--- title: "PAL licence: get or renew a firearms licence" url: "https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/firearms-licence" description: "Get a firearms licence (PAL) in Canada: handled by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Canadian Firearms Program). A PAL for non-restricted firearms costs $70.38." site: "Canada Service Map" author: "Mahmoud Halat" publisher: "Space & Story" lastReviewed: "2026-10-13" licence: "Built entirely from public data: open data and official government pages. Each record keeps the licence of its source, listed at https://canadaservicemap.ca/data." --- # PAL licence: get or renew a firearms licence Federal service ยท Justice and safety Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked 13 October 2026. Not a government website. The official page always has the final word. ## 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)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/bodies/royal-canadian-mounted-police). Handles it everywhere in Canada. ## Official links - [Apply for a firearms licence](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/apply-firearms-licence), checked 12 October 2026 - [Firearms licensing](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensing), checked 12 October 2026 - [Canadian Firearms Program](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms), checked 12 October 2026 ## 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensing/canadian-residents), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/firearms-safety-training-transport-and-storage/safety-courses), checked 13 October 2026. 2. To get restricted firearms, you must also pass the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course and its written and practical tests. Source: [rcmp.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/firearms-safety-training-transport-and-storage/safety-courses), checked 13 October 2026. 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/apply-firearms-licence), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/apply-firearms-licence), checked 13 October 2026. ## Cost - A PAL for non-restricted firearms costs $70.38. Under the new fees it costs $72.35. Source: [rcmp.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/changes-service-fees), checked 13 October 2026. - 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/changes-service-fees), checked 13 October 2026. ## How long it takes - The new firearms licence fees take effect on March 31, 2027. Source: [rcmp.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/changes-service-fees), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensing/licence-renewal-individuals), checked 13 October 2026. - You cannot renew online if your licence has already expired, is a minor's licence, or already has a renewal in progress. Source: [rcmp.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensing/licence-renewal-individuals), checked 13 October 2026. - 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/what-you-need-know-changes-handgun-transfers), checked 13 October 2026. ## 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/changes-service-fees), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensing/canadian-residents), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/apply-firearms-licence), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensing/licensing-information), checked 13 October 2026. ### 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.ca](https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/firearms-safety-training-transport-and-storage/safety-courses), checked 13 October 2026. ## More - [Contact the police (non-emergency)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/police-non-emergency) - [Get a criminal record check (police check)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/criminal-record-check) - [Apply for a record suspension (pardon)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/record-suspension) - [Report a scam or fraud](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/report-fraud) - [Sue for a small amount (small claims)](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/small-claims) - [Get legal aid](https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/legal-aid) ## Cite this page Canada Service Map, "PAL licence: get or renew a firearms licence", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/firearms-licence