If you move, you must notify the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) within 30 days. The fastest way is through the IWS portal at rcmp.ca. You can also call 1-800-731-4000 or send a letter to Miramichi, NB. Failing to update your address on your PAL within that window is a breach of licence conditions and can lead to revocation and criminal charges.
Why You Must Update the CFP Separately
Updating your address with the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, or any other federal department does not update your firearms records. Government systems are deliberately not connected for privacy and security reasons. The CFP has no way of knowing you moved unless you tell them directly.
This catches a lot of PAL holders off guard after a move.
The 30-Day Rule
The Firearms Act requires every licence holder to notify the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of their province or territory within 30 days of any change to their name or address. Missing that deadline is a violation of your licence conditions. The CFO has the authority to revoke your licence as a result, and non-compliance can carry a criminal penalty of up to two years in prison.
Beyond the legal risk, if the CFP cannot reach you, you may miss renewal notices and let your licence lapse. A lapsed PAL means unauthorized possession of firearms under the Criminal Code.
Three Ways to Change Your Address on Your PAL
Online (fastest): Log in to the Individual Web Services (IWS) portal or the MyCFP Account using a GCKey or Sign-In Partner. Select "Licence Holder," navigate to "Update your Contact Information," confirm or correct your residential and mailing addresses, and submit. Your browser must support TLS 1.2 or higher for the portal to load.
By phone: Call the National Contact Centre at 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the US) or 1-506-624-6626 (from outside North America). Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm local time. You will need to answer security questions to verify your identity before the change goes through. For IWS support specifically, extension 1040 is designated for that purpose.
By mail: Write a letter and send it to:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Firearms Program, PO Box 1200, Miramichi, NB E1N 5Z3
What Information to Include
Whether you update online, by phone, or by mail, have the following ready:
- Full legal name
- Firearms licence number
- Date of birth
- Old address
- New physical address
- New mailing address (if different from physical)
- New phone number
- Exact date of the move
If your new address is in a rural area, on a reserve, or in a remote community without standard street numbers, provide a legal land location (such as lot and concession numbers) or a precise description like "2 km east of Route 6."
Moving with Restricted or Prohibited Firearms
If you own restricted or prohibited firearms, you cannot simply load them in the moving truck. You need an Authorization to Transport (ATT) before you move.
Apply for the ATT using Form RCMP 5490. In Section C, select Box 8a: "Change of residence or address where the firearm is registered." You will need to provide the registration numbers and Firearm Identification Numbers (FIN) for each firearm, the proposed transport schedule in 24-hour clock format, and the exact departure and destination addresses.
During transport, the firearm must be unloaded, fitted with a secure locking device, and enclosed in a locked, opaque container. See the ATT guide for the full transport protocol.
Quebec Residents: Stricter Deadline
If you live in Quebec and the primary storage location of a non-restricted firearm changes, you must notify the provincial Service d’immatriculation des armes à feu (SIAF) within 15 days of the change. That is a shorter window than the federal 30-day deadline. For other information updates in Quebec, such as a phone number change, the standard 30-day rule applies.
Will You Get a New PAL Card?
No. Changing your address does not automatically trigger the RCMP to print a new card. A new PAL card is only issued when you first get your licence, when you renew it, or when you formally request a replacement.
To get a card reflecting your new address, submit Form RCMP 5515 (Firearms Documents Replacement Request) and pay the applicable replacement fee ($10 to $30 depending on years of validity remaining).
If You Are Also Buying or Selling at the Time of a Move
Update your address with the CFP before starting any firearm transfer. If your address on file does not match your actual location, the CFO cannot accurately review the transaction. Complete the address update first, then initiate the sale or purchase.
For more on what licence conditions require in general, see the PAL renewal guide and the Chief Firearms Officer contact guide.
FAQ
How long do I have to change my address on my PAL after moving?
30 days. Quebec residents have 15 days if the primary storage location of a firearm also changes.
Does updating my address with CRA update my firearms records?
No. You must contact the Canadian Firearms Program directly. Government systems do not share this data.
Do I need a new PAL card after an address change?
No. Submit Form RCMP 5515 and pay $10 to $30 if you want a card with the updated address.
What happens if I don’t update my PAL address in time?
The CFO can revoke your licence. Non-compliance is also a criminal offence carrying up to two years in prison.
This article reflects current RCMP policy based on official government documentation. Eligibility and suitability decisions are assessed on a case-by-case basis during the application process.
By Daniel Foster, Researcher — https://joinrcmp.ca/team/daniel-foster/
Last Updated: April 7, 2026
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