Canadian firearms licence (PAL) photos must be 45×57mm. This is different from the Canadian passport, which is 50×70mm. The RCMP Canadian Firearms Program requires two identical prints submitted with your PAL application. A professional photographer's name and address must appear on the back.
The size difference is easy to miss. Many applicants show up with passport-size photos and need to reshoot.
Canadian Firearms Licence (PAL) Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 45×57mm |
| Digital size | 531×673 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | White |
| Glasses | Allowed |
| Expression | Neutral |
| Photos required | Two identical prints |
Get a compliant passport photo online
PAL vs Canadian Passport: The Size Comparison
| Document | Photo Size | Digital Size |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Passport | 50×70mm | 591×827px |
| Firearms Licence (PAL) | 45×57mm | 531×673px |
The PAL photo is narrower (45mm vs 50mm) and shorter (57mm vs 70mm). These are different dimensions — a passport photo printed at 50×70mm will be rejected. Always specify the size when ordering.
This is the most common photo error on PAL applications. The fix is simple: ask for "45×57mm firearms licence photos" explicitly, not just "passport photos." Most photographers familiar with Canadian documents will know the spec — but not all. Confirm the dimensions before they shoot.
About the Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence
The Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is the single licence that allows Canadians to possess and acquire firearms. It replaced the Firearms Acquisition Certificate and the old Firearms Possession Certificate in 2001.
The PAL comes in two categories:
Non-Restricted PAL — covers non-restricted firearms: most rifles and shotguns. Fee: CAD 60 for a new licence.
Restricted PAL — covers both non-restricted and restricted firearms, including most handguns and some semi-automatic rifles. Requires passing both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC). Fee: CAD 80 for a new licence.
Both require the same 45×57mm photo.
PAL Application Process: Steps and Timeline
PAL applications are administered by the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program. The full process:
- Pass the required safety course(s): CFSC for non-restricted, CFSC + CRFSC for restricted
- Complete the new licence application form (available from the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program portal)
- Attach two identical 45×57mm photos with photographer name/address on the back of each
- Attach a photocopy of your safety course certificate(s)
- Provide references (typically one spouse/conjugal partner or two non-family references)
- Submit with the applicable fee by cheque, money order, or credit card
- RCMP processes the application, including a criminal record check and domestic violence screening
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New licence fee | CAD 60 (non-restricted), CAD 80 (restricted) |
| Renewal fee | CAD 60 (non-restricted), CAD 80 (restricted) |
| Processing time | 45+ days (often 60-90 days in practice) |
| Validity | 5 years |
| Issued by | RCMP Canadian Firearms Program |
Processing times are guidelines, not guarantees. The RCMP's published target is 45 days, but real-world processing commonly runs 60-90 days depending on application volume and the complexity of the background screening. New applicants who are flagged for additional screening can wait longer.
PAL Photo Submission Requirements for the RCMP
Both photos must be identical — same sitting, same exposure. One photo is attached to the application form. The other is kept in the RCMP's file.
On the back of each photo, write or stamp the photographer's name and address. Use a soft ballpoint pen and write lightly — pressing hard can create an impression on the front of the photo. Most professional studios apply a rubber stamp automatically.
The photo must be taken within the last 12 months (the RCMP's guidance; some sources say 6 months — err on the side of recent). Your current appearance must match the photo. If you've had a significant change in appearance — major weight change, facial surgery, or the like — get new photos.
Where to Get Canadian PAL Photos Taken and Printed
Most professional passport photo studios in Canada can produce 45×57mm prints. Call ahead and confirm they know the PAL spec — ask for 45×57mm, not just "firearms licence photos," since not all photographers know the exact dimensions.
Pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs) and Canada Post locations that offer photo services can usually produce PAL-sized prints with advance notice. Some may need to look up the spec.
The passportsize-photo.online checker can verify your digital image against the spec before you print — background, lighting, head positioning, and file dimensions. Worth running if you're printing yourself.
PAL Renewals and Address Changes: Photo Rules
The PAL must be renewed every 5 years. The renewal process uses the same application form with the same 45×57mm photo requirement. Photos must be current — don't use photos from your original application five years ago.
If you move, you must notify the RCMP Firearms Program within 30 days. Address changes don't require new photos, but your next renewal will.
Common PAL Photo Rejection Reasons
The RCMP will request new photos if:
- The photos are passport-size (50×70mm) instead of PAL-size (45×57mm)
- The background is not white
- Shadows are visible on the face or background
- The photo is more than 12 months old
- The photographer information is missing from the back
A photo rejection doesn't restart your application from scratch — the RCMP will typically contact you and give you an opportunity to resubmit. But it does add weeks to the timeline, and a PAL application already takes two to three months.
For other Canadian documents that use photos — passport, citizenship certificate, PR card — note that each has a different size. The PAL is the only major Canadian government document that uses the 45×57mm format. Don't mix your photo sets. The Canadian passport photo guide covers the 50×70mm standard in full if you need that spec alongside your PAL application.
Expression and Appearance Rules for PAL Photos
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, no frown
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- Glasses permitted — clear prescription lenses allowed; no tinted, photochromic, or heavily framed lenses; no visible glare
- Hair away from face — forehead and both eyes clearly visible
- Head coverings — permitted for religious reasons; full face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 12 months (more lenient than the passport's 6-month rule)
Canadian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearms Licence (PAL) | 45×57mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Canadian Passport | 50×70mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Citizenship Certificate | 50×70mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Secure Status Card (SCIS) | 50×70mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
The PAL is the only major Canadian document using the 45×57mm format. Passport, citizenship certificate, and SCIS all share 50×70mm. All Canadian documents permit glasses with clear lenses and use white backgrounds, but sizes differ.
Quick Checklist for Canadian Firearms Licence Photos
- Size: 45×57mm (two identical prints)
- Background: white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses: clear lenses only, no glare
- Photo taken within 12 months
- Photographer name and address on back of each photo
- CFSC (Canadian Firearms Safety Course) certificate ready
- Two references listed on application
