By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
Only if you are exempt. Since 21 October 2022, individuals in Canada cannot buy or receive transfers of handguns or bring newly acquired handguns into Canada, and an existing owner can sell or transfer a handgun only to an exempted individual or a business. The Firearms Act exempts two groups: holders of an Authorization to Carry for a handgun, and sport shooters who train, compete or coach in an Olympic or Paralympic handgun discipline.
What does the law say?
The freeze "came into force on October 21, 2022," according to Public Safety Canada, and Public Safety's committee notes state that "It has since been codified through former Bill C-21." The key provision is section 12.2 of the Firearms Act: "A registration certificate for a handgun must not be issued to an individual."
Under section 84(1) of the Criminal Code, a restricted firearm includes "a handgun that is not a prohibited firearm," so every handgun is restricted or prohibited. Section 91(1) of the Criminal Code requires "a registration certificate for it" to possess either class lawfully. With no new certificate available, an individual has no lawful way to take ownership of a handgun unless an exemption applies.
Who is exempt?
Section 97.1 of the Firearms Act states: "Sections 12.2 and 19.1 do not apply in respect of an individual who" either:
- "(a) holds an authorization to carry in respect of a handgun; or"
- "(b) meets the prescribed criteria and annually provides a letter to a chief firearms officer from a provincial or national sport shooting governing body" confirming they train, compete or coach in "a handgun shooting discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee," naming the disciplines and stating "that the handgun in question is necessary for training, competing or coaching in those disciplines."
Section 97.1 lists no other exemption. An Authorization to Transport, a club membership or a restricted PAL on its own does not qualify. Under sections 57 and 57.1 of the Firearms Act, the Chief Firearms Officer issues Authorizations to Carry for a lawful profession or occupation and the Commissioner of Firearms issues those for protection of life. Our Authorization to Carry guide covers who qualifies.
Can you sell or transfer a handgun you already own?
Yes, to a narrow group. Public Safety Canada states that individuals "can sell or transfer their registered handguns to exempted individuals or businesses." The RCMP Canadian Firearms Program lists five options for a current owner:
- "transferring them to an individual who meets one of the above exemptions;"
- "transferring them to a licenced business or museum;"
- "lawfully exporting them";
- "having them permanently and irreversibly deactivated; or,"
- "surrendering them to a chief firearms officer, a firearms officer, or a law enforcement officer" "for destruction without compensation."
A transfer to an exempted individual needs Chief Firearms Officer approval. The Chief Firearms Officer reviews it against the purposes in section 28 of the Firearms Act, the RCMP states that "The CFP must speak with both the transferor (seller) and the transferee (buyer)," and the handgun stays with the seller until the transfer is approved. Transfers are initiated by phone at 1-800-731-4000 or by mail on form RCMP 5492.
What happens to a handgun in an estate?
The RCMP states: "Handguns registered to a deceased individual may be disposed of by the same methods that are available to current owners." An executor can transfer the handgun to an exempted individual or to a licensed business or museum, lawfully export it, have it deactivated, or surrender it. A family member who is not exempt cannot have it registered to them.
Can you import a handgun?
Not as an individual, unless exempt. Public Safety Canada lists "bringing newly acquired handguns into Canada" as part of the freeze. Section 19.1 of the Firearms Act states that "an individual must not be authorized to transport a handgun from a port of entry unless the individual holds a registration certificate in respect of the handgun." Businesses are treated differently: "Authorized retailers can continue to import and sell handguns to other businesses," according to Public Safety Canada.
Can you still use the handguns you own?
Yes. Public Safety Canada states: "Individuals can continue to possess and use their registered handguns." Restricted firearms other than handguns can still be transferred to individuals with Chief Firearms Officer approval for the purposes in section 28. Our page on what you can still do under the handgun freeze covers range use, the RPAL path and the Supreme Court case in depth.
The restricted PAL course (CRFSC) is still required for any restricted firearm, and for anyone who later qualifies for an exemption. Silvercore teaches the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the CRFSC as one combined course over two consecutive days or three consecutive evenings for $270 plus tax. Book the combined PAL course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a handgun if I have an RPAL?
Not unless you are exempt. Section 12.2 of the Firearms Act bars issuing a handgun registration certificate to an individual, and section 97.1 lifts that bar only for holders of an Authorization to Carry for a handgun and for Olympic or Paralympic handgun shooters who provide an annual letter from a sport shooting governing body.
Can I inherit a handgun?
Only if you are exempt. The RCMP states that handguns registered to a deceased individual may be disposed of by the same methods available to current owners: transfer to an exempted individual, transfer to a licensed business or museum, lawful export, permanent deactivation, or surrender for destruction without compensation.
Does an Authorization to Transport exempt me from the handgun freeze?
No. Section 97.1 of the Firearms Act exempts holders of an Authorization to Carry in respect of a handgun. An Authorization to Transport is a different document and is not listed.
Can I bring a handgun back from the United States?
Not if it is newly acquired and you are not exempt. Section 19.1 of the Firearms Act bars authorizing an individual to transport a handgun from a port of entry unless the individual holds a registration certificate for it, and section 12.2 bars issuing that certificate to an individual.
Can I still shoot the handguns I already own?
Yes. Public Safety Canada states that individuals can continue to possess and use their registered handguns.
