GunPal.

© 2025 GunPal™. All rights reserved.

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 more.

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
  • Note: Handgun transfers 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 (security, 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/prohibited firearms
  • Some ATTs are automatic with RPAL (e.g., to/from shooting range)
  • Special ATTs needed for gunsmith visits, gun shows, etc.
  • Firearms must be unloaded, locked, and in 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 issued to general public
  • Categories include full-auto (12.2), converted auto (12.3), short-barrel handguns (12.6)
  • Limited inheritance provisions for some categories

Maintenance & Limitations

  • Must maintain licence continuously (renew before expiry)
  • Can only acquire additional prohibited firearms in same category
  • Some categories allow limited target shooting, others are collection-only
  • Strict storage and transport requirements
Firearms Business Licence
Commercial
For businesses dealing with firearms and ammunition

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Legitimate business entity (registered/incorporated)
  • Secure premises meeting storage/display regulations
  • Employees who handle firearms must have personal PAL/RPAL
  • Valid for 3 years (shorter than individual licences)

Types & Activities

  • Retail sales (gun stores, sporting goods)
  • Manufacturing (firearms or ammunition)
  • Gunsmithing (repair services)
  • Fees vary by business type and sales volume
  • Each location requires separate licence or extension
Museum Firearms Licence
Educational
For museums and educational institutions

Eligibility

  • Must be incorporated as a non-profit
  • Open to public or conducting regular exhibits
  • Educational or cultural purpose
  • Member of 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 same privileges and limitations
  • Adaptations remove barriers but don't change usage rules