Form RCMP 5614 is the official PAL renewal form used by individuals aged 18 and over to renew an active Possession and Acquisition Licence in Canada. You can submit it online through the Individual Web Services (IWS) portal or by mailing a paper copy to Miramichi, NB. Processing takes roughly 45 days. No guarantor is required, and there is no 28-day waiting period for renewals.
When to Use Form 5614 and When Not To
The PAL renewal form (RCMP 5614) is only for individuals whose current licence is still valid. Three situations require Form RCMP 5592 instead:
- Your current PAL has already expired.
- You want to upgrade from Non-Restricted to Restricted (or add a class).
- You are applying for your first firearms licence.
If any of those apply, Form 5614 will not work. The CFP will reject it and you will lose time.
Non-residents renewing a Canadian PAL must attach a Letter of Good Conduct from their local or state police, issued within the last six months.
Online vs. Paper: How to Submit
The fastest option is the IWS portal at rcmp.ca. You can start your renewal online up to six months before your licence expires. Sign in with a GCKey or Sign-In Partner account.
If submitting by mail, the form must carry your handwritten signature and be dated within six months of the mailing date. Send the completed form, photo, and payment to:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, P.O. Box 1200, Miramichi, NB, E1N 5Z3
Section-by-Section: What Each Part Asks
Section A — Licence Information: Enter your current licence number and expiry date. Select the class of firearm you are renewing exactly as it appears on the back of your current PAL card (Non-Restricted, Restricted, or Prohibited).
Section B — Personal Information: Use your full legal name. No initials, no nicknames. If your name includes "Jr." or "Sr.", or if it changed through marriage or a legal process, include photocopies of the official government documents confirming the change. Provide a physical home address, not a P.O. Box.
Section C — Personal History: This section screens for safety risk factors over the past two to five years. You must disclose any of the following if they apply: peace bonds, protection orders, household prohibition orders, suicide attempts, mental health treatment (including depression and substance abuse), divorce, separation, job loss, or bankruptcy. A "yes" answer on any question requires a detailed written explanation on a separate sheet of paper. Attach that sheet to the form.
Sections D, E, F — Conjugal Status: Disclose your current spouse or common-law partner (anyone you have lived with for at least one year) and any former conjugal partners from the past two years. You must ask them to sign the form. Their signatures are not legally required to process the application. However, if a signature is missing, the CFO is legally required to contact that person directly before processing your renewal. That delays the process by weeks. If you do not know a former partner’s address, state that formally on the form.
Section H — Declaration: Sign and date the declaration confirming that all information is accurate. Making a false or misleading statement is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Firearms Act.
Photo Requirements
Both online and paper submissions require a photo that meets strict specifications. A photo that does not meet these requirements will cause a rejection.
- Size: 45 mm wide by 57 mm high (1¾" x 2¼"). Head height must be at least 30 mm.
- Digital files: JPG or JPEG format, between 200 KB and 6 MB.
- Age: Taken within the last 12 months.
- Expression: Neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open. No smiling or frowning.
- Posture: Looking straight at the camera, shoulders squared.
- Background: Plain, light-coloured, with uniform lighting. No shadows or glare.
- Head coverings: Hats and sunglasses are not permitted. Prescription glasses are acceptable if both eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Headwear worn for medical or religious reasons is allowed as long as the full face is visible.
- Paper applications only: Print your name on the label provided and affix it to the back of the photo.
Fees
Under the Service Fees Act, PAL renewal fees are adjusted for inflation each year on March 31. The fee is based on the highest class of firearms you possess or intend to acquire:
| Effective Date | Non-Restricted | Restricted / Prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2024 | $67.38 | $89.85 |
| March 31, 2025 | $69.20 | $92.27 |
| March 31, 2026 | $70.38 | $93.84 |
Accepted payment methods: certified cheque, money order, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Cash is not accepted. Paying by personal cheque adds a minimum 10-business-day delay for bank clearance.
Individuals who hunt or trap to sustain themselves or their family can apply for a fee waiver on Non-Restricted licences.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
Start early. Online renewals open up six months before your expiry date. Do not wait until the last month. Processing takes about 45 days in normal circumstances, and delays from missing partner signatures or "yes" answers in Section C can push that much higher.
You do not need to resubmit your CFSC or CRFSC reports. The CFP already has them on file from your original application.
No guarantor is required for a renewal. That requirement only applies to first-time applicants using Form 5592.
For more on your licence options, see the Canada firearms licence guide and the PAL renewal overview.
FAQ
What is Form RCMP 5614 used for?
Renewing a currently valid Possession and Acquisition Licence. Expired or new applications use Form 5592.
Do I need a photo guarantor for a PAL renewal?
No. A guarantor is only required for first-time applications. Your identity is already on file.
How long does PAL renewal take in Canada?
The RCMP targets 45 days. Missing partner signatures or yes answers in Section C can extend that.
Can I renew my PAL online?
Yes, through the IWS portal at rcmp.ca, up to six months before your licence expires.
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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