Restricted Weapons Permits in Surrey, British Columbia

Public Safety British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Surrey, British Columbia, individuals seeking a permit or guidance about restricted weapons should start with federal firearms rules and then confirm any municipal restrictions or reporting requirements. Municipalities do not generally issue firearms licences; licensing, authorizations and classifications for restricted or prohibited firearms are governed by federal law and the Canadian Firearms Program administered by the RCMP. Local bylaw officers enforce public-safety bylaws and handle complaints about weapons in public places.

Federal licensing through the Canadian Firearms Program is required for restricted firearms before any local matters are considered.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement concerning restricted weapons in Surrey involves multiple authorities. Criminal offences and licence requirements for restricted and prohibited firearms are set by federal statutes and regulations; municipal enforcement acts on local bylaws addressing public safety, weapons in parks, schools and public buildings.

Because specific fine amounts, escalation schedules and exact non-monetary sanctions vary by statute and bylaw, the financial penalties and some procedural details are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the federal and city sources for controlling instruments and contact points.[1][2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited Surrey bylaw pages; criminal penalties for firearms offences are set under federal law and associated regulations and are listed on federal pages.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are adjudicated under statute or bylaw; specific ranges are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include orders to surrender items, seizure, court action and prohibitions under criminal or regulatory regimes; municipal officers may issue tickets or orders for bylaw breaches.
  • Enforcer & reporting: municipal Bylaw Enforcement handles local complaints; firearms licensing and criminal enforcement fall to federal programs and policing agencies. Report public-safety concerns to the City of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement or to local police.
  • Appeal and review: appeals of municipal tickets follow city bylaw procedures; appeals of federal licence decisions follow the processes described by the Canadian Firearms Program. Time limits for appeals are set in the controlling instrument and are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
If you possess or find a weapon that may be restricted or prohibited, do not move it and contact police or bylaw enforcement immediately.

Applications & Forms

Firearms licensing, including Possession and Acquisition Licences (PAL) and authorizations for restricted firearms, are federal applications processed through the Canadian Firearms Program. The City of Surrey does not publish a city-issued restricted-weapons permit form; municipal forms relate to bylaw complaints and local permissions. For federal applications, consult the Government of Canada firearms pages and the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program for forms and instructions.[2][1]

  • Federal PAL/Authorization forms: see the Canadian Firearms Program and Government of Canada application pages for required forms, fees and submission methods.
  • Deadlines: application processing times vary; check the federal pages for current timelines and any interim measures.
  • Fees: federal fees apply for licences and transfers; not specified on the cited municipal pages.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the weapon is classified as restricted or prohibited under federal law by consulting the Canadian Firearms Program guidance.
  2. Complete any required safety training and submit a PAL or other federal application as directed on the Government of Canada firearms pages.
  3. If storing, transporting or displaying a restricted firearm in Surrey, follow federal safe-storage and transport rules and check municipal bylaws for location-specific restrictions or public-place prohibitions.
  4. For local issues, contact City of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement or your local police to report violations or ask for guidance.

FAQ

Who issues restricted weapons permits?
The federal government issues firearms licences and authorizations through the Canadian Firearms Program; Surrey does not issue federal firearms licences but enforces local bylaws concerning weapons in public spaces.
How do I apply for a licence for a restricted firearm?
Apply through the Government of Canada and the Canadian Firearms Program. Complete required safety training, submit the federal application form, and follow the instructions on the federal pages cited above.
What should I do if I find a weapon in a public place in Surrey?
Do not touch the item; contact Surrey Bylaw Enforcement or local police immediately and follow their instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal licensing governs restricted firearms; start with the Canadian Firearms Program.
  • For local enforcement or complaints, contact City of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement or local police.
  • Municipal pages do not publish a city-issued restricted-weapons permit form; federal forms are required for licences.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] RCMP Canadian Firearms Program - Firearms
  2. [2] Government of Canada - Firearms and applying for licences

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