Registration and verification of firearms

Individuals

You can only register a restricted firearm if you have a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) with restricted privileges and the firearm description and classification has been verified. You must have a valid registration certificate for each restricted or prohibited firearm you own.

• Any certificate issued under the former firearms legislation (prior to December 1, 1998) is no longer valid
• All registration certificates issued under the former legislation expired on December 31, 2002. Restricted firearms registered in the former system have to be re-registered under the Firearms Act to update the information

Before you can register a firearm, an approved verifier must verify the description and classification if any of the following apply:

• You are registering it for the first time
• You are transferring it to a new owner and it has not previously been verified
• It has been modified so that its description has changed
• The Registrar requests that it be verified to confirm the description or classification

Businesses

Businesses register the firearms in their possession for sale and then transfer firearms to an individual when purchased. Businesses can use Business Web Services to complete this process.

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.

Canadian sourced firearms

Restricted or prohibited firearms acquired from a Canadian source will be registered to the business during the transfer process.

New imports

To register newly imported restricted or prohibited firearms or firearms manufactured by the business, please submit an Application to Register Firearms for Businesses (including Museums) (RCMP 5489). This form can be downloaded or obtained by calling the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.

Previously registered firearms

A restricted firearm that has been registered before in Canada is already verified. It does not need to be verified again, unless the Registrar needs to confirm the description or classification, or the firearm has been modified.

Newly acquired firearms

A restricted firearm acquired from a Canadian source must be registered to you before you take possession. This is part of the transfer process and must take place anytime a restricted or prohibited firearm changes ownership.

In most cases, you can call the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) at 1-800-731-4000 and select the "transfer" option from the menu. Alternatively, you can use Application to Register Restricted and Prohibited Firearms Acquired by Transfer - Transfer Information Sheet (RCMP 5492). This is a two-part form that both the person acquiring the firearm and the current owner must complete.

National Verifiers Network

The CFP coordinates the National Verifiers Network. The network:

• authorizes new verifiers
• handles inquiries about becoming a verifier

You can apply to become a verifier online through the MyCFP portal or by mail using the form linked below. If you are a verifier who needs to report a change of address or phone number, contact the Firearms Verifier Network.

To become a verifier, or if you are a verifier who needs to report a change of address or phone number, contact the Firearms Verifier Network.

Telephone

1-800-731-4000 ext. 1052

Email

verifiersnetwork-reseauverificateurs@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Fax

1-877-699-4928

Mail

Firearms Verifier Network
CFP, Canadian Firearms Registry
Ottawa ON  K1A 0R2

Forms

• Firearm Verification (RCMP 5547), for verifiers, use this form to submit verification to the Registrar of Firearms.
• Application to Become a Verifier (RCMP 5654)