Guide
Firearms licences for minors in Alberta
A plain-language guide for parents and guardians.
Last reviewed: October 2026
What a minor's licence is
Young people under 18 do not apply for a regular PAL. They apply for a Minor's Possession Licence under the Firearms Act. It is issued by the Canadian Firearms Program, not by a course provider, and it comes with conditions.
The parent or guardian's role
Before conditions are added to a minor's licence, the Chief Firearms Officer must consult a parent or legal guardian. In Alberta this is done with a Letter of Consent, which the parent or guardian signs and returns to the RCMP together with the minor's application. The Chief Firearms Office may contact you for more information.
Standard licence conditions
The Letter of Consent sets out these conditions for the licence holder:
- Report any change of name or address to the Chief Firearms Officer within 30 days.
- Do not possess a firearm without the consent, approval and direction of a parent or legal guardian.
- Carry the minor's licence, with its conditions, whenever in possession of a firearm.
- Do not act in a supervisory role, lend a firearm, or buy ammunition for anyone who is not licensed.
The parent or guardian can ask for additional conditions, and the Chief Firearms Officer may add others after contacting the parent or guardian.
Accuracy matters
It is an offence under the Firearms Act to knowingly make a false or misleading statement, or to leave out relevant information, to obtain a licence.
Turning 18
A minor's licence holder who turns 18 can apply for a full PAL on the adult application form, which has a box for exactly this situation. See how to get a PAL in Alberta.
Taking a course with us
Our minimum age for the CFSC is 12. Students under 18 cannot be registered online. A parent or guardian contacts us and we arrange the booking and written consent directly. The restricted course (CRFSC) is for adults 18 and older. Contact us to ask about a youth CFSC booking.
Questions about the licence
Licensing questions go to the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000, or see rcmp.ca/en/firearms.
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