Renewing your PAL

Last reviewed: October 2026

When to renew

The Canadian Firearms Program sends renewal notices to valid licence holders about three months before the licence expires. Keep your mailing and email address current with the program so the notice reaches you, and note your expiry date somewhere you'll see it.

How to renew

• Online: through the RCMP's Individual Web Services. This is the quickest option for most people.
• By mail: using the Application for Renewal of a Firearms Licence for an Individual (RCMP 5614).

Before you start, have ready:

• current spouse or partner information (date of birth, address and phone number);
• information about any former spouse or partner from the last two years;
• a credit card for the fee;
• a digital photo that meets the RCMP photo requirements.

You can't renew online if your licence has already expired, if you already have a renewal in progress, if you're requesting a religious exemption from the photo, or if you hold a minor's licence.

If your licence expires

An expired licence cannot be renewed online. You apply for a new licence instead, using the full application form, and the minimum 28-day waiting period for applicants without a valid licence applies.

Without a valid licence you can't legally acquire firearms or ammunition, and the rules about possessing firearms you already own become more complicated. If your licence has expired or is about to, contact the Canadian Firearms Program right away at 1-800-731-4000.

The application asks whether you have passed the safety course and for proof, so keep your course report somewhere safe for the life of your licence.

Turning 18 with a minor's licence

A minor's licence can't be renewed online. Young people who want to keep using firearms as adults apply for their own PAL.

Adding the restricted class

Renewal is a good time to think about adding the restricted class. That requires passing the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) as well as the CFSC. See PAL and restricted licensing and our CRFSC course.

Official sources: Licence renewal for individuals (RCMP) · Renew a firearms licence (Alberta.ca)