By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
Mail a paper PAL application to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, P.O. Box 1200, Miramichi NB E1N 5Z3. That address is printed on the current Application for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (RCMP 5592, edition 2026-01) and on the renewal form (RCMP 5614, edition 2025-11). Eligible first-time applicants can apply online instead, and online applications are processed faster than mailed ones.
For the full application process, read how to apply for a firearms licence (PAL) in BC.
What is the exact mailing address?
The RCMP 5592 form says "Mail your completed application form and all attachments to:"
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- P.O. Box 1200
- Miramichi NB E1N 5Z3
The RCMP photo requirements page writes the same box as "RCMP Canadian Firearms Program, PO Box 1200, Miramichi NB E1N 5Z3".
The Canadian Firearms Program contact page also lists an Ottawa address (Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Firearms Program, Ottawa ON K1A 0R2) for general inquiries by mail. Applications go to Miramichi.
Is there a courier address?
The RCMP does not publish one. The 5592 and 5614 forms, the apply for a firearms licence page and the contact page list no courier or street address for licence applications. The Miramichi post office box is the only application address on those forms and pages.
Which form goes in the envelope?
All current forms are on the RCMP firearms forms and reports page.
- RCMP 5592, Application for a Possession and Acquisition Licence Under the Firearms Act (for Individuals Aged 18 and Over). Current edition: 2026-01.
- RCMP 5614, Application for Renewal of a Firearms Licence for an Individual. Current edition: 2025-11.
- RCMP 5485, Application for a Possession Licence Under the Firearms Act (Minors). First-time minor's licences are applied for online. Otherwise, the RCMP says to contact the Chief Firearms Officer in your province or territory for this form.
- Quebec applicants for a PAL covering restricted or prohibited firearms must also include form SQ-3007, "In-person filing", from the Sûreté du Québec.
The apply page states: "Applications require a handwritten signature. E-signatures are not valid for paper-based applications." The 5592 adds that the application "must be signed within six (6) months of mailing".
What goes in the envelope?
The 5592 checklist and instructions cover these items:
- The completed application, with every relevant question answered, all required signatures, and the declaration signed and dated.
- Your photo, with the signed sticker on the back. The 5592 states: "Your photo guarantor must sign below and on the back of the photograph."
- The fee, by certified cheque or money order, or your credit card details on the form.
- A copy of your safety course report, if you have it.
- A separate sheet for any extra information, with your name and licence number (if you have one) on each page.
- For non-residents and for people who have been residents of Canada for less than five years, a letter of good conduct in English or French on official police letterhead, issued within the last six months.
Leave out your identity documents. The proof of identity section of the 5592 states: "Do not send original documents or photocopies with your application."
The 5592 photo rules: the photo "must be less than 12 months old", "must not be larger than 45 mm x 57 mm", and your head "must be at least 30 mm" high, on "a plain light-coloured background without textures or patterns." The RCMP photo page states that a guarantor signature is not required for a photo sent with a licence renewal application.
How do you pay for a mailed application?
Box 25 of the 5592 accepts Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, certified cheque or money order. The form states: "Do not send cash. Make certified cheque or money order payable to Receiver General for Canada." Non-residents pay in Canadian dollars.
The fees printed on the form, effective 31 March 2026, are $70.38 for a non-restricted PAL and $93.84 for a PAL that includes restricted or prohibited firearms. The fee is non-refundable.
Should you apply online instead?
If you qualify, yes. The RCMP apply page states: "To be eligible to apply online you must: be a first-time applicant" and "be at least 12 years of age". Online applicants need a valid email address, completed safety training, a digital licence photo, two pieces of government-issued ID, and a credit card or Visa or MasterCard debit card. Renewals can also be submitted online through Individual Web Services. Other applications go by mail.
Plan on two to four months after the RCMP receives a complete application, and three to six months from the day you book your course to the day the card arrives. Regulations under the Firearms Act set a minimum 28-day waiting period for first-time applicants, and the Canadian Firearms Program service standard is 35 calendar days to complete the initial review once your application is received. Online applications are processed faster than mailed ones.
You need your course report before a first application, online or paper. Silvercore's Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) is $190 plus tax over two consecutive days, and the combined PAL course and restricted PAL course (CRFSC) is $270 plus tax. Book your PAL course.
Frequently asked questions
Can you send a PAL application by courier?
The RCMP publishes no courier or street address for licence applications. The 5592 and 5614 forms give one application address, a post office box: Royal Canadian Mounted Police, P.O. Box 1200, Miramichi NB E1N 5Z3.
Who do you make the cheque payable to?
Make a certified cheque or money order payable to Receiver General for Canada. The form states that you must not send cash. You can also pay by Visa, MasterCard or AMEX by filling in the credit card section of the form.
Where do you mail a PAL renewal?
Mail the Application for Renewal of a Firearms Licence for an Individual (RCMP 5614) to the same address: Royal Canadian Mounted Police, P.O. Box 1200, Miramichi NB E1N 5Z3. The RCMP also offers renewal online through Individual Web Services.
Can you sign a paper PAL application electronically?
No. The RCMP states that paper applications require a handwritten signature and that e-signatures are not valid for paper-based applications. The 5592 form also requires the application to be signed within six months of mailing.
Do you send copies of your ID with a mailed PAL application?
No. The proof of identity section of the 5592 form states that you should not send original documents or photocopies with your application. Do attach a copy of your safety course report if you have it.
