A firearms licence – called a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) – is required to possess and use firearms in Canada. The licence indicates which class of firearms and ammunition a person can own and transport. The licence must be renewed every five years. To qualify for a firearms licence, Canadians must be at least 18 years of age or older, pass a firearms safety course or the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course to own a restricted firearm, and pass a rigorous background check. If an individual qualifies, they must then complete and submit the PAL application. It is illegal to possess and use a firearm without a licence. If you have been charged with a firearms or weapons related crime, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible.
Completing a safety course is a requirement for obtaining a PAL in Canada:
The CFSC and CRFSC courses are typically offered by certified instructors who have been approved by the RCMP. These instructors have undergone training themselves and are knowledgeable in firearm safety and regulations. It is important to ensure that you take the course from a certified instructor to ensure that it meets the requirements for your licence application.
The duration of the CFSC and CRFSC courses can vary, but they generally consist of one or two days of in-person instruction. The courses include both classroom sessions and practical exercises to ensure that participants have hands-on experience with firearms safety.
There are fees associated with taking the CFSC and CRFSC courses. These fees cover the cost of instruction, materials, and any necessary paperwork. The fees can vary depending on the course provider, but normally range from $2-300 per course.
As part of the firearm licensing process in Canada, applicants are required to undergo a thorough background check. This is done to ensure that individuals who are granted a firearms licence are not a risk to public safety. The background check includes the following:
It is important to note that the background check is an ongoing process. After obtaining a firearms licence, individuals are subject to continuous monitoring to ensure their continued eligibility to possess firearms. This includes regular checks for any new criminal convictions or charges, as well as ongoing reference checks and monitoring of mental health.
A PAL is valid for a certain period of time and must be renewed periodically to maintain its validity. Currently, the validity period for a PAL in Canada is five years. This means that every five years, you must renew your PAL to ensure that it remains valid and you can continue to possess and acquire firearms legally.
To maintain a valid PAL, it is crucial to submit your renewal application before the expiry date of your current licence. Failure to do so may result in the expiration of your PAL and the loss of your licence.
Children aged 12-17 can get a minor’s licence, allowing them to use non-restricted firearms like most rifles or shotguns for hunting or shooting competitions, and buy ammunition. A licensed minor must be under the direct and immediate supervision of someone licensed to have a handgun.
Exceptions to the licence age requirements may be made for children under 12, including indigenous children, who need to hunt to sustain themselves and their families.
More information on firearms licences, including how to apply for one or how to renew your existing licence, can be found from the RCMP. View other Firearms answers for more information on firearms law, including licensing, owning, types of firearms, importing and exporting firearms, and firearm offences.
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