A Canadian Firearm Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the private transfer of a firearm from a seller to a buyer within Canada. Firearm ownership and transfers in Canada are regulated primarily by the Firearms Act (S.C. 1995, c. 39) and the Criminal Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, Part III). Unlike many other forms of personal property, firearms are subject to a comprehensive federal licensing and registration regime that imposes specific obligations on both sellers and buyers.

Under the Firearms Act, every person who possesses or acquires a firearm must hold a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) issued by the Chief Firearms Officer (s. 7). The Criminal Code establishes serious criminal penalties for unauthorized possession (s. 91), trafficking (s. 99), and other firearms offences. Before any transfer occurs, the seller has a legal obligation to verify that the buyer holds a valid PAL with the appropriate class for the firearm being transferred (Firearms Act, s. 23). For restricted and prohibited firearms, the transfer must be approved by the Registrar of Firearms, and a transfer reference number must be obtained before the firearm changes hands (s. 23.2).

Canadian firearms are classified into three categories: non-restricted (most standard rifles and shotguns), restricted (certain handguns and semi-automatic firearms), and prohibited (fully automatic firearms, certain handguns with short barrels, and other specified weapons). Each classification carries different licensing, storage, transportation, and transfer requirements. While a written bill of sale is not explicitly mandated by the Firearms Act for non-restricted transfers, it provides essential documentation that protects both parties by creating a record of the lawful transfer, the identities and licence numbers of the parties, the firearm specifications, and the date and price of the transaction.

A Firearm Bill of Sale is needed whenever a firearm is transferred between private parties in Canada. The most common scenario involves a licenced individual selling a non-restricted hunting rifle or shotgun to another licenced individual. Even though the Firearms Act does not require a written bill of sale for non-restricted transfers, creating one is considered best practice by the Canadian Firearms Program and law enforcement. The bill of sale demonstrates that the seller verified the buyer’s PAL and provides evidence that the firearm was transferred on a specific date, which is relevant if the firearm is later connected to a crime or investigation.

For restricted firearms, the transfer process is more formal. Both the seller and buyer must contact the Canadian Firearms Program to initiate and approve the transfer. The program verifies both licences, issues a transfer reference number, and issues a new registration certificate to the buyer. The bill of sale supplements this process by recording the financial terms of the transaction and providing a personal record for both parties.

Estate situations frequently require a firearm bill of sale. When a firearm owner dies, their estate must ensure that firearms are transferred only to properly licenced individuals. The executor or administrator of the estate has a 12-month period under the Firearms Act to lawfully dispose of the firearms, after which they must surrender them to a peace officer or firearms officer. A bill of sale documents each transfer from the estate and protects the executor from future liability.

An effective Canadian Firearm Bill of Sale must include several essential elements dictated by both legal requirements and practical considerations. First, it must identify both parties by their full legal names, addresses, and their Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) numbers. The PAL numbers are critical because they allow each party to verify the other’s licensing status through the Canadian Firearms Program verification service.

The firearm description must be comprehensive and include the classification (non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited), manufacturer, model, calibre or gauge, serial number, barrel length, and current condition. For restricted and prohibited firearms, the registration certificate number must also be included. The serial number is the most critical identifier and must be verified against the physical firearm.

The bill of sale must clearly state the purchase price in Canadian dollars and the effective date of the transfer. A seller’s representation section should confirm that the seller holds a valid PAL, is the lawful owner, and that the firearm is free of liens or encumbrances. The buyer’s representation should confirm that the buyer holds a valid PAL with the appropriate privileges, is not prohibited from possessing firearms under the Criminal Code (ss. 91-95), and is of legal age.

A transfer requirements section should reference the applicable provisions of the Firearms Act, noting that for non-restricted firearms the seller must verify the buyer’s PAL, and for restricted and prohibited firearms the transfer must be approved by the Registrar. The governing province should be specified, as some provinces impose additional requirements. Both parties must sign and date the document, and each should retain a copy. Some practitioners recommend having the document witnessed or notarized, though neither is legally required.