In order to legally operate and own a gun in Canada, you will need to apply for a firearms license. The class of your license depends on the type of gun you intend to own and operate. To get your firearms license, you will have to go through a process that involves filling out an application form and undergoing a series of background checks. There are different types of licenses depending on the type of firearm. Each license has its own set of requirements based on the individual applicant’s history, age, or location. You can find more information about these licenses below. Read on to learn more about how you can obtain a Class 3 Firearms License in Alberta as well as what other restrictions may apply if you are not eligible.
How To Get A Class 3 Firearms License
1. Class 3 Firearms License
The Class 3 Firearms License is available for handguns and rifles, including a few other types of firearms. It is also the most common type of license you will be eligible to get in Alberta. You can get a Class 3 Firearms License if you are at least 18 years old and have not been convicted of certain crimes or committed certain acts. You will also need to pass all the tests that are required for your license.
2. Restricted Firearm License (Rfl)
The RFL is available for handguns and rifles with an overall length of less than 660 mm (26 inches). The RFL is only available to individuals who have not been convicted of certain crimes or committed certain acts. The RFL does not require any background checks or tests in order to obtain it, therefore you do not need to be eligible for a Class 3 Firearms License in order to obtain one. However, there are restrictions on who can own one as well as what types of guns you can own.
3. Non-Restricted Firearm License (Nrfl)
The NRFL is only available for rifles with an overall length of 660mm or greater (26 inches or longer). The NRFL requires a background check and a test that is similar to the tests required for the Class 3 Firearms License. You will also be required to prove that you are eligible to own a firearm before you can get your license. The NRFL is not available to individuals who have committed certain crimes or have been convicted of certain acts.
4. Restricted Firearm License (Rfl) And Non-Restricted Firearm License (Nrfl)
The RFL and NRFL are available for rifles with an overall length of less than 660 mm (26 inches). These licenses require a background check, but otherwise, they are similar to the Class 3 Firearms License in terms of requirements and restrictions. You will also need to prove that you are eligible to own a firearm before you can get your license.
5. Restricted Firearm License (Rfl) And Restricted Non-Restricted Firearm License (Nrfl)
The RFL and NRFL are available for rifles with an overall length of less than 660 mm (26 inches). These licenses require a background check and a test that is similar to the tests required for the Class 3 Firearms License. You will also need to prove that you are eligible to own a firearm before you can get your license.
6. Restricted Firearm License (Rfl) And Non-Restricted Firearm License (Nrfl)
The RFL and NRFL are available for rifles with an overall length of less than 660 mm (26 inches). These licenses require a background check, but otherwise, they are similar to the Class 3 Firearms License in terms of requirements and restrictions. You will also need to prove that you are eligible to own a firearm before you can get your license.
Requirements To Get A Class 3 Firearms License
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must not have been convicted of a criminal offense that is related to firearms
- You must not have served a sentence for a felony conviction or an offense involving violence against you or another person
- You cannot be under any form of court-ordered supervision by the police, such as probation or parole unless you were granted permission to own and use firearms by the court and the conditions of your release allow you to do so
- You cannot be convicted for any illegal act (such as drug possession) that is related to guns unless you were granted permission to own and use firearms by the court and the conditions of your release allow you to do so (see #4)
- If you have ever been convicted for any crime that is related to alcohol or drugs, then this will also be considered when determining whether or not you are eligible for a firearms license in Alberta. If this is the case, you will have to submit a copy of your conviction certificate to the licensing office
- You cannot be under any type of restraint from accessing firearms or ammunition by a legal authority (such as a judge) unless this is related to your criminal record and you have a valid license.
How To Apply For A Class 3 Firearms License
- First, you will have to make an appointment with the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP). Once you have made your appointment, you will be required to fill out a firearms application form. You will also need to provide all the necessary documentation for the background checks.
- After completing your application, you can submit it to the CFP in person or via mail. You should allow at least four weeks for processing and approval of your application before submitting it.
- Once approved by CFP, you will be required to take a safety course approved by Alberta Justice, which is available online through Alberta Justice’s website or through one of the approved instructors in the province. You can find more information on this course here. The course is designed to teach you how to safely operate and store firearms in a safe manner.
Renewing Your Class 3 Firearms License
- To renew your Class 3 Firearms License, you must first fill out an application form and get it approved by the Alberta government. You can find more information about the process of getting a Class 3 Firearms License and submitting your application on the Alberta government’s website.
- Once the application is approved, you will be required to go through a background check. If you have any outstanding charges or convictions on your record, this will have to be cleared up before you can apply for renewal of your license. The process of clearing up outstanding charges or convictions varies depending on the type of firearm license you are applying for, so it is important that you take note of what needs to be cleared up before proceeding with your renewal process.
- Once all outstanding charges and convictions have been cleared, the licensing authority will then send a letter to confirm this with you and give details about how many days there are until your license expires. If there is no letter from licensing authority within those specified days, you will have to renew your license.
- Once the licensing authority confirms that you are eligible to renew your Class 3 Firearms License, then you will be required to go through another background check before being issued a new license. This process may take up to a week or more depending on how busy the licensing authority is at the time.
- Once your application has been approved and you have been issued a new Class 3 Firearms License, then you must take it with you when you go for an inspection of your gun by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). You can find more information about this process on the RCMP’s website.
Conclusion
Getting a Class 3 Firearms License is a complex process that involves meeting certain requirements and applying for a license through your provincial firearms officer. To get a Class 3 Firearms License, you must be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and have no criminal record. You must also meet the location requirements for the province in which you live, have a primary place of residence in Alberta for at least 6 months immediately before applying for a firearms license, and be able to provide documentation to prove that you qualify for a firearms license.