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PAL licence: get or renew a firearms licence

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

The RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program issues the Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), the only licence for new adult applicants. First pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, plus the restricted course for restricted firearms. First-time applicants can apply online or by mail. A non-restricted PAL costs $70.38, and licences are renewed every 5 years.

Who handles it

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Canadian Firearms Program)

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • The Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is the only licence new applicants aged 18 or older can get. It is renewed every 5 years.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Steps

  1. First-time applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, which ends with a written and a practical test. Anyone 12 or older can take it.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

  2. To get restricted firearms, you must also pass the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course and its written and practical tests.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

  3. First-time applicants aged 12 or older who live in Canada can apply online. Anyone not eligible to apply online applies by mail.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

What you need

  • To apply online you need an email address, proof of safety training, a digital licence photo, 2 pieces of government ID and a credit card or Visa or MasterCard debit card. Adults also need email addresses for 2 references, a photo guarantor and any current or former partner.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Cost

  • A PAL for non-restricted firearms costs $70.38. Under the new fees it costs $72.35.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

  • A PAL for restricted firearms costs $93.84. Under the new fees it costs $96.47. Fees are paid by credit card, certified cheque or money order, not cash.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • The new firearms licence fees take effect on March 31, 2027.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Good to know

  • The program sends a renewal notice three months before your licence expires. Renew online through Individual Web Services or with form RCMP 5614.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

  • You cannot renew online if your licence has already expired, is a minor's licence, or already has a renewal in progress.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

  • Most individuals can no longer buy or import a handgun. Only people in exempt groups, such as some Olympic-discipline shooters, can acquire one.

    Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How much does a PAL cost in Canada?

$70.38 for non-restricted firearms and $93.84 for restricted or prohibited firearms. Under the new fees that take effect in 2027, these rise to $72.35 and $96.47.

Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Do I need to take a course to get a firearms licence?

Yes. First-time applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before applying. For restricted firearms you also need the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course.

Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Can I apply for a PAL online?

Yes, if you are a Canadian resident applying for the first time and are at least 12. You need a digital photo, 2 pieces of government ID, proof of training and a credit or debit card. Others apply by mail.

Source: rcmp.cachecked #

How often do I renew my firearms licence?

Every 5 years. If you are keeping the same privileges, you do not need to send your training information again.

Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Can a minor get a firearms licence?

Young people aged 12 to 17 can get a Minor's Licence to borrow and use non-restricted firearms after passing the safety course.

Source: rcmp.cachecked #

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "PAL licence: get or renew a firearms licence", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/firearms-licence