r/canadaguns • u/go-figure1995 • Jul 15 '26

Application / Regulation advice License Renewal cost not making sense

Hey, so my PAL expired. I had to complete another paper application because it was expired more than 6 months. I just didnt think I'd ever go hunting again, but then things changed.

I have my restricted and non restricted. However, I don't have any guns. I normally just used my dad's.

I sent in the application and I wanted to do both restricted and non restricted just to keep them both, in case one day it's legal to buy a handgun.

I was charged 93.84, which is the restricted fee. And that's all that I was charged. The non restricted is like 70$, I was expecting to pay like 120$

I figured both should be charged but that's not the case.

I'm concerned that I'm only getting my restricted..

Or does having restricted exceed the non restricted and therefore I only need to pay the bigger fee which covers both licenses??

Thoughts? I've tried calling but can't get through right now.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

27

u/Master-Editor2668 Jul 15 '26

You pay one or the other  Rpal is like having both if that makes sense 

3

u/BiggerHammer2345 Jul 15 '26

Can confirm this. I just did my renewal as well. Paid 1 fee and got both pal/rpal. A very surprising 3week turnaround from sending info online till new license in my hands (in BC).

The most stressful part was getting the pic correct.(lots of details on background, no textured wall? Lol, no shadows but well lit but not too lit and bleached out, resolution, how close/far etc etc) .

The way they word it, if online photo fails criteria, you forfeit the fee and have to do a paper application and mail in with passport type photo while paying again.

0

u/go-figure1995 Jul 15 '26

Awesome. Thank you!! 

9

u/NapsRNeeded Jul 15 '26

Can't have an RPAL without a PAL.

10

u/thehuntinggearguy 3gun, Mapleseed, YouTuber, SlamFire Radio, Revolver-hater Jul 15 '26

You're getting both

5

u/Orcasystems99 Jul 15 '26

Restricted covers non restricted... just the one price.

1

u/go-figure1995 Jul 15 '26

Perfect, that's what I needed to know! Thanks 

2

u/black_covfefe_please Jul 16 '26

Technically, it is the same license just with different privileges. It isn't two different licenses. So only one fee.

The RPAL costs more just because they are doing a more in depth background check.

1

u/Ok-Turnover4223 Jul 15 '26

It's a 2 4 in the most non alcoholic Canadian way .... you're good. PM where in BC you are and if feasible let's go shoot.

1

u/binarycrystal Jul 15 '26

Supposedly both PAL and Business licensing has a "better" structure where you only have to pay the "maximum" level, and everything else under is included.

IIRC Ian Runkle talked about this in one of his older videos after getting his business license.

1

u/ThrowRA_That_Owl_25 Jul 17 '26

It makes perfect sense. I dont understand what you are complaining about? Not paying more?

Stop giving guberment stupid ideas.

2

u/go-figure1995 Jul 17 '26

I'm not complaining. I thought they were seperate licenses and that's not clear on their website. 

Cheers