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PAL and RPAL: course, application and renewal

One licence, two courses, five years — and why the six months after expiry are no time to go shooting.

  • Updated
  • Law as of
  • 3 min read
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Waffenschrank app: permits and documents

In short

In Canada an individual holds one licence, the PAL; “RPAL” is a PAL that also covers restricted firearms. Both require a safety course. The licence expires at the latest five years after the first birthday following its issue — renew before that date. If you miss it, you may keep your firearms for six months but neither use them nor buy firearms, ammunition or magazines.

One licence, not two #

An individual holds one licence, the Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). What it covers — non-restricted firearms only, or restricted firearms as well — is part of the licence; “RPAL” is the common name for a PAL that also covers restricted firearms, not a separate document. (Firearms Act ss. 7, 56(2))

The courses #

A licence requires passing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and its test, given by an instructor designated by the chief firearms officer. A licence for restricted firearms also requires the restricted firearms safety course (CRFSC) approved by the federal Minister, and its test. (Firearms Act s. 7(1), (2))

Which course providers are designated, and how the test works, is organized by the chief firearms officer (CFO) of your province.

Applying for the first licence #

A first licence may not be issued until at least 28 days have passed since the application was made — unless the applicant already holds a licence to possess firearms. (SOR/98-199 s. 5)

Forms, fees and current processing times are published by the RCMP’s Canadian Firearms Program; they change more often than the law, which is why this page does not quote them.

Five years — and then? #

A licence issued to an adult expires at the latest five years after the holder’s first birthday following the day it was issued. It has to be renewed before then. (Firearms Act s. 64(1))

If a licence is not renewed before it expires, it is extended by six months. During that period the holder may keep the firearms but must not use them, and must not acquire firearms, ammunition or cartridge magazines until the licence is renewed. (Firearms Act s. 64(1.1), (1.2))

So the six months after expiry are not a grace period for the range: the firearms stay with you, but they stay in the safe.

How Waffenschrank handles it #

In Waffenschrank you record your PAL or RPAL with its number and expiry date. The app reminds you 6 months before it expires, because a renewal takes time, and it shows the rules above with their source and the date they were checked. Your data stays on your device; an account is optional. More about the app.

Sources and date #

Every statement on this page was checked against the official text on September 29, 2026. The consolidated federal texts were current to September 21, 2026.

Frequently asked

Is the RPAL a separate licence?

No. An individual holds one licence, the Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). What it covers — non-restricted firearms only, or restricted firearms as well — is part of the licence; “RPAL” is the common name for a PAL that also covers restricted firearms, not a separate document. (Firearms Act ss. 7, 56(2))

How long is a PAL valid?

A licence issued to an adult expires at the latest five years after the holder’s first birthday following the day it was issued. It has to be renewed before then. (Firearms Act s. 64(1)) Not legal advice.

Can I still shoot if my PAL has expired?

No. If a licence is not renewed before it expires, it is extended by six months. During that period the holder may keep the firearms but must not use them, and must not acquire firearms, ammunition or cartridge magazines until the licence is renewed. (Firearms Act s. 64(1.1), (1.2))

How long does the first licence take?

A first licence may not be issued until at least 28 days have passed since the application was made — unless the applicant already holds a licence to possess firearms. (SOR/98-199 s. 5) How long it takes in practice depends on the Canadian Firearms Program; apply early.

Status and sources

Law as of

Oldest check date, in our register of legal provisions, among the provisions cited here.
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Legal text

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