Firearm safety

The Provincial Firearms Office, in conjunction with the Canadian Firearms Program, coordinates the provincial aspect of firearms licensing, authorizations and training. The office also approves shooting ranges and affiliated clubs.

You may contact the Firearms Office with any concerns or suggestions related to the program and its mandate at 1-800-731-4000 ext. 6000 or by email at [email protected].

A valid firearms licence is required to possess, borrow or to acquire by any means, a firearm or ammunition. The licensing process includes an application with proof of identity, residency and two supporting references; a background check; and the successful completion of mandatory safety training.

There are two types of licences:

The applicant must be at least 12 and under 18. They must successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before they apply for a licence.

A firearms officer will interview the applicant or their parent/guardian, who must consent to the conditions under which the minor may use firearms, before a licence will be issued.

For eligibility criteria for indigenous minors and those who need to hunt and trap for sustenance purposes, please contact the Provincial Firearms Office directly.

A minor's licence permits the borrowing of non-restricted firearms (ordinary rifles and shotguns) for the following activities: target practice, organized shooting competitions, hunting and being instructed in the use of firearms. It also permits the acquisition of ammunition.

A Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) enables a holder to possess and use non-restricted firearms. Most common long guns (rifles and shotguns) are non-restricted, but there are exceptions. A Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence (RPAL), allows the holder to own both non-restricted and restricted firearms (includes most handguns and certain other firearms). Applicants 18 and older may apply for either or both.

Step 1. Pass the safety course. Generally, applicants, including minors, must pass a Canadian Firearms Safety Course. If you wish to own a restricted firearm, you need to also pass the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course. 

Step 2. Complete and submit the form. Complete the PAL form for both the PAL and RPAL application.

There are two course options for firearms training:

In New Brunswick, the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (non-restricted firearms) is delivered on behalf of the Provincial Firearms Office by the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development. It is often combined with the Hunter Education Course which is required for all first-time hunters before purchasing a hunting licence.

Part A is a requirement to obtain a federal Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). Both Parts A and B are required by first-time hunters or people born on, or after, Jan. 1, 1981, to purchase a New Brunswick hunting licence.

The courses may be obtained through:

Traditional classroom instruction

• Parts A and B.

• Participants must be 12 or older.

• Course length is a minimum of 16 hours excluding testing.

Home Study option

• Part B only.

• Participants must be 18 or older.

• Course materials are available in digital or paper format.

• Study at home then do a written test at a Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development district office or other approved location.

Online option 

• Part B only.

• Participants must be 12 or older.

• Course content features videos, animated instruction and end-of-chapter quizzes.

• Students are tested online. 

Go online to refer to the schedule for courses.

Note that you will need an Outdoors Card number to enroll in a course online or get on the waiting list. If you have a New Brunswick Drivers Licence or the Photo ID Card, register online for an Outdoors Card number. If you do not have either contact the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development, Fish and Wildlife Branch, 506-453-3826 or [email protected].

The Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course is delivered by the Provincial Firearms Office. The fee for the restricted firearms course (classroom instruction and testing) is $65. A waitlist form is available for this course.

The Canadian Firearms Safety Course manual contains the information for both training courses. It is available for purchase at any office of the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development or for download online.