r/canadaguns • u/AutoModerator • May 25 '26
Recurring FAQ Thread - Post your questions here for PAL/RPAL application, timelines, CFSC/CFSRC, references & requirements, or general new to firearms ownership-type questions
This thread will be used for any Frequently Asked Questions, including PAL/RPAL applications, CFSC/CFRSC requirements, storage/transport, open ended "what gun should I buy first", or other general new to firearms ownership questions. It recurs every 14 days.
We recommend you try the search bar before asking common questions as they are frequently already answered elsewhere.
Most answers to Storage, Display, and Transport questions can be found here Inheriting firearms or dealing with an Estate? Answers here. Do you need to renew your license or check on the status of your license application? Try here.
Do you have questions about the classifications of firearms? More details here.
Are you wondering if a firearm is legal or not? Details here.
Different types of firearms are explained in detail here.
Exporting firearms, ammunition, parts and accessories from the US: most items are controlled under ITAR and you cannot, as an individual, export these items from the USA. Canada does not care in most cases. If you attempt to bring any of these items across the border yourself and you are caught, you will face prison time in the US. If you wish to export items from the USA, use a broker such as IRUNGUNS, Aztech, or Prophet River.
If you took your CFSC and lost the paperwork, you can still apply for your PAL. Both your instructor and the CFP retain copies, you can request a copy by contacting either one. There is no expiration date on the paperwork, you do not have to retake the course. Updated list of scam websites is here.
If you have new scam sites to add, please message the mod team. Be careful: only use reputable sites to purchase things online. It is illegal to manufacture a non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited firearm.
Any posts or comments asking about the legality of making a firearm other than a reproduction antique will be removed. It was not always illegal, which is why you will find old posts regarding this topic. Rest assured, it is illegal now. Do not attempt.
These threads will be stickied for a week, renewing every Monday. Previous threads here.
Take a look, your question may have been answered! If you have any suggestions for this thread, please feel free to ask here, or send the Mods a message. Thank you!
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u/Negative_Plantain307 Jun 01 '26
hey guys i applied for rpal and pal in mid march from ontario, what are the eait times lookin like
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u/kookiemaster Jun 01 '26
Mine took around five months. Applied in November and got it in April. None of my references were called, and they did not contact my partner. This was with checking "yes" to one of the questions. They did not contact me for additional info. If you didn't check any of the boxes, yours might be faster.
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u/Negative_Plantain307 Jun 02 '26
ahhh okay nice thanks man, yeah my application was as basic as can be so fingers crossed it comes fast haha
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u/Eglitarian Jun 05 '26
I applied may 4th, it’s in the mail right now.
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u/Negative_Plantain307 Jun 05 '26
are you also from ontario and a first time applicant?
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u/Eglitarian Jun 05 '26
Yessir. Got my cfp registration email like a week after finishing the cfsc. Applied that exact day, my wife/guarantors/references all signed off by like 5pm that day and had the email about the 28 day waiting period by like 6pm that day.
One of the people who went to the course with me messaged me saying their license was en route so I called the CFP and they told me it was approved, printed, and mailed out yesterday.
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u/cobra447 Jun 01 '26
28 days to be approved and then issued. Received December 1, 2025
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u/JREDZZ_ Jun 05 '26
I applied April 19th. I reached out to the cfo. They said 6 months. Which is odd because I know people who applied in may and got theirs already. I hope it’s soon!
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u/pjchriss Jun 04 '26
Hypothetic Question on Transferring Guns (PAL Related)
Hypothetically, if someone (Bob, for example) owned 4 guns and then their PAL expired, and instead of following the steps that you are supposed to follow with your guns, you just kept them and they sat in your garage for 10 years.
And then Bob's son (John, for example) got his PAL and he wants to use the 4 guns. Bob isn't able to transfer the firearms to his son John because he no longer has a valid PAL. Is there any workaround to a situation like this?
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jun 04 '26
Some people might recommend that if Jon doesn't live in QC and the firearms are non restricted then he should just take them without any legal paperwork despite that breaking the law. I would caution against that, partially because john may not have any reference numbers generated to send guns to him or know how that works, partially because people who break the law like to blab about it and increase their chances of getting caught. And partially because i don't want to put the effort in to explain all small details about how to get away with it.
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 05 '26
tl,dr; if the guns are not registered...
if the guns are restricted and registered, Bob is hooped
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u/Icy-Somewhere9710 Jun 06 '26
Hey all, I currently hold my minor's pal and want to upgrade to a "full" pal when I turn 18 in a few months. However, with the long wait times for pal processing, do you guys think I could send it off a month or a couple weeks before I turn 18 so by the time it arrives and is processed I'll be 18 and can get it sooner? Thanks.
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u/The_SwagginWagon Jun 06 '26
When is it reasonable to contact my MP regarding the wait times on a new application? I've only been waiting a few months, but I'd like to get some range time in before summer ends. Also, what's the process for contacting them?
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 08 '26
have you called or emailed your CFO?
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u/The_SwagginWagon Jun 08 '26
called once a month several times (ON), just a generic "we have a large volume, call back in another month" response. I answered yes to a part c question, but nothing I would think would cause a second look.
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u/trap4pixels RIP JStark Jun 08 '26
Whatever happened to the hellion? I remember there was rumours of us getting it approved over a year ago
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u/chillyrabbit Jun 08 '26
Named banned in the 2024 or 2025 bans.
146 The firearms of the designs commonly known as the HS VHS, the HS VHS-D2 and the HS VHS-K2 rifles, and any variants or modified versions of them, including the Springfield Armory Hellion.
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u/Old-Selection-1012 Jun 04 '26
Legally speaking,
How many pieces does the receiver of a NR now Prohibited firearm need to be cut into before being sold as deactivated?
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jun 06 '26
Deactivated is when a qualified person (eg gun Smith) modified it so it can never be fired again but it still looks like fine from the outside. They would issue a certificate to say the work they've done and that is deactivated.
Cutting to pieces would be a way to destroy a firearm. There's no informative regulations about requirements for destroying a firearm.
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 05 '26
That's not how it works, a licensed verifier needs to see the gun and produce paperwork
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u/black_covfefe_please Jun 05 '26
Isn't there a provision for destruction that does not require a verifier? I thought a verifier was only required for disabling.
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 08 '26
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u/Old-Selection-1012 Jun 04 '26
Add - with all the other parts still there.
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 08 '26
-9
May 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/canadaguns-ModTeam May 26 '26
In accordance with the subreddit rules, your post/comment has been removed for the following reason:
[4] Not Relevant/Low Quality Content This subreddit is for the discussion of Canadian firearms ownership, shooting sports, safety of firearms, Gun Clubs, Firearms groups, advocacy, and the Canadian political effects of online communities/groups.
Posts, commenting, articles, and discussions are to be specific to Canada and Canadian laws. Posts not specific to Canada but may reasonably have a link to Canadian gun culture or laws, which would foster thoughtful and productive discussions, may be approved at moderator discretion.
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u/Bull-RunTheJewels May 27 '26
So I applied online and received my PAL in November. Does anyone know if I am able to submit my application online now for my RPAL or do I have to do a paper copy now? I looked everywhere on the RCMP website and it does say that you are not eligible to apply online if you have already submitted an application online in the past. When I click on the application tab in my account it just brings me to the details of my original PAL application.
I just wanted to verify that I am actually not able to submit a second application online. Seems like a stupid rule.
Thanks!