The chances of receiving your firearms license (PAL) with depression are quite high, provided the condition is well-managed and poses no public safety risk. Treated depression or a past history of mental health issues does not automatically disqualify you, but you must be fully transparent in your application.
Your Path to Licensing Honesty is Mandatory: The application requires you to disclose if you have been treated for a psychiatric disorder, depression, or emotional issues within the past five years (or ever, in some sections). Do not self-reject or conceal this information
Individual Assessment: The Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of Ontario reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. They are assessing whether you pose a risk of harm to yourself or others
The Medical Form: If you disclose a history of depression, the CFO will likely place the application under further review and request a mental health assessment.
You will be provided with a form to take to your physician or psychiatrist, who will need to sign off that you are stable and fit to possess firearms.
Potential Delays: Because of the extra screening and medical sign-off, expect the processing time to be longer than the standard 45-day wait.
Automatic Disqualifications
While depression is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, your application will be denied if you have any of the following:
An involuntary commitment to a psychiatric facility.
