PAL Requirements in Canada — Full Eligibility Guide
To qualify for a Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), you must be 18 or older, be a Canadian resident, pass a safety course, have no disqualifying criminal history, and meet mental health eligibility criteria under Section 5 of the Firearms Act.
| Entity | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant | Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Minor's Licence | Age Range | 12–17 years |
| Residency | Requirement | Canadian resident |
| Criminal History | Disqualifier | Certain indictable offences within 5 years |
| DV Protection Order | Disqualifier | Any current order |
| Mental Health | Requirement | No recent treatment for violence/threats |
| Course | Non-restricted | CFSC required |
| Course | Restricted | CFSC + CRFSC required |
What Are the Age Requirements for a PAL?
You must be 18 years or older to apply for a standard PAL. Canadians aged 12–17 may apply for a Minor's Licence, which allows borrowing non-restricted firearms under direct adult supervision only. The minor's licence does not permit possession or acquisition of personally owned firearms.
Does a Criminal Record Disqualify You from Getting a PAL?
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but specific offences do. Under Section 5 of the Firearms Act, anyone convicted of an indictable offence involving violence, threats, or weapons within the past 5 years, or subject to a current protection order, is ineligible for a PAL.
Do You Need to Be a Canadian Citizen to Get a PAL?
No. Permanent residents and eligible temporary residents can obtain a PAL. Non-residents visiting Canada may borrow non-restricted firearms without a PAL. However, only Canadian residents may hold a PAL — tourists and short-term visitors cannot apply.
What Is the Spousal Notification Requirement?
The Firearms Act requires that your current and former spouses or conjugal partners be notified when you apply for a PAL. The RCMP sends them a notice and allows 6 weeks for them to provide information relevant to your application. This does not give them a veto but gives the RCMP additional context.