Application Process and Next Steps
Completed the Canadian Firearm Safety Course? Not sure what to do next? Use this page as a reference to help you out!
Use the following links to apply for your Firearm Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted license (RPAL). Find the textbook for future reference and find more information from the Firearms Act itself. Also, if you’re interested in Hunting, you will find the Hunter Safety course link as well.
Apply for your license
Apply for your license online after completing the course!
Firearms Forms
Apply for your Firearm Possession and Acquisition license or find other forms related to firearms
Firearms Storage Laws
Firearm storage, display, transportation, and handling laws
Canadian Firearms Act
Read through the Firearms Act
Textbook (CFSC and CRFSC)
Download a PDF version of the CFSC and CRFSC textbooks to follow along during the class
Hunter Safety – Online Course
If you’re interested in hunting and want your Hunter Safety license
How to Apply
It’s recommended that you apply for your license online, if possible. Currently, this appears to only be available to new applicants.
Doing it online should save some time and speed up the processing of your application. It’s currently taking about 45 days for most applications to be processed. If you don’t receive your license within 2 months, you may want to contact the Chief Firearms Office to check on your application status.
To apply online, simply visit the application website:
https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/apply-firearms-licence
You can make a GC account or sign in using your banking information (similar to CRA).
Already have a PAL?
If you already have a PAL (or had a Minor’s License) and want to upgrade to a Restricted (RPAL), you will need to apply by mail using a paper form.
- Print the form
- Fill out the form with your information (or fill it out digitally, then print it)
- Get a photo taken and printed that matches the instructions (you should have received one from us after completing the course)
- Have a guarantor sign the sticker and attach it to the back of the photo
- Mail the form, photo (with sticker attached), and your proof of course completion using the envelope provided
- Pay using a credit card if possible! Cash or cheque is unreliable and hard to track.
Sign In
Sign in using your preferred method. You will need to setup some form of multi-authentication (usually a call or text) as a security measure.
Application Choice
After signing in, you’ll be greeted with some options to choose from. Choose the option that suits your needs!
If you’re applying for the first time, choose Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). If applying for a Minor’s Licence (you’re under 18 years old), then choose that option.
Follow the onscreen prompts, and answer all questions as honestly as you can. Once complete you will need to pay a fee to submit your application. As of March 31, 2024 the application cost to the RCMP is:
Non-Restricted = $67.38
Restricted = $89.85
We HIGHLY advise paying only by credit card if you can. Cash and cheques can easily get lost in the mail and there’s no way to track it.
Note: If you are applying for both the Non-Restricted PAL and Restricted RPAL, you will do so at the same time, as part of the same application. You only need to pay one fee!
Have more questions?
Contact the Chief Firearms Office, apply for your license (PAL and/or RPAL), and find more information on the RCMP website. Here, you’ll find a variety of great information and links to help you out.