Selling a restricted vs non-restricted firearm in Canada

Classification is where private sellers freeze. Two guns that look similar at a glance can sit in different legal classes, and the transfer checklist is not interchangeable. This post is a process overview for individuals. It is not legal advice. When anything here disagrees with the RCMP transfer page or the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP), follow them.

Last verified: 2026-09-21.

Confirm the class before you write the ad

Do not trust retailer marketing copy or a forum guess. Look up the Firearm Reference Number (FRN) that matches the actual firearm on the GunEx FRT lookup (RCMP Firearms Reference Table data) and, if anything is unclear, ask the CFP.

Variants of the same model name can land in different classes. Barrel length, overall length, and listed-variant status matter. Measure what you have.

Non-restricted (most ordinary long guns)

Typical path for a private sale of a non-restricted rifle or shotgun:

1. Buyer is 18+ with a valid PAL covering non-restricted.
2. You take reasonable steps to confirm the person matches the licence (photo comparison in person or on video; second government photo ID when visual comparison is not possible — per RCMP guidance).
3. Before handover, you (the seller) request a reference number confirming the buyer may acquire non-restricted. Online via Individual Web Services, or CFP 1-800-731-4000.
4. Transfer only while that number is still valid (RCMP: 90 days or remaining licence validity, whichever applies).
5. Federally, you do not register a non-restricted firearm to transfer it. Québec adds provincial registration rules on top of the federal reference number — see the Québec section in how to sell privately.

Full walkthrough: How to sell a firearm privately in Canada.

Restricted (and prohibited non-handgun process)

Restricted and prohibited transfers are not the non-restricted checklist. Expect, at a high level per RCMP guidance:

• The firearm stays with the seller until the CFP transfer is approved and a new registration certificate is issued.
• CFP speaks with both parties (not necessarily on the line at the same time); you get a transfer number to share — different animal from the non-restricted reference number.
• The Chief Firearms Officer reviews permitted purposes.
• Individuals typically use phone or mail (form RCMP 5492); some business flows differ.

Do not advertise a restricted firearm as if a same-day reference-number meetup will finish the paperwork. Buyers who understand the process will walk; buyers who do not will create messes you do not want.

For wording that keeps "reference number" and "transfer number" distinct on GunEx, see FAQ and transaction safety.

Handguns

Transfers of handguns to new individual owners are limited to statutory exemptions under current federal rules. Current owners may still possess and use registered handguns and have defined disposal paths. Do not list a handgun transfer you cannot complete. Read the handgun section on the RCMP transfer page before you post an ad.

What to put in the listing either way

• Make, model, FRN if you have it, calibre, barrel length, condition
• Class as recorded on the FRT (and a note that the buyer should confirm)
• Province / area
• That you will only proceed after the correct CFP step for that class
• Honest photos (photography guide)

Where GunEx fits

GunEx is a listing board. It does not verify PALs, issue reference or transfer numbers, or move registration for you. How private sales work on GunEx states that plainly.

Look up the FRT record, then create a listing when you know which checklist you are on.