Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
Firearm possession and acquisition in Canada requires a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). Ontarians applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) for the first time are required to successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) or the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).(1) There are two types of PALs. The first is a PAL for non-restricted firearms, which requires the successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the second is a PAL for restricted firearms, which requires the successful completion of both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).
How to get a PAL Licence
Available Courses
* If you are currently under a Prohibition Order, you are not permitted to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course(CFSC) and/or the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) until AFTER your prohibition order expires.
Course Fees
The following maximum fees apply to the Canadian Firearms Safety Courses in Ontario.
Please note the following fees do not include applicable Federal and Provincial taxes or course manual. Prices are subject to change without notice.
| Course | Maximum Fee |
| Canadian Firearm Safety Course (CFSC) | $210 |
| Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) After 30 days & Test | $210 |
| Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) Within 30 days & Test | $170 |
| Both Canadian Firearms Safety Course & Restricted Firearms Safety Course (Back to Back) Includes both tests & minimum 12 hours classroom instruction | $380 |
Student Manuals
The Student Manual is an important resource for those taking the CFSC and/or CRFSC. All students should carefully read the manual prior to participating in course(s). The manual provides key information to support learning during the course and will serve as a reference guide after completion of the course(s).
Students can view an electronic manual, purchase printed manuals from their CFSC/CRFSC instructor.
Student Accommodation Request
It is the responsibility of all members of the FSESO to ensure that we serve the public with diligence and without discrimination. In doing so we will provide equal opportunities to all students to access our services and programs. The FSESO will work with all students requesting an accommodation to find an appropriate solution. Individual accommodation requests shall be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you wish to submit a request for accommodation, please complete the following Accommodation Request Submission.
*Note: This form is intended for accommodation requests only. All other inquiries can be submitted through our Contact Us form.
Minor’s Licence
To apply for a Minor’s Licence, you must:
- Be between 12 and 17 years old
- Take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and pass the tests (as determined in Section 7 of the Firearms Act)
Replacement Student Course Report
If you have not received your stamped student course report after 6 weeks you can contact the FSESO to have the stamped report replaced. The FSESO is only able to provide replacement stamped reports if it has been less than a year since you completed your Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) or Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).
To request a replacement stamped student course report please contact the FSESO and provide the following details:
- First & last name
- Your date of birth
- Start date of the course (day/month/year)
- Course type (CFSC, CRFSC)
- First & last name of the course instructor
Students who completed their CFSC/CRFSC course:
- More than a year ago in Ontario should contact the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario at 1-(800)731-4000 ext. 7503
- In another province should contact the Chief Firearms Officer in the province they completed the course