Possession and acquisition licence

All of the following require a licence in Canada

Non-residents may wish to note "A non-resident firearms declaration that has been confirmed by a customs officer is deemed to be a temporary licence for up to 60 days". [For that firearm. It is effectively a POL, not a PAL - see below]. (A "non-resident firearms declaration" is a specific form that should be reviewed in advance of travel, not an oral statement at the border).

The possession and acquisition licence (PAL) is the primary licence for possession of a firearm and acquisition of ammunition, and it is both required and the only permissible document for a person to acquire or permanently import a firearm. Applicants must be 18 years of age. There is no requirement of citizenship or residency (although different forms, and slightly different requirements apply).

Other firearm licences for individuals include:

NOTE: While issued licences read either "Possession • Acquisition" or "Possession Only", the Firearms Act and regulations refer to either "possession and acquisition licence" or "possession licence", without the word only.

All licensing of firearms in Canada is managed by the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program (CFP). In the Canadian system, there are three classes of firearms and firearm licences: non-restricted, restricted and prohibited. See § Classification of firearms below for complete details on prohibited, restricted and non-restricted firearms.

A possession and acquisition licence is a licence that allows individuals in Canada to possess and acquire firearms as well as ammunition. Licences are typically valid for five years and must be renewed prior to expiry to maintain all classes. Once licensed, an individual can apply for a firearm transfer; and an authorization to transport (ATT) for restricted and prohibited firearms. If an individual possessing a PAL is convicted of certain offences, a PAL can be revoked. If an individual does not renew their PAL prior to its expiration date or if they have their PAL revoked, they must legally dispose of any firearms in their possession. A licence for prohibited firearms can be issued to qualifying businesses, and very rarely to individuals (firearms they own, as the gun laws changed over time.) Previous convictions for serious violent, drug or weapons offences almost invariably result in the denial of the application.

A PAL is generally obtained in the following three steps:

Licences are typically valid for five years and must be renewed prior to expiry to maintain all classes. Once licensed, an individual can apply for a firearm transfer; and an authorization to transport (ATT) for restricted firearms.

Like licences, firearms are classified into prohibited, restricted and non-restricted categories, as defined by Part III of Criminal Code (R.S., 1985, c. C-46)

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