Canadian Firearms License Photo

Prepare a perfect biometric photo with guaranteed acceptance!

1M+
approved
ID photos
200%
Guarantee of
acceptance
Canadian Firearms License Photo
1M+
approved
ID photos
200%
Guarantee of
acceptance

How does it work?

Perfect biometric photo within 3 minutes.

Check how simple and smart is it!

Take or upload a photo

Take or upload a photo

That's the only thing you need to do. Take or upload a photo - we will take care of the rest.

AI prepares the photo

AI prepares the photo

Artificial Intelligence will check your photo, crop it to the right size and remove the background.

Expert verification

Expert verification

Our Photo Expert will make additional verification to check if your photo meets the official requirements.

Digital or printed photos

Digital or printed photos

You can download a digital version and order a printout which we will send within 2-3 days. Delivery is free!

Why?

Take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home

You save time and money

Convenience

Don't waste time, effort or money. You can take your passport photo without leaving home.

Professional service

Over 1 million people have used our services within the past 11 years. Our Photo Experts are available 24/7.

Money-back guarantee

We give you a guarantee of acceptance by authorities or otherwise we will refund you double the price!

Satisfaction guarantee

Take as many photo shots as you want - you pay only when you are satisfied.

How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow simple instruction to take a perfect ID photo.

1

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

2

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

3

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

Canada Firearms License Photo - Size & Requirements

Canadian Firearms License Photo
Size
Width: 45 mm
Height: 57 mm
Resolution
600 dpi
Is it suitable for online submission?
Yes
Image definition parameters
Head height: 32 mm
Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 10 mm
Is it printable?
Yes
Background Color
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More about Canadian Firearms License Photo - Requirements

Canadian PAL photo 

To be able to register any restricted or prohibited firearms you’ll need a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). In order to apply for the licence, you will have to complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC), and also attach one colour photo to your application. Do you know all the requirements for the Canadian PAL photo? It’s important to know the do’s and don’ts in terms of the PAL photo requirements, because an inadequate photo may cause your application to be rejected.

Below we will go over the PAL photo size requirements as well as discuss the process of applying for the Canadian gun licence itself.

We’ll also provide you with a special online photo tool which will make it easier for you to prepare your perfect photograph in a few moments.

PAL photo requirements

The photo you enclose with your Canadian Firearms Licence application must be original, meaning, not cut out of a larger photo. No other persons, objects, or shadows are allowed in the picture. You are required to use a plain, contrasting background. It can be hard to obtain, but our online photo app can help you with that by providing your photo with a light coloured background that complies with the PAL photo requirements.

The following are the basic PAL photo rules:

  • your eyes must be clearly visible,
  • your mouth must be closed (your teeth can’t be showing),
  • you must look straight at the camera,
  • you can’t tilt your head,
  • you must maintain a neutral facial expression,
  • the photo should have been taken in the last 12 months,
  • your head and shoulders must be clearly visible in the photo (frontal view).

In your PAL photo you can:

  • have your hair down,
  • dress as you like,
  • wear prescription glasses as long as they don’t produce a glare and/or obscure your eyes,
  • have a beard.

PAL photo size and composition

The required Canadian PAL photo size is: 45 x 57 mm (1.77″ x 2.24″). Your head in the photograph must be at least 30 mm (1.18") high and be positioned centrally in the image. 

Head coverings and accessories in the PAL photo 

Generally speaking, you are not allowed to wear a hat, cap, or any other fashion head covering. The only head covering that’s allowed in your PAL photo is that worn for religious purposes. Still in the case of religious headwear, remember to make sure that your facial features are clearly visible. 

Sunglasses and tinted glasses are forbidden in the photo. Other accessories, such as massive jewelry or headbands which may obscure your jawline are not allowed.

Take your Canada Firearms Licence photo with our online photo tool 

It may be difficult to obtain a correct image on your own, but not with our online photo service. Give it a try and have your picture adequately cropped, resized, and adjusted. As the final step, our application will check the photograph and inform you if it’s correct and ready to attach to your application.

All you have to do is either upload an already existing photo that you think is suitable or take a photo with your digital camera or smartphone at a convenient time and place. Keeping all the PAL photo size requirements in mind, with our tool you actually don’t have to worry about them, because our AI system will adjust your photo to the correct size automatically. 

The same applies to removing the background - our background removal tool comes to your rescue and replaces your messy background with a contrasting background that complies with the Canadian Firearms Licence standards. 

Each photo is carefully verified to make sure it meets all the requirements - first it gets scanned by our AI system, and then the photo is passed on to our human expert for double verification. 

It’s a perfect solution for those who either can’t go, or just simply don’t feel like going, to a photography studio, drugstore, or photo booth to take their PAL photo.

Last update: 2023-05-28

About the document

What is the Firearms Licence in Canada?

Actually, its full name is The Possession and Acquisition Licence (French: permis de possession et d'acquisition).

The Canadian Firearms Licence is a document required of those who wish to possess, acquire, or borrow a firearm, or acquire ammunition for a firearm anywhere in Canada. All licencing and registration are managed by the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program (CFP), under the Deputy Commissioner Policing Support Services (PSS). You can get the licence for 5 years and if you continue to possess and use a gun, you must renew it. If you don’t renew your licence before the expiration date, you must legally dispose of any firearms in your possession. 

Who can get the Firearms Licence?

There are more than one firearm licence categories:

  • Adult aged 18 or older Possession and Acquisition Licence (or P.A.L.)
  • Adult Possession Only Licence (or P.O.L.)
  • Firearms Licence for Minors (under the age of 18)

The most common type of licence is the one for adults who wish to have their own firearm. However, there is no requirement of citizenship or residency in Canada. Non-residents can also apply for a temporary firearms licence if they stay in Canada for fewer than 60 days.

Be aware that previous convictions for serious violent, drug, or weapon-related offences may result in the denial of your application. 

Safety courses

The first step to obtaining the document that will allow you to legally possess and use a firearm is the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. 

This course takes one day and covers essential topics, such as:

  • basic firearms safety practices,
  • operating firearm actions,
  • safe handling and carry procedures,
  • care of firearms and ammunition,
  • responsibilities of the firearms owner,
  • safe storage, display, transportation, and handling of firearms.

Application for the Canadian Firearms Licence

In order to apply for the Adult Firearms Licence, you first have to complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC). You then have to fill out your application with a PAL-suitable photo. You also need to process a fee and submit to a criminal record check, background check, and reference check. There is an obligatory waiting period (28 days) when your application is being processed. The usual time of granting the licence document does not exceed 45 days.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

What is the required size for the Canadian PAL photo?

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The PAL photo size requirement is: 45 x 57. In inches: 1 3/4″ x 2 1/4″.

Is a passport photo suitable for the Canadian Firearms Licence?

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No. The standard passport photo for a Canadian passport is different than that required for a Firearms Licence.

Why do I need a Firearms Licence?

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A Firearms Licence, or PAL, shows that the licence holder can possess and use firearms. You cannot carry a firearm on you without this document.

Your Firearms Licence is valid for 5 years after which you can renew it.

Taking a photo using the selfie camera is not recommended. There are some photo instructions for the Firearms Licence and the photograph must show your face straight on.It is much better to ask somebody for a hand or use a tripod.

No. A natural, neutral face expression is required.

Yes. It must be clear, plain, free of shadows and/or patterns, preferably a white, contrasting background.

Yes. The Canadian Firearms Licence Regulations allow licence applications without a photo from people whose religion prohibits them to be photographed.

Absolutely! This is the quickest and easiest way to take your PAL photo. This combined with our online photo app that crops, resizes, and adjusts the background in your photo, will give you your Firearms Licence in just a couple of minutes.

You can use our Firearms License photo editor and stop worrying about checking your photo. Our AI technology will do it for you. We guarantee that every photo prepared with our photo tool will be approved.