Transporting firearms in Canada is governed by sections 10 to 14 of the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (SOR/98-209), and for restricted and prohibited firearms, by the authorization to transport rules in section 19 of the Firearms Act. This guide explains each class, what changes when you leave the vehicle, how the Authorization to Transport (ATT) works since 2021, and what to do when you cross a provincial border or fly. If you are studying for the restricted course, test yourself afterwards with our free RPAL practice test.
This is an independent study guide, not legal advice. Laws were checked on the Justice Laws website in October 2026.
Transport rules for each firearm class
| Class | Unloaded | Secure locking device | Container | ATT needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-restricted (s.10) | Yes, except a muzzleloader between hunting sites with cap or flint removed | No | None required | No |
| Restricted (s.11) | Yes | Yes | Locked, opaque, strong enough that it cannot readily be broken open or accidentally opened | Yes |
| Prohibited (s.12) | Yes | Yes | As restricted; bolt or bolt-carrier of an automatic removed if it comes out easily | Yes, and only for limited purposes |
| Replica (s.13) | n/a | No | Locked trunk, or out of sight in the locked vehicle | No |
| Antique (s.14) | Yes | No | Antique handgun: locked opaque container | No |
Non-restricted firearms
Hunting rifles and shotguns are the simplest case. Under section 10(1), the firearm must be unloaded while transported. The one exception is a muzzle-loading firearm (not a handgun) being moved between hunting sites: it may stay loaded, but its firing cap or flint must be removed.
That is the whole federal rule while you are with the vehicle. You do not need a case, a trigger lock or an ATT. A soft case is still a good idea, because it protects the firearm, keeps it out of view and avoids alarming people in parking lots.
Restricted firearms
Most handguns and some short semi-automatic long guns are restricted (see firearm classes in Canada). Section 11 requires all four of these at once:
- Unloaded. Nothing that can be fired in the chamber or in an attached or inserted magazine.
- A secure locking device that needs a key or combination and stops the firearm from firing.
- A locked container made of opaque material, strong enough that it cannot readily be broken open or into, or accidentally opened, during the trip. A clear plastic case fails even if it is locked.
- Authority to transport that particular firearm along that trip.
Key fact: Restricted transport is a four-part rule: unloaded, locked, locked opaque case, and an ATT. If an exam answer leaves out any one of the four, it is wrong.
Prohibited firearms
Section 12 adds one condition to the restricted rules: if the prohibited firearm is an automatic with a bolt or bolt-carrier that can be removed easily, remove it. Apart from certain grandfathered prohibited handguns and firearms, prohibited firearms can only be authorized for transport for limited purposes, such as moving house, repair, storage, sale, export, appraisal, disposal or a gun show, not for target shooting (Firearms Act s.19(2)).
Replica and antique firearms
Replicas left in a vehicle must be in the locked trunk or out of sight in the locked vehicle. Antique firearms must be unloaded, follow the same unattended-vehicle rule, and an antique handgun must travel in a locked opaque container.
Leaving a firearm in an unattended vehicle
The regulations treat a vehicle as unattended when no person who is 18 or older, or who holds a firearms licence, is directly and immediately supervising it. "Vehicle" means any conveyance on land, water or in the air, so trucks, boats, ATVs and snowmobiles all count.
| Situation | Non-restricted firearm | Restricted or prohibited firearm (already in its locked opaque case) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle has a trunk or similar compartment that locks | Firearm in the locked trunk | Case in the locked trunk |
| No lockable trunk | Not visible from outside; vehicle, or the part holding the firearm, locked | Case not visible from outside; vehicle locked |
| Remote wilderness, no lockable trunk, vehicle cannot be locked | Not visible, and fitted with a secure locking device unless reasonably needed for predator control (s.10(3)) | No remote wilderness exception |
A pickup with a locking tonneau cover or a lockable toolbox may have a "similar compartment". An SUV's open cargo area does not: it is part of the cab, so use the out-of-sight rule and lock the doors.
Exam tip: "Out of sight" alone is the right answer only when there is no lockable trunk or compartment. If the question mentions a trunk, the firearm goes in it.
Hunting from a vehicle
Section 2(4) says the transport rules do not apply to a firearm being used for hunting from a vehicle, in a place and in circumstances where it is lawful for that person to hunt from that vehicle. Most provinces ban hunting from vehicles, with narrow exceptions such as permits for hunters with disabilities. Check your provincial hunting regulations before relying on this.
The Authorization to Transport (ATT) explained
An ATT is permission from a provincial or territorial Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) to move a particular restricted or prohibited firearm between specified places, for a good and sufficient reason (Firearms Act s.19(1)). It is separate from your licence and your registration certificate, though it may be issued as a condition attached to your licence.
What changed on 7 July 2021
Before 2021, several common trips were automatically authorized when a licence was renewed. The RCMP's ATT page explains that since 7 July 2021, you need an ATT from the CFO to transport a restricted or prohibited firearm anywhere other than:
- an approved shooting club or range in your province of residence; or
- the firearm's place of storage after you buy it.
Those two remaining trips are handled through the Firearms Act:
| Trip | Where the authority comes from |
|---|---|
| To and from all approved clubs and ranges in your province | Automatically authorized when your licence is renewed (s.19(2.1)), or when a CFO approves a transfer of a restricted firearm to you (s.19(2.3)) |
| From the store or seller home after a transfer | Automatically authorized when the CFO approves the transfer (s.19(2.2)) |
| Restricted firearm acquired for a collection | The automatic range authorization does not apply; you need an ATT |
These automatic authorizations take the form of conditions attached to your licence. An ATT for target shooting can last at most five years and never beyond the expiry of your licence (s.65(3)).
Trips that need a separate ATT
- Moving to a new home.
- Taking a firearm to a gunsmith for repair or appraisal.
- Taking it to a gun show.
- Taking it to police or a firearms officer for registration checks or disposal.
- Taking it for storage, sale or export.
- Shooting at a range outside your province of residence.
- Bringing it into Canada at a port of entry.
How to apply for an ATT
- Make sure your licence covers that class of firearm and the firearm is registered to you.
- Apply online through the RCMP Individual Web Services, by calling the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000, or by sending form RCMP 5490 to the Canadian Firearms Program office for the province or territory where the firearm is located.
- Give the firearm's details, the start and end points, the dates and the reason.
- Apply to the CFO of the province where the firearm is located, or of the point where it enters Canada.
- Read the conditions when the ATT arrives. Some specify routes, dates or a reasonably direct route.
Key fact: On a trip with a restricted firearm, carry three documents: your licence (RPAL), the registration certificate and the ATT or the licence conditions that contain it.
Five transport scenarios
Driving to your home range with a handgun
Your RPAL was renewed last year and the range is an approved club in your province. Put the unloaded pistol, with a trigger lock, in a locked opaque case. Carry your licence and registration certificate. The authorization to transport is part of your licence conditions. If you stop for lunch, lock the case in the trunk.
Taking a rifle hunting in the next province
A non-restricted rifle needs no ATT. Federal rules are the same everywhere: unloaded, locked trunk or out of sight when unattended. The destination province's hunting rules apply, and they often require firearms to be unloaded in or on vehicles and can set rules near roads. You also need that province's hunting licence.
Moving house with restricted firearms
You need an ATT for the move, and you must tell the Canadian Firearms Program of your new address within 30 days. Apply early, especially if you are moving to another province.
Dropping a pistol at a gunsmith
That trip needs an ATT. The automatic authorization covers approved ranges and the trip home after purchase, not repair.
Buying a restricted rifle from a store
Once the CFO approves the transfer, you are authorized to take it from the store to the place where you may possess it in your province. Transport it unloaded, locked and in a locked opaque case.
Crossing provinces and borders
Non-restricted firearms. No ATT. Follow the federal rules above plus each province's hunting and vehicle rules.
Restricted firearms. The automatic authorization covers approved ranges in your province of residence only. A competition in another province needs an ATT from the CFO.
Coming into Canada. Non-residents declare firearms to the Canada Border Services Agency on a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (RCMP 5589). A non-resident bringing a restricted firearm must arrange an ATT in advance with the CFO of the province of entry. Under s.19.1 of the Firearms Act, no one may be authorized to transport a handgun from a port of entry unless they hold a registration certificate for it. Prohibited firearms generally cannot be imported by individuals.
Leaving Canada. Check the destination country's rules first. To bring firearms back easily, many travellers register them with the CBSA before departure using its identification form for personal goods.
Flying with a firearm in Canada
Air travel adds airline and screening rules on top of the transport regulations.
- No carry-on, ever. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) does not allow firearms, firearm parts, ammunition or cartridges in carry-on bags.
- Declare at check-in. Every firearm, part and round must be declared to the airline when you check in.
- Unloaded, in a locked hard-sided case as checked baggage, according to CATSA. Restricted firearms must also meet the opaque container and locking device rules, with an ATT covering the trip to and from the airports.
- Airline rules vary. Airlines decide whether they carry firearms at all, on which routes, how ammunition must be packed and how much you may bring. A per-passenger ammunition limit (often 5 kg) under dangerous goods rules is common. Check your carrier's firearms page and call ahead.
- Connections through the United States bring US federal, state and airline rules into play. Research them separately.
- Allow extra time. Firearms check-in usually means an oversized-baggage counter and can take longer.
For ammunition limits at home and in luggage, see ammunition storage rules in Canada.
Mailing and shipping firearms
You do not need an ATT for a firearm that a licensed carrier ships for you. Individuals may mail non-restricted firearms, restricted firearms and prohibited handguns only within Canada, through Canada Post's most secure service that requires a signature on delivery (SOR/98-209 s.16). Other prohibited firearms, and anything crossing the border, must go through a licensed carrier. Ship firearms unloaded and packed so they cannot be lost or stolen.
Transport traps on the CFSC and CRFSC
- Opaque, not just locked. A locked clear case fails the restricted rule.
- Trunk first. Out of sight is only acceptable when there is no lockable trunk or compartment.
- "Unattended" means 18 or older, or licensed. A 15-year-old without a licence in the passenger seat does not attend the vehicle.
- No ATT for non-restricted firearms. Answers that require one are wrong.
- Automatic authorizations are limited. Ranges in your province of residence and the trip home after purchase only. Gunsmiths, gun shows, moving and other provinces all need an ATT.
- Collections are excluded from the automatic range authorization.
The storage, display, transport and handling study note and the RPAL rules note cover the same material in revision form. The firearm storage rules guide covers storage and display at home, and PAL vs RPAL explains which licence you need.
Your study plan
Transport rules are among the most-missed questions on the CRFSC. Here is how to lock them in:
- Take the free RPAL diagnostic to find your weak spots.
- Reread the class table and the unattended-vehicle table, then the six traps.
- Sit the free full RPAL mock exam 1, 50 questions.
- If you are also writing the CFSC, take the free PAL mock too, since restricted candidates need both.
- Pro (from CA$7.99 a week, cancel anytime) includes restricted firearms topic practice, mocks 2 to 10 and every study note for all nine tests. See pricing.
10 free RPAL (CRFSC) practice questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. For a timed experience use the free mock exam.
1. When holstering a handgun where club rules allow it, what is the main safety concern?
- A. The grip panels coming loose
- B. The sights picking up dust
- C. Something catching the trigger
- D. Scratching the holster's finish
Show answer
C. Something catching the trigger
The finger must be off the trigger, and clothing or holster straps must be clear, because anything pressing the trigger during holstering can fire the handgun.
2. Why do ranges usually prohibit shooting at targets placed on the ground in front of the backstop?
- A. It makes targets too easy to hit
- B. Shots can ricochet off the ground
- C. It damages the grass
- D. It is too hard to see
Show answer
B. Shots can ricochet off the ground
Shooting at the ground, especially at shallow angles, can cause ricochets that leave the range. Targets should be at a height where shots hit the backstop (CFSC Handbook, Module 8).
3. Racking the slide of her pistol, where should Zara place her support hand?
- A. Over the muzzle, to pull the slide back
- B. Wrapped around the trigger guard
- C. Flat across the open ejection port
- D. On the rear serrations, behind the port
Show answer
D. On the rear serrations, behind the port
The slide is grasped at the rear serrations, with the hand behind the ejection port and well clear of the muzzle, while the pistol stays pointed downrange.
4. How is a typical single-shot break-open pistol loaded?
- A. Open it on its hinge and insert one round
- B. Insert a magazine into the grip
- C. Load a cylinder through a gate
- D. Pour powder down the barrel
Show answer
A. Open it on its hinge and insert one round
A break-open (hinge-action) single-shot pistol opens on a hinge to expose the chamber. One cartridge is inserted, the action is closed, and after firing it is opened again to remove the case.
5. Yves's pistol is in a locked safe, but he tells guests at a party the safe code so they can 'look at his collection' while he is outside. What is the risk?
- A. None, as long as the safe met the regulations
- B. Careless storage under Criminal Code s.86(1)
- C. Only a breach of his shooting club's rules
- D. Only a delay in renewing his licence
Show answer
B. Careless storage under Criminal Code s.86(1)
Criminal Code s.86(1) makes it an offence to store a firearm carelessly or without reasonable precautions for others' safety. Giving the code to unsupervised guests defeats the lock and risks misuse.
6. Hal keeps spare 9 mm cartridges rattling in his jacket with his car keys for weeks. What is the concern?
- A. It makes the cartridges more accurate
- B. It keeps the cartridges warm in winter
- C. It stops the cases from corroding
- D. Primers or bullets can be damaged or pushed in
Show answer
D. Primers or bullets can be damaged or pushed in
Loose ammunition can be knocked, dented or have its bullet pushed back into the case, which can raise pressure. Carry it in its box or a proper holder.
7. You inherit an old rifle with no data stamp showing its calibre. What should you do before firing it?
- A. Have a qualified gunsmith examine and identify it
- B. Fire one reduced load to test it
- C. Try the most common calibre for its age
- D. Match it by sliding cartridges into the chamber
Show answer
A. Have a qualified gunsmith examine and identify it
Without a data stamp you cannot be sure which ammunition is safe. A gunsmith can identify the chambering and check that the firearm is safe to use.
8. Sara wants to lend her restricted pistol to her brother for a club match she will not attend. He holds only a non-restricted PAL. May she lend it?
- A. Yes, if she lends him the certificate
- B. Yes, if he signs a loan form
- C. Yes, any PAL holder may borrow it
- D. No, he needs a licence for restricted firearms
Show answer
D. No, he needs a licence for restricted firearms
Firearms Act s.33(a) allows an unsupervised loan only if the lender has reasonable grounds to believe the borrower holds a licence for that kind of firearm, and lends the registration certificate. A non-restricted PAL is not enough.
9. Neil's paper-hulled shotshells got wet and have swollen. One is hard to push into the chamber. What should he do?
- A. Hammer it in with the heel of his hand
- B. Trim the hull with a knife
- C. Not force it; set damaged shells aside
- D. Dry it by the campfire
Show answer
C. Not force it; set damaged shells aside
Damaged or swollen shells may not chamber or extract properly and can be unsafe. Never force ammunition into a chamber, and never heat it (CFSC Handbook, Module 5).
10. Why must you never fire a modern smokeless-powder cartridge in an old firearm designed only for black powder?
- A. It will leave no fouling residue
- B. Higher pressure can burst the firearm
- C. It will be far too quiet to hear
- D. Smokeless powder cannot be ignited
Show answer
B. Higher pressure can burst the firearm
Smokeless powder generates much higher pressures than black powder. Firearms designed for black powder, especially old ones, may not withstand those pressures and can burst. Use only the ammunition or powder the firearm was designed for.
Frequently asked questions
+Do I need an ATT to take my handgun to the range?
Not a separate one, if the range is an approved club or range in your province of residence. Since the 2021 changes, that authorization is attached to your licence when it is renewed or when a transfer to you is approved. Trips anywhere else need an ATT from the Chief Firearms Officer.
+How long does an ATT take to get?
Processing times vary by province and by the reason for the trip. Apply well before you need to travel, especially for moving house or crossing a provincial border, and call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 if your date is close.
+Can I stop for gas or groceries with a firearm in the car?
With a non-restricted firearm, yes, as long as it is unloaded and stored in the locked trunk, or out of sight in the locked vehicle if there is no trunk, while you are away. With a restricted firearm, check the conditions on your ATT, which commonly expect a reasonably direct route.
+Can I carry a rifle on an ATV or snowmobile?
Yes. Both are vehicles under the regulations. The rifle must be unloaded, and provincial hunting laws often add rules such as keeping it cased or unloaded within a set distance of a road. When the machine is left unattended, follow the remote wilderness rule if it cannot be locked.
+Do I need an ATT for a non-restricted rifle?
No. Authorizations to transport apply only to restricted and prohibited firearms. Non-restricted firearms need to meet the transport rules in section 10 of SOR/98-209 and nothing more under federal law.
+Can a friend drive my restricted firearm to the range for me?
Only if your friend holds a licence for restricted firearms and their own authority to transport that particular firearm. The ATT is tied to a licence holder and a specific firearm, so you cannot lend yours.
+Can I transport a firearm on public transit?
Federal law does not ban it outright, but transit agencies set their own rules and many prohibit firearms. Check the operator's policy, and remember that a restricted firearm also needs an ATT covering the trip.
+What documents should I carry when transporting a restricted firearm?
Your firearms licence, the registration certificate for the firearm and your authorization to transport, or the licence conditions that contain it. Police may ask to see all three.
Study offline on your phone too
The Canada Licence Prep app has the same questions with audio, French explanations and an ACTS & PROVE coach.
Keep reading
- Firearm Storage Rules in CanadaPlain-English firearm storage rules from SOR/98-209 for every class, plus display, vehicles, locks and ammo. Includes 'Is it legal?' scenarios.
- Free RPAL Practice Test (CRFSC)Practise for the restricted (CRFSC) exam with timed 50-question RPAL mocks, handgun and storage questions, and clear explanations for every answer.
- PAL vs RPAL: What's the Difference?PAL covers non-restricted rifles and shotguns; RPAL adds restricted firearms. Compare courses, exams, fees, storage rules and 2026 handgun limits.
- Ammunition Storage Rules in CanadaDoes ammo have to be locked up in Canada? Federal rules for storing ammunition with or apart from firearms, home quantity limits, and exam tips.
- Firearm Classes in CanadaHow Canada classifies firearms, examples in each class, what licence you need, and how classes appear on the CFSC and CRFSC exams.
- Free PAL Practice Test (CFSC)Free 50-question CFSC mock exam for the PAL test: 80% pass mark, timed like the real thing, scored instantly with explanations. Start with a diagnostic.