Firearm Licensing Pathways in Canada

Understanding the different firearm licence types in Canada and how to obtain them is crucial. Below is a structured breakdown of each licence category, including prerequisites, training, application steps, and permitted uses.

Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)

Non-Restricted

Standard licence for non-restricted firearms (ordinary rifles and shotguns)

Prerequisites

Minimum age: 18 years or older
Canadian resident with no prohibition orders or serious criminal history
Two references who have known you for at least 3 years
Spouse/partner notification

Training & Application

Complete Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC)
Pass CFSC exam (written and practical, 80% minimum)
Submit application with photo, references, and course certificate
Pay fee (approximately $60-$80 for 5 years)
28-day minimum waiting period for first-time applicants

Permitted Uses

Possession and acquisition of non-restricted firearms and ammunition
Hunting with appropriate hunting licences
Sport shooting at ranges or on private property where legal
Valid for 5 years, renewable

Restricted PAL (RPAL)

Restricted

Enhanced licence for restricted firearms (handguns and certain rifles)

Prerequisites

All PAL prerequisites
Valid reason, typically target shooting at an approved range
Often requires shooting club membership

Additional Training & Application

Complete Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC)
Pass CRFSC exam (written and practical, 80% minimum)
Submit application with both CFSC and CRFSC certificates
Pay slightly higher fee (approximately $80-$100 for 5 years)
Each restricted firearm must be registered

Limitations & Permitted Uses

Target shooting at approved ranges only
Cannot be used for hunting
Requires Authorization to Transport (ATT) to move firearms
Stricter storage and transportation requirements
Handgun transfers are currently frozen as of 2022

Special Authorizations

ATC & ATT

Additional permits for specific activities with firearms

Authorization to Carry (ATC)

Extremely rare for civilians
Primarily for employment such as security or wilderness protection
Personal protection ATCs require proof of imminent threat to life
Requires advanced training and specific justification

Authorization to Transport (ATT)

Required to transport restricted or prohibited firearms
Some ATTs are automatic with RPAL, such as to and from a shooting range
Special ATTs may be needed for gunsmith visits, gun shows, and similar travel
Firearms must be unloaded, locked, and in a secure container during transport

Prohibited Firearms Licence

Grandfathered

Special privileges for previously legal firearms

Eligibility

Only available to those who owned prohibited firearms before ban dates
No new prohibited licences are issued to the general public
Categories include full-auto, converted auto, and some short-barrel handguns
Limited inheritance provisions exist for some categories

Maintenance & Limitations

Must maintain licence continuously and renew before expiry
Can only acquire additional prohibited firearms in the same category
Some categories allow limited target shooting, while others are collection-only
Strict storage and transport requirements

Firearms Business Licence

Commercial

For businesses dealing with firearms and ammunition

Eligibility & Requirements

Legitimate registered or incorporated business entity
Secure premises meeting storage and display regulations
Employees who handle firearms must have personal PAL or RPAL credentials
Valid for 3 years, shorter than individual licences

Types & Activities

Retail sales such as gun stores and sporting goods stores
Manufacturing firearms or ammunition
Gunsmithing and repair services
Fees vary by business type and sales volume
Each location requires a separate licence or extension

Museum Firearms Licence

Educational

For museums and educational institutions

Eligibility

Must be incorporated as a non-profit
Open to the public or conducting regular exhibits
Educational or cultural purpose
Member of a recognized museum association

Benefits & Limitations

Reduced fees based on collection size
Can display prohibited firearms with proper security
Staff can get special authorization to handle prohibited items
No commercial activity allowed
Visitors cannot handle firearms without strict controls

Indigenous Adaptations

Cultural

Cultural and traditional adaptations for Indigenous peoples

Alternative Pathways

Alternative safety training certification
Community-based or Elder-led training options
Special considerations for youth in traditional hunting
Minors under 12 may be licensed in exceptional cases

Process & Limitations

Community endorsement or Elder recommendation
Standard background checks still apply
Results in standard PAL with the same privileges and limitations
Adaptations remove barriers but don't change usage rules