How long does it take to get your PAL in Canada?

- The short answer: 3 to 6 months from course to PAL in hand.

For most people, the process takes between 3 to 6 months. That includes the time to take and pass the course, the legally mandated minimum 28-day waiting period during which the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) holds your application before processing begins, government processing times, and issuance.

In the fastest possible scenario, you could see your PAL arrive shortly after the 28-day period, assuming no government delays. If there are mistakes on your application or any anomalies flagged during the background check, the timeline can extend well beyond the average 3 to 6 months.

Here is exactly what the process looks like, step by step.

Step 1: Complete Your Firearms Safety Course

You must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) to apply for a non-restricted PAL. If you also want restricted firearms privileges (handguns), you will need to complete the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) as well.

The CFSC is mandated at a minimum of 8 hours, not including breaks or testing. The CRFSC is 4 hours if taken within 7 days of completing the CFSC, or 6 hours if taken outside that 7-day window. You must complete the CFSC before taking the CRFSC, as the CFSC is foundational.

Both courses include written and practical exams. You need a minimum score of 80% on each exam to pass. If you are unsuccessful, you have one opportunity to retest within 7 days.

Silvercore offers the combined CFSC/CRFSC course so you can complete both in one sitting. Book your course at Book your combined CFSC/CRFSC course

Step 2: Submit Your PAL Application to the RCMP

Once you have passed your course, submit your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) application to the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program (CFP).

You have two options:

• Apply online (fastest). Visit rcmp.ca/en/firearms/apply-firearms-licence. You will need to create a GCKey account or sign in through a Sign-in Partner, then complete the application form. You will be asked to upload a photo of yourself. The photo requirements are the same as the paper application: plain white or light background, full front view of head and shoulders, no hats or sunglasses, neutral expression, taken within the last 12 months, and at least 30mm head height. A phone photo is acceptable as long as it meets these requirements. You will also need to provide two personal references and pay the application fee by credit card.

Current fees (as of March 31, 2026, subject to annual adjustment under the Service Fees Act):

Non-restricted and restricted PAL: $93.84

Non-restricted only PAL: $70.38

Check rcmp.ca/en/firearms/licensing for the most current fee schedule.

• Apply by mail. Download and print the PAL application form (Form 5592) from rcmp.ca/en/firearms/firearms-forms-and-reports. Complete the form in full using blue or black ink. The application must have a handwritten signature. E-signatures are not accepted. Attach two identical passport-style photos with a guarantor signature on the back, include a photocopy of your course report showing successful completion, and mail the completed package with your payment to:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police P.O. Box 1200 Miramichi, NB E1N 5Z3

Make certified cheques or money orders payable to the Receiver General for Canada. Do not send cash.

The online application is significantly faster. Mail applications require physical handling, manual data entry, and postal transit time. If your application is sent by mail, allow 2 to 4 weeks for it to be entered into the system before you can even check its status. If speed matters to you, apply online.

Regardless of which method you choose, answer every question honestly and double-check your work before submitting. Mistakes on the application are one of the most common causes of processing delays. An incomplete form or a photo that does not meet specifications will be sent back for corrections, adding weeks to the process.

Step 3: Wait the Mandatory 28-Day Period

Once the RCMP CFP receives your application, there is a legally mandated minimum 28-day waiting period before they will begin processing. This waiting period applies to all first-time applicants and is required under the Firearms Act. There is nothing you can do to shorten or skip this period.

Step 4: Check Your Application Status

After the 28-day waiting period, your application enters the processing queue. You can check your status two ways:

• Online through the RCMP Individual Web Services at rcmp.ca/en/firearms/individual-web-services. Sign in with your application number and personal details to see your current processing status. Note that the status displayed online is general in nature and will typically show whether your application has been received, is in processing, or has been finalized. You can also use the MyCFP Account portal at firearms.rcmp.ca to access online firearms services.
• By phone. Call the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000. If calling from outside Canada and the United States, use 1-506-624-6626. The CFP will not respond to email inquiries about application status.

If your status has not changed after several weeks, calling is often more productive than checking online. The phone agents can tell you specifically if anything is holding up your file.

Step 5: Your PAL Arrives in the Mail

Once approved, the RCMP will mail your PAL to the address on your application. Make sure your mailing address is current and accurate. If you move during the application process, contact the CFP immediately to update your address.

Your PAL is valid for 5 years. We recommend setting a reminder to renew at least 3 months before expiry to avoid any gaps in your licence status.

What Can Cause Delays

Common issues that can extend your processing time beyond the typical 3 to 6 months:

• Mistakes on your application form. Missing signatures, incomplete fields, incorrect dates, or photos that do not meet specifications are the most frequent causes of delays. The CFP will mail your application back for corrections, adding weeks to the process.
• Background check flags. Even if you have a clean record, sharing a name with someone who does not can trigger additional scrutiny. Any history involving mental health interventions, protection orders, domestic incidents, or criminal charges will require further review.
• High volume periods. When firearms are in the media, when new legislation is being considered or enacted, and around major holidays, the CFP receives a surge in applications. These periods can significantly extend processing times across the board.
• Incomplete course documentation. If your course report is missing, incomplete, or not properly signed by your instructor, the CFP cannot verify your training and your application will stall.
• Reference issues. The CFP contacts your listed references as part of the background check. If your references do not respond, have changed their phone numbers, or are uncooperative, it delays your file. Choose references who will actually pick up the phone.
• Address discrepancy. If the address on your application does not match your other government records, it can trigger additional verification steps.

What You Can and Cannot Do While Waiting

While your application is being processed, you cannot purchase, borrow, or possess firearms. Your PAL must be issued and in your possession before you can legally acquire any firearm in Canada.

You can, however, use the waiting period to prepare. Research what you want to purchase, visit ranges that offer rental firearms to build experience, and complete additional training like the CORE Hunter Education Course if you plan to hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I speed up my PAL application? No. The 28-day waiting period is legally mandated and cannot be shortened. Applying online rather than by mail is the only way to reduce overall processing time. However, if your PAL is required for employment purposes, letting the RCMP CFP know that can prioritize your application after the 28 day waiting period.

Do I need to take the CFSC again if my PAL expired? No. If your PAL has expired, you do not need to retake the course. The course is valid for life. You need proof of having completed the training to re-apply. If you completed your training with Silvercore and need a copy of your course reports, contact our office. The only exception to this would be if you have been mandated to re-take the course as part of a court imposed condition.

Can I buy a firearm while my PAL application is being processed? No. You cannot purchase, borrow, or acquire any firearm until your PAL has been issued and is in your possession.

Is the CRFSC required or optional? The CRFSC is only required if you want restricted firearms privileges (handguns). If you only intend to own non-restricted firearms (rifles and shotguns), the CFSC alone is sufficient. As some non restricted firearms have previously been moved into the restricted category, many people will opt to complete the CRFSC to ensure they have a full licence and meet any future changes.

After You Get Your PAL

Once your PAL arrives, you are legally authorized to acquire and possess firearms in Canada. Here are the next steps worth considering:

Join the Silvercore Club for your Authorization to Transport (ATT), $5M liability insurance, exclusive member pricing, and access to The Outpost. Learn more at Join the Silvercore Club

If you plan to hunt in BC, complete the CORE Hunter Education Course to obtain your Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID). Silvercore offers the CORE course in-person and online across BC. Book your CORE Hunter Education Course

Continue your training with live fire range courses to build safe and confident firearms handling skills.