FAQs

How Can We Assist?

How do I get a firearms licence?

In short, you take the CFSC course (9 hour course) and submit a PAL application to the Canadian Firearms Program.

Why take the CFSC and/or CRFSC Course?

The Firearms Act requires that individuals wishing to acquire non-restricted firearms must take the Canadian Firearms
Safety Course (CFSC) and pass the tests in order to apply for you PAL firearms licence.

What do I need to bring to the CFSC or Hunter Education Course?

1. It is strongly recommended, that you obtain a copy of the PAL/PAL course handbook and read the handbook before attending the

course.

2. Ensure you bring proper government issued photo identification.

3. If you are a minor (below 18 years old) ensure that you have a Parental Consent Form filled out and signed by your parent or guardian.

4. It is strongly recommended that you bring a lunch. Lunch breaks are 30 minutes long.

5. A pen to fill out paper work and exams.

What government issued identification is acceptable?

1. Any recognized government identification (Military, Ministry etc.)
2. Passport (any Country)
3. Driver's Licence (any province)
4. Ontario Photo Card (or other government-issued provincial photo identification)
5. A letter from the bishop of the Mennonite/Amish community can also be accepted as identification. A copy of the letter shall be submitted to the PAL course instructor.

How old do you have to be to take CFSC, CRFSC or OHEP?

Minor's must be 12 years old in order to attend the PAL course (CFSC) or the PAL Course (CRFSC) or Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP); however, minors taking the courses must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian in advance of the course delivery. The instructor can provide a copy of the Minor Consent Form to the parent or guardian prior to course commencement.

Parents are permitted to accompany minors during delivery the PAL course (CFSC) or the PAL Course (CRFSC) and Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP); however, they are not permitted to be present during the written or practical examination unless required for and for an accommodation identified in advance of the course. Parents accompanying minors are not permitted to participate in the course and shall not handle firearms at any time during the course or examinations.

What is a minors licence?

A minor's licence authorizes an individual who is between the ages of 12 and 18 years old to possess a firearm for the purpose of target practice, hunting or instruction in the use of firearms or taking part in an organized competition.

The licence expires on the day that the minor turns 18. It is recommended that the minor applies for their adult PAL 6 months before their 18th birthday to prevent any lapse. The CFSC course results from when they took the course as a minor are still valid for their adult PAL application.

What ID can minors use?

Proper Photo Identification can be more difficult for minors to provide. Acceptable Identification for for students under

the age of 18 (Minors) without any of the identification listed above for the CFSC/CRFSC course report and examination forms are:

1. Birth Certificate and a valid School Photo ID.

2. Birth Certificate and the Parent or Guardian acceptable government identification as per the listed accepted Photo ID above.

What happens after I take the course?

After you have passed the PAL Course (CFSC) and/or PAL Course (RPAL), your instructor will send your course and

exam results to the Firearm Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO) for validation. This process takes 4-6 weeks.

The FSESO will send you your results when they have been validated. Once you

receive your results you send your results with your PAL Application to the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP).

How long does it take to get my PAL card in the mail from start to finish?

It takes a minimum of 2-3 months to obtain your firearms licence from start to finish.