Everything you need to know about Canada firearms license photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, and how to take a compliant photo for your Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted PAL (RPAL) application.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Document Type | Firearms License (PAL / RPAL) |
| Photo Size | 45 × 57 mm |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Pixel Size (at 600 DPI) | 1063 × 1346 pixels |
| Background Color | White or light-colored |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Color | Color |
| Quantity Required | 2 identical photographs |
| Guarantor Signature | Not required |
| Recency | Taken within the last 12 months |
Canada firearms license photos are required when applying for a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (RPAL) through the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses with clear lenses may be worn in firearms license photos, as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Canada firearms license photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera is more than capable of taking a PAL-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.
Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling — a straight, neutral expression is required.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable firearms license photos
We also provide detailed photo requirement guides for other Canadian documents:
A PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) photo is a 45×57mm identification photo required when applying for a Canadian firearms license through the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program. Both PAL and RPAL applications require the same photo specifications. You need 2 identical photos.
A PAL photo is 45×57mm, which is a different size from a Canadian passport photo (50×70mm). PAL photos also have a 12-month recency period instead of 6 months, do not require a guarantor signature, and allow glasses with clear lenses.
A Canada firearms license photo must be 45×57mm. This is a unique size that is different from both passport photos (50×70mm) and visa photos (35×45mm). You need 2 identical photos printed on quality photo paper.
Yes. Glasses with clear lenses may be worn as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.
Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements for your PAL or RPAL application.
Your firearms license photo must have been taken within the last 12 months. It should reflect your current appearance.
If your firearms license photo doesn't meet the requirements, your PAL or RPAL application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all requirements before you submit.
