how much time ahead needed to renew my PAL before its expiration? Thank you.

[RemingtonMarlin]

Hi, My pal would be expired in the second half of next year (2012).
I just called CFC to ask about the best time to renew the PAL.

I was told that I'd be better off if I apply the renewal in April (before May 16, 2012 if I heard correctly) to get it free of charge.

Anyone could shed some lights on this issue?

Any recommendations?
Should I start to apply for renewal right now?

Thank you.

 

[44fordy]

I sent my renewal form in 6 months before expiry and got my new card almost immediately.

 

[Can-down]

I sent my renewal form in 6 months before expiry and got my new card almost immediately.

Was it dated from the expiry of your old card date or the date it was approved?

 

[44fordy]

Was it dated from the expiry of your old card date or the date it was approved?

The new card was dated for expiry 5 years from the date my old card expired.

 

[Can-down]

The new card was dated for expiry 5 years from the date my old card expired.

Good to know.... thanks!

 

[44fordy]

Good to know.... thanks!

Ya, I didn't want to wait so I just sent it in with pllllenty of time, and it was done likkidy split!

 

[deadhead]

for renewal do I need to go through all the questions and references again?

 

[sunray]

"...go through all the..." No. There's a "short" form for renewals. The CFP is supposed to send a renewal notice and a partially completed renewal application form 90 days before it expires. Fill the rest in and send it back. No fee. Their site has a link to the form too. They're claiming a 3 week turn around time.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/renew-renouv-eng.htm

 

[IMagius]

I sent my renewal form in 6 months before expiry and got my new card almost immediately.

Same as what I have done/experienced over the years.

 

[RemingtonMarlin]

Thank you. 44fordy, and sunray
This is very helpful. I have marked my calendar 7 months ahead so I could send it in for renewal without any delay (hopefully).

 

[44fordy]

Thank you. 44fordy, and sunray
This is very helpful. I have marked my calendar 7 months ahead so I could send it in for renewal without any delay (hopefully).

Yup. Other than that, make the renewal app fail safe. Write clearly/legibly. I put lines through any fields that are non-applicable, so virtually any dummy can read and understand it.

I've actually never had a problem with my licensing with the CFC. They've been quick and painless everytime. (Knock wood)

 

[skeetgunner]

The CFP is supposed to send a renewal notice and a partially completed renewal application form 90 days before it expires.

Both my wife and I received our forms, so they do appear to be doing this. We typically renew earlier than that.

 

[Cowboy Shootist]

According to their website, they received my renewal on May 18th. Monday (June 20th) I received a call asking for a photocopy of my club membership to confirm my reason for a LTATT. I Faxed it in at 0900 hrs today and when I checked at 1030 hrs it said that it had been processed and if I don't receive it within two weeks, to call them. So, it took just over a month. Now I have to wait for the postal strike to be over.