FAQ's

1. All I want is a Possession Only Licence (P.O.L). Can I still get one?

You might qualify for a P.O.L Licence renewal (see form RCMP 6006) if you possessed a valid P.O.L which expired after January 1, 2004. Residents of Ontario should contact the Chief Firearms Office of Ontario to determine their eligibility for a P.O.L renewal, at:

1-800-731-4000 extension 7503.

2. How long is my Firearms Licence good for?

A Firearms Licence is valid for a period of five years, unless revoked. Each Firearms Licence has an expiry date on it.

3. Do I have to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) test if I only want to acquire restricted firearms?

Yes. In order to obtain a PAL for restricted firearms, you must successfully complete both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) test and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) test.

4. Do I have to redo both the written and practical portions of the CFSC or the CRFSC test if I fail either the written or practical test?

Yes. The tests consist of both the written and practical components. You must achieve 80% or better on both in order to successfully complete the CFSC / CRFSC test. If an individual fails either the written or practical test, they must complete both again.

5. Do I have to take the course if I am unsuccessful in challenging the CFSC/CRFSC test?

No. The CFSC is only mandatory for Minors (under 18), and for those who have had a firearms prohibition. An individual may challenge the CFSC/CRFSC as many times as they wish. Instructors may, however, decline to conduct the test if they feel doing so might result in a risk to public safety.

6. How much time do I have to take the test after completing the CFSC/CRFSC course?

The test can be taken at any time following the completion of the course.

7. I’ve applied for a Firearms Licence and I received a letter from the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program asking for proof that I completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course test. I completed a test when I received my Ontario Hunting Licence. Is this the test they are talking about?

No. The Hunter Education test is a provincial test for a provincial hunting licence. You are required to show proof of completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course test in order to get your Federal Firearms Licence.

8. I am a visitor to Canada. Do I need a Firearms Licence?

Yes. Starting January 1, 2001, non-residents are required to possess a Firearms Licence to import (restricted and non-restricted firearms) or to borrow (non-restricted firearms only), and to acquire ammunition. For individuals who bring their own firearms into Canada, a confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration ( form JUS 909 EF ) will serve as a licence and registration for those firearms indicated on the JUS 909 EF Declaration Form.

Individuals who temporarily bring firearms to Canada must declare their firearms in writing using the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form (form JUS 909 EF). Once a Customs Officer has confirmed the declaration and issued a confirmation number, the declaration form will serve as a licence and registration certificate, showing that the visitor is in legal possession of the firearm(s).

A confirmed declaration costs $25 Canadian, and is valid for up to 60 days.

9. As a visitor to Canada, can I borrow a firearm for use in Canada?

Visitors, whether adults or minors, do not need a licence to borrow a firearm if they only use it under the direct and immeadiate supervision of an adult who can lawfully possess that firearm and has a Canadian Firearms Licence. Contact the CFO of the province where you wish to use the firearm to determine the exact stipulations for this option.

Otherwise, visitors aged 18 and older need either a Temporary Firearms Borrowing Licence (for non-residents)(form JUS 715 EF) or a valid Canadian Firearms Licence that allows them to acquire firearms. A Non-Resident Temporary Borrowing Licence costs $30 Canadian. It can be renewed once if it is renewed before it expires. Any additional renewals will cost $30. A sponsor may apply on behalf of a non-resident for the Non-Resident temporary Borrowing Licence.

10. I am a non-resident, but want a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). How do I get a Possession and Acquisition Licence?

Non-residents can apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence. They must be 18 years of age or older; they must successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course/Test; and they must provide a letter or document from their local Police Service/Government which provides a completed NCIC check. Once they have the necessary documentation, they need only fill in an application, attach the documents, and send it to the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program.

11. Where can I get a Minors Licence application form?

Please call the Chief Firearms Office of Ontario:

1 - 8 0 0 - 7 3 1 - 4 0 0 0 Extension 7 5 0 3

The information in this website is intended to provide general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Firearms Act and its Regulations. Provincial, territorial and municipal laws, regulations and policies may also apply.