Renewing Your Firearms Licence

You are required by law to have a valid firearms licence if you possess firearms or if you handle them in the course of your work. You also need a valid licence to be able to obtain more firearms or ammunition.

Don’t forget to renew your licence before it expires - It’s your responsibility. An amnesty may protect you from penalties under the Criminal Code for possessing a non-restricted rifle or shotgun without a valid licence until May 17, 2007, if your licence has expired. However, avoid the possible complications and consequences of not renewing on time.

The Canada Firearms Centre is making every effort to help you renew your licence:

• We will send you a renewal notice and a partially completed renewal application form approximately 90 days before the expiry date of your current licence:
• You need to complete and return your renewal application to us promptly, to ensure that you get your new licence before your current licence expires. We need at least three weeks to process an application and issue a new licence.
• It is important to notify us if your address changes to ensure that you get your renewal notice and other important information. You can do this online or by calling us at 1 800 731-4000.
• If your licence is about to expire but you have not received a renewal application form, you can download form CAFC 979 from our Website or obtain it by calling 1 800 731-4000.

Here are some of the advantages of renewing your licence before it expires.

• You can renew a Possession-Only Licence (POL). (A POL is only available as a renewal of an existing licence. If you do not renew your POL on time, you will have to get a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), including meeting safety training, if you still want to own or use firearms.)
• You can use the streamlined renewal application form instead of the longer form for individuals who do not have a licence or whose licence has expired.
• You can avoid the risk of having your registration certificates revoked and losing your grandfathered privileges for any prohibited firearms you may possess.
• You can avoid the risk of penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Fees

The fee to renew a POL or PAL has been waived until May 17, 2008.

Need more information?

For more information, contact us by one of the following methods:

telephone: 1 800 731-4000 (Toll Free)

web site: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca

e-mail: cfc-cafc@cfc-cafc.gc.ca

This fact sheet is intended to provide general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Firearms Act and its regulations.

Le présent feuillet d’information est également disponible en français.

A Snapshot Look at Licences for Individuals 18 and Older

May 2006