This page describes a digital version of aviation licences and permits called a Digital Personnel Licence (DPL) and how a DPL can be obtained from Transport Canada using the
If you are having difficulty accessing or using the aviation document download service, consult the
Why a DPL? -
Licence and permit eligibility -
How do I get a DPL?
How long does it take to process changes?
How can I view the details of my DPL? How do I share my DPL information in person? How is my privacy protected?
A DPL is a digital version of a Canadian aviation licence or permit that is downloaded to a mobile app. If you hold several licences and permits then you will also hold several DPLs, one for each licence and permit you hold.
The DPL incorporates both a specific licence and a medical certificate. Thus, a DPL includes medical validity information, and a medical certificate does not need to be carried separately.
DPLs are based on international standards developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Use of these standards ensure DPLs are secure and interoperable domestically and throughout the world.
Digital licences and permits bring significant benefits to the aviation industry eco-system.
DPL holder benefits:
- Eliminates wait time to receive licence stickers in the mail
- Convenient to carry and access on a mobile device that most people carry every day
- Compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines
- Quick and secure verification with domestic and international regulators
Industry benefits:
- Digital licences can be easily validated, enhancing regulatory compliance
- Cost-effectiveness of maintaining digital pilot records
Regulator benefits:
- Eliminates costs associated with paper process and production of paper documentation
- Real-time access to licence status saves time and enhances enforcement
You are eligible to download a DPL if you hold any of the following licence types:
- Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Aeroplane (ATPL-A)
- Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Helicopter (ATPL-H)
- Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane (CPL-A)
- Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter (CPL-H)
- Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
If you hold multiple licence types, then you will download a DPL for each licence.
We will update the eligibility list as we add DPL support for more licences and permits.
DPLs must be downloaded to a mobile app that meets specific technical and security requirements. Currently the only compatible mobile app is GC Wallet.
GC Wallet can be downloaded from:
The iOS App Store The Google Play Store
Once a DPL is downloaded to a mobile device it cannot be changed. When your licence or medical certificate changes you must download a new DPL.
For example, the following circumstances require you to download a new version of your DPL:
- changes to your licence, such as a new rating
- changes to your medical certificate, such as the addition/removal of medical restrictions
- a medical certificate renewal, for example, when you renew your category 1 medical certificate, you must download a new DPL for any licences validated by the renewed medical certificate
- expiry of your photo
- changes to the personal information on your licence, such as your name, citizenship, or language proficiency
It is your responsibility to keep your DPL current by ensuring you have downloaded the latest version of your DPL from the digital aviation document download service.
Once an authorized person has submitted licence or medical certificate changes into the system, it can take up to 2-3 business days for a new DPL to be available for download.
We will notify you via email when a new version of your DPL is ready to download. You should ensure we have an up-to-date email address on file for you.
It is important to understand:
- how to access your DPL to view your licence and medical information
- how you can keep an organization up-to-date with your DPL
- how to electronically share your DPL
Licence and medical information associated with a DPL is viewed in the mobile app that stores your DPL. Typically, these apps present a list of credentials that have been added to the app. Tapping on the DPL you added to the mobile app should bring up the DPL details.
For additional help, consult your mobile app help documentation.
The digital sharing process works as follows:
- the verifier requests the DPL holder use their mobile device to present a QR code
- the DPL holder opens the mobile app that contains their DPL and accesses their QR code screen in the app
- the DPL holder presents the QR code to the verifier.
- the verifier scans the holder QR code with the verifier app
- the holder is prompted for consent to share their DPL information with the verifier
- once the holder provides consent, the verifier and holder app set up a secure Bluetooth connection and the DPL is sent from the holder’s app to the verifier’s app
- the DPL is digitally validated and presented on the verifier app
The manual method is equivalent to showing a paper document and does not digitally validate the DPL.
The manual sharing process works as follows:
- the verifier requests the DPL holder to present their DPL
- the DPL holder opens the mobile app that contains their DPL and goes to the DPL information screen
- the DPL holder presents the DPL information screen to the verifier
- the verifier reviews the information as required
Transport Canada (TC) is committed to protecting the privacy rights of individuals and safeguarding the personal information under its control.
- Personal information collected by TC is protected from disclosure to unauthorized persons and/or agencies subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act.
- This information is used to administer the Canadian civil aviation flight crew and air traffic controller licensing program or activity and determine eligibility for the flight crew licenses and air traffic controller permits and licenses.
- The information is required by the Department for the issuance of Canadian Aviation Documents (licences and permits) to persons who pilot and control aircraft and will be used to validate, monitor and control the information pertaining to those documents.
- The personal information is collected pursuant to Section 4.9 of the Aeronautics Act and Part IV of the Canadian Aviation Regulations - Personnel Licensing and Training - Subpart 1 - Flight Crew Permits, Licenses and Ratings.
- Personal information will be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act (PIB TC PPU 005). Your personal information may be used or disclosed for law enforcement and safety. Name, address and licence status may also be shared with other Civil Aviation Authorities as part of TC's international commitments under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- By providing your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this statement and consent to the Department's collection, use and disclosure of your personal information.