A Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is issued by the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program. New applicants must first pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | First-time PAL applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC): in-class instruction then written and practical tests; restricted firearms also need the CRFSC | source |
| Issuing body · Url | Official page | source |
| Credential | PAL is the only licence for new applicants aged 18+; renewed every 5 years | source |
| Jobs requiring it | no official source No official list of BC jobs requiring a PAL found | |
| Eligibility | Anyone 12+ may take the CFSC; Minor's Licence for ages 12-17 | source |
| Licence fees | PAL fees until Mar 30 2027 / from Mar 31 2027: non-restricted $70.38 / $72.35; restricted (incl. prohibited) $93.84 / $96.47; upgrade to restricted $46.92 / $48.24. Fees change each Mar 31 | source |
| School and city | Program and approval | Length | Intakes | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Firearms Officer Office (British Columbia) | CFSC and CRFSC RCMP-listed BC course contact source | Listed on official registry: RCMP firearms instructor finder | Listed on official registry: RCMP firearms instructor finder | Listed on official registry: RCMP firearms instructor finder | Program page |
Non-restricted: $70.38 until March 30, 2027, then $72.35. Restricted (including prohibited): $93.84, then $96.47. Upgrade fees are in the Key facts table.
The RCMP does not publish course fees or length. Ask the instructor.
Anyone 12 or older may take the CFSC. Ages 12 to 17 can apply for a Minor’s Licence.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.