to handgun regulations can be found at the RCMP website – Recent changes in handgun regulations.

    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

A registration certificate identifies a firearm and links the firearm to its owner. You need a registration certificate for restricted and prohibited firearms. Processing registration certificates remains a federal Canadian Firearms Program responsibility.

Individuals

You can only register a firearm if you have a valid licence and the firearm is verified.

You must have a valid registration certificate for each restricted or prohibited firearm you own.

Step 1. Verify your firearm

Verification confirms the identification and class of a firearm. Find out if your firearm needs to be verified.

Become a verifier

To become an approved verifier, complete and submit the federal Become a Verifier form.

Step 2. Complete and submit the form

Download and complete the Application to Register Firearms (for Individuals) form

Businesses

Businesses register firearms for sale and then transfer the registration to the buyer.

All restricted or prohibited firearms in a business's inventory, including frames and receivers that have not yet been assembled as complete firearms, need to be registered.

To register a firearm, complete and submit the Application to Register Firearms for Businesses (including Museums) form.

Replace a certificate

Submit a Replacement Request form to replace a lost, stolen or damaged registration certificate.

Fees

Find out more about Canada's firearms service fees.

Contact

There has been an unprecedented influx of calls to the Canadian Firearms Program and emails to the Alberta Chief Firearms Office regarding firearms sales and transfers.

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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