Authority to Manage Firearms of Deceased Estate

Understanding the Declaration of Authority to Act on Behalf of an Estate (Form 6016e)

The "Declaration of Authority to Act on Behalf of an Estate" form, issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), is a crucial legal document used when someone needs to manage firearms belonging to a deceased individual. This form helps establish your legal authority to handle, transfer, or deactivate firearms from an estate, ensuring compliance with Canadian firearms regulations. Whether you are an executor, liquidator, or another authorized person, understanding when and how to use this form is essential to avoid delays and legal issues.

When to Use the Form

This form should be completed if you have the authority to act on behalf of a deceased person’s estate regarding firearms. It is required before any transactions involving the firearms can be processed by the Canadian Firearms Program. Typical scenarios include:

• Transferring firearms from the estate to beneficiaries or other parties.
• Deactivating firearms that are part of the estate.
• Confirming authority to handle firearms left behind after the death of an individual.

It is important to note that this form is only applicable when firearms are involved in the estate. If firearms are present, completing this form ensures legal compliance and facilitates the transfer or deactivation process.

Required Information and Documentation

Filling out the form involves providing detailed personal information about the deceased and the person acting on their behalf. Here are the key elements:

Details of the Deceased

• Full legal name (no initials or nicknames).
• Date of death.
• Firearms license number, if known.
• Full address or land location, especially if living in rural or remote areas.

Details of the Executor or Authorized Person

• Full legal name.
• Contact address and land location.
• Signature and date of declaration.

Additionally, a copy of the deceased’s death certificate must be included with the application. This document confirms the death and is essential for processing the request. If not provided initially, it must be submitted later to avoid processing delays.

How to Submit the Form

Once completed, the form and all supporting documents should be mailed to the following address:

P.O. Box 1200 Miramichi NB E1N 5Z3

Before mailing, ensure that all questions are answered, the declaration is signed and dated, and the death certificate copy is attached if available. Missing information or signatures can result in delays or rejection of the application.

Points of Attention and Legal Considerations

Acting as an executor or liquidator does not automatically grant the right to possess firearms. Generally, you may possess firearms temporarily while settling the estate, but only within the legal limits and regulations. If a court has prohibited you from possessing firearms, you cannot handle or transfer firearms from the estate unless authorized otherwise.

Beneficiaries of the estate will need to obtain their own firearms license before acquiring any firearms from the estate. In the case of handguns, specific regulations restrict transfers within Canada unless certain conditions are met, such as training, competition, or coaching in recognized disciplines.

Additional Assistance

If you encounter difficulties completing the form or need further guidance, you can contact the RCMP Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000. The form and additional instructions are also available on the official RCMP website, which provides resources to ensure compliance with federal firearms laws and regulations.

By accurately completing and submitting this form, you help uphold safety standards and legal requirements when managing firearms in estate situations, protecting both yourself and the broader community.