Are Guns Legal In Canada? 2026 Licensing, Classifications & What You Can Actually Own
Yes, guns are legal in Canada, but civilian firearm ownership requires strict licensing, registration, and compliance with federal and provincial regulations. As of January 2026, over 2,500 assault-style firearms are prohibited, a national handgun freeze prevents new acquisitions, and an amnesty deadline of October 30, 2026, requires owners of certain prohibited firearms to comply with the law or face criminal liability.
Why Understanding Canadian Gun Laws Matters To You
This affects you if you’re considering firearm ownership for hunting, sport shooting, or collection purposes in Canada. Whether you’re a Canadian resident exploring legal gun ownership, an American comparing regulations, or someone who inherited firearms, understanding Canada’s three-tier classification system and licensing requirements could save you from criminal charges.
Canadian gun laws in Canada are significantly stricter than U.S. regulations but don’t constitute a complete ban. Licensed civilians can legally own non-restricted rifles and shotguns, and under certain conditions, restricted firearms like handguns. The key is knowing which category your firearm falls into and what license you need.
What You Came To Know: The Complete Legal Framework
The Short Answer: Yes, But With Mandatory Licensing
Firearms ownership in Canada is legal for civilians who obtain the appropriate federal license issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The Firearms Act and Part III of the Criminal Code regulate all aspects of gun ownership, from acquisition to storage to use.
Unlike constitutional gun rights in the United States, Canadian law treats firearm ownership as a privilege requiring demonstrated safety knowledge and background clearance. You cannot purchase, possess, or use any firearm without a valid license.
The Three-Tier Firearms Classification System
Canadian law categorizes firearms into three distinct classes, each with different legal requirements:
Non-Restricted Firearms include most hunting rifles and shotguns that meet minimum barrel and overall length requirements. These require a basic Possession and Acquisition License (PAL). Non-restricted firearms do not require registration but must be stored and transported according to federal and provincial regulations.
Restricted Firearms include handguns with barrel lengths over 105mm and certain semi-automatic rifles. These require a Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (RPAL), mandatory registration with the Canadian Firearms Registry, and specific authorization to transport. Hunting with restricted firearms is prohibited in Canada.
Prohibited Firearms include fully automatic weapons, sawed-off rifles and shotguns, handguns with barrel lengths of 105mm or less, and over 2,500 specific makes and models banned since May 2020. Most civilians cannot legally acquire prohibited firearms unless they were “grandfathered” under Section 12 of the Firearms Act by owning and registering them before specific prohibition dates.
PAL And RPAL: The Two Core Licenses You Need
The Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) is the basic license required for all firearms ownership in Canada. To obtain a PAL, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (minors can obtain a Minor’s License under supervision)
- Complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC)
- Pass a written and practical exam
- Undergo an RCMP background check including criminal record, mental health history, and domestic violence incidents
- Provide two references
- Wait through a mandatory 28-day waiting period for first-time applicants
The Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (RPAL) allows ownership of restricted firearms, primarily handguns and certain semi-automatic rifles. RPAL requirements include everything for a PAL plus completion of the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) and demonstration of a legitimate reason for restricted firearm ownership, such as gun club membership or professional authorization.
Provincial Storage, Transport And Use Regulations
While gun laws in Canada are federally regulated, provinces enforce specific storage, transportation, and hunting regulations. All firearms must be unloaded during transport and stored in locked containers or equipped with trigger locks when not in use.
Restricted firearms require an Authorization to Transport (ATT) for any movement between locations. As of December 2023, ATTs are automatically attached to RPAL licenses for transport to and from approved shooting ranges, gunsmiths, gun shows, and border crossings. However, you cannot transport restricted firearms to hunting locations or informal shooting areas.
Provinces also regulate hunting seasons, permitted hunting firearms, and discharge restrictions within municipal boundaries. For example, Ontario prohibits discharge of firearms within 400 feet of occupied dwellings, while Alberta’s regulations vary by municipality.
Who Cannot Own Firearms In Canada
Canadian firearms regulations in Canada prohibit gun ownership for individuals who:
- Have been convicted of violent offenses, weapons offenses, or certain drug crimes
- Are subject to restraining orders or protection orders related to domestic violence
- Have a history of mental health issues involving violence or self-harm
- Are under prohibition orders issued by courts
- Have been dishonorably discharged from the Canadian Armed Forces
As of December 2023, Bill C-21 expanded license revocation and ineligibility provisions to address domestic violence and self-harm risks. Courts can now issue emergency prohibition orders and emergency limitations on access orders (known as “red flag” laws) to remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.
What You Must Know: Critical 2025-2026 Changes
The National Handgun Freeze: What Changed December 2023
Bill C-21, which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023, codified a national handgun freeze into law. Since then, individuals can no longer acquire handguns in Canada except in specific exempt cases:
- Individuals with an Authorization to Carry for lawful profession or occupation
- Olympic or Paralympic handgun athletes who train, compete, or coach
- Law enforcement and defense personnel
If you already owned handguns before the freeze, you can continue to possess and use them for target shooting and collection purposes. However, you cannot sell or transfer them to other individuals. You can only transfer handguns to licensed businesses, museums, exempted individuals, or export them legally.
The Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program Opens January 2026
On January 17, 2026, Public Safety Canada opened the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program for individual firearm owners. The program provides compensation for owners who turn in prohibited assault-style firearms banned since May 2020.
Approved participants receive $400-$700 per firearm for fully assembled weapons or a flat rate of $550 for lower receivers. Participation is voluntary, but compliance with the law is not. Owners must dispose of or permanently deactivate prohibited firearms before the amnesty period ends on October 30, 2026, or face criminal liability for illegal possession.
March 2025 Prohibition: Over 300 Additional Firearms Banned
On March 7, 2025, regulations prohibited over 300 additional unique makes and models of firearms. Previously non-restricted firearms became prohibited overnight, creating confusion for thousands of owners.
An Amnesty Order protects owners who legally possessed these newly prohibited firearms on March 7, 2025, from criminal liability until October 30, 2026. During this period, affected firearms cannot be used (except by Indigenous persons exercising treaty rights to hunt and those who hunt or trap for sustenance), sold, imported, or transferred to individuals.
Similar to What Guns Are Legal In Australia, Canada continues to tighten civilian access to semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity weapons through expanding prohibition lists.
What To Do Next: Taking Legal Action
How To Apply For Your PAL License
Visit the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program website at rcmp.ca/en/firearms to access application forms and course listings. Register for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) through a certified instructor in your province.
Complete the two-day course covering firearm safety, operation, storage, and legal responsibilities. Pass both the written exam and hands-on practical test. Submit your completed application form, course completion certificate, references, and applicable fees (approximately $60 for a five-year PAL).
Wait through the mandatory 28-day background check period for first-time applicants. Renewals do not require repeating the safety course but must be submitted before your current license expires.
If You Want To Own Restricted Firearms (RPAL)
Apply for your RPAL simultaneously with your PAL by completing the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC). Demonstrate a valid reason for restricted firearm ownership, typically membership in an approved shooting club.
Join a shooting range or gun club affiliated with the Canadian Shooting Sports Association or provincial shooting sports organizations. Maintain active membership throughout your RPAL validity period, as lapsed membership can result in license revocation.
Budget for higher costs: RPAL applications cost approximately $80 for five years, plus annual shooting club fees ranging from $200-$500 depending on the facility.
Where To Find Official Resources And Legal Help
Contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 for licensing questions and firearm classification inquiries. Visit provincial Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) websites for province-specific storage, transportation, and registration requirements.
If you face criminal charges related to firearms, consult a criminal defense attorney immediately. Much like the legal principles discussed in Stand Your Ground Law Texas, Canadian self-defense laws are highly restrictive and require legal expertise to navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Own A Handgun In Canada In 2026?
You can continue to own handguns you legally acquired before the national handgun freeze took effect in October 2022. However, you cannot purchase or acquire new handguns unless you qualify for specific exemptions: Olympic/Paralympic athletes, individuals with Authorization to Carry for lawful profession, or law enforcement personnel.
What Guns Are Completely Banned In Canada?
Prohibited firearms include fully automatic weapons, sawed-off rifles and shotguns, handguns with barrel lengths of 105mm or less, firearms capable of discharging projectiles with muzzle energy exceeding 10,000 joules, and over 2,500 assault-style firearms banned by name including AR-15 variants, AK-47 variants, and other semi-automatic centerfire rifles.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Gun License In Canada?
First-time PAL applicants typically wait 4-8 weeks after submitting their application. The mandatory 28-day waiting period applies to all first-time applicants to allow for thorough background checks. RPAL applications may take 8-12 weeks due to additional verification requirements for restricted firearm licenses.
Can I Bring A Gun From The US Into Canada?
You can import non-restricted firearms into Canada if you hold a valid PAL and obtain an import permit from Global Affairs Canada before crossing the border. Handguns and restricted firearms require RPAL, registration, and Authorization to Import. Many firearms legal in the U.S. are prohibited in Canada, including AR-15s and most semi-automatic rifles.
Do I Need A License To Own A Rifle In Canada?
Yes. All firearms in Canada require a valid PAL at minimum. Even antique firearms manufactured before 1898 have specific classification rules. There are no exemptions for “sporting rifles” or “hunting rifles”—every firearm requires proper licensing.
What Happens If I Miss The October 2026 Amnesty Deadline?
After October 30, 2026, possession of prohibited firearms without proper authorization becomes a criminal offense. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and permanent prohibition from firearms ownership. If you own firearms prohibited in May 2020 or March 2025, you must participate in the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, permanently deactivate them, or transfer them to licensed businesses before the deadline.
Can I Use A Gun For Self-Defense In Canada?
Canadian law permits the use of force, including firearms, in self-defense only when your life is in imminent danger and the force used is reasonable and proportional. Carrying firearms for self-defense purposes is not legal. You cannot obtain a license on the basis of self-protection, and concealed carry is prohibited except for specifically authorized professions like armored car guards.
💡 Pro Tip
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your PAL. The RCMP processes thousands of applications, and processing times can extend to 12 weeks during peak periods. Start your Canadian Firearms Safety Course 3-4 months before you plan to purchase your first firearm to avoid delays.
Disclaimer: This article about gun laws in Canada is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Gun laws in Canada vary significantly by province and are subject to change through federal regulations and provincial enforcement. Canadian firearms regulations continue evolving, with the most recent changes effective March 2025 and January 2026. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide legal services, licensing assistance, or consultations. If you have specific questions about your situation or Canadian firearms regulations, consult a qualified attorney licensed in your province or contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program directly at 1-800-731-4000.
Next Steps: Visit rcmp.ca/en/firearms to verify current regulations, find certified firearms safety courses in your province, and download PAL/RPAL application forms. For international comparisons, explore Wisconsin Firearm Laws And Minor Possession Exceptions to understand how Canadian regulations differ from U.S. state laws.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Last Updated: January 11, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal developments
This article provides general information about Canadian gun laws and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney or contact the RCMP Firearms Program for specific legal guidance.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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