The Types of Firearms Licences in Canada

Under the new gun laws there are various levels of Firearms Licences (FL). You will need an FL to legally possess the firearms you already own, to acquire new ones, to purchase ammunition and to borrow firearms. By January 1, 2001 all firearms owners must have an FL. Existing Firearms Acquisition Certificates (FACs) will be valid until they expire.

Possession Only (POL)

This Firearms Licence was intended for people who already own guns, and did not intend to acquire any firearms in the next five years. This $10 licence allows you to keep whatever non-restricted, restricted or prohibited firearms you already legally possess and borrow other firearms of the same legal class. The fee to renew a POL is $60. POLs were only available prior to 2001.

Non-Restricted Long Guns: Possession & Acquisition

If you have no interest in restricted firearms (e.g. handguns, some military looking semi-automatic rifles) but you still wish to be able to acquire typical sporting long guns, you will need this Possession ∓ Acquisition Licence (PAL).

You will be required to pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course exam. The fee is $60 for a 5 year licence.

Restricted Firearms: Possession & Acquisition

This licence will allow you to purchase non-restricted and restricted firearms, plus any classes of prohibited firearms that you are eligible to acquire.

You must pass both the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Exam and the Canadian Firearms Safety Exam. If you completed the old Canadian Firearms Safety Exam (the full one which included long guns and handguns) between 1993-1999, you will not have to write the current exams. Ontario residents who got an FAC in 1995/96 using some other safety training course as proof of competency, will have to pass the new exams. The fee for this licence is $80 for five years.

Minor's Firearms Licence

A minor's licence permits someone under the age of 18 to possess non-restricted firearms for the purposes of: target practice, competition, hunting, or instruction in the use of a firearm.
Minors who are not sustenance hunters must take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and pass the exam in order to get a possession licence. Minors who are sustenance hunters, just like any adult, may simply challenge the exam.