Firearms License Photo in Canada

Canadian Firearms License photo 

If you want to possess restricted-access firearms in Canada, you must obtain a Possession and Acquisition License, known as a PAL. To apply for a PAL you must provide a proper PAL photo one that follows all the official Canadian government rules and regulations. Below, we have summed up what you need to know about this photo and provided some great tips on how to get it perfect on the first try. 

PAL photo - general information 

Here is some important general information about your PAL photo:

• The photo has to be original and standalone, meaning that your image cannot be cut from a bigger photo. 
• An inadequate photo (meaning the one that doesn’t follow the rules shown in the article below) might get your whole application for a PAL rejected.
• Before you can get the license, you must complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course.

PAL photo size 

Your PAL photo has to be 1.75 x 2.25 inches in size (which is around 45 x 57 mm). Make sure that your head is centered and that it takes up most of the picture, and is at least 1.18 inches high (30 mm). 

PAL photo rules and regulations

The most important thing to remember about the PAL photo is that the image has to show the real you, with no digital beautification effects or social media filters. Here are the DOs and DON’Ts of the PAL photo. 

DO:

• Use a plain, white background.
• Make sure no other persons or objects are visible in your photo.
• Keep your eyes open.
• Keep your mouth closed.
• Maintain as neutral of an expression as you can.
• Remember that your head and shoulders have to be both well visible in the photo. 

DON’T:

• Smile or frown (keep your expression neutral).
• Tilt or turn your head in any way or direction.
• Look away from the camera.
• Submit a photo older than a year.

Your looks in the PAL photo 

In your PAL photo, you are allowed to have a beard and long hair. You can dress however you like—either casual clothes or a business suit—but avoid military uniforms and camouflage patterns. Also, you need to make sure that your clothes contrast with the background of your photo, so don’t wear all white. Prescription glasses are allowed but make sure that the frames don’t obscure your face in any way. Sunglasses are not permitted. You cannot wear colored contact lenses. Avoid big jewelry and hair accessories, too. The only head covering allowed is something you wear every day for religious reasons, such as turbans and yarmulkes. 

Canadian Firearms License photo summed up 

If you want to exercise your right to carry and use restricted firearms in Canada, you need a license called the PAL. One of the most important parts of your PAL application is a proper PAL photo that follows the official guidelines. Above, you can find specific information on the topic, but to sum up: make sure your photo isn’t older than a year, use a plain white background, and keep your expression neutral. 

Last update: 2022-06-27