How to Obtain a Gun License in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires a gun license.

The Massachusetts Gun Control Act of 1998 is the governing law for anyone applying for a License to Carry (LTC) or a Firearms Identification (FID) Card. Applications for both an LTC and an FID are handled through the applicant's police department where he or she resides or where he or she owns a business. The reason for seeking a gun license and the type of gun (handgun, rifle, shotgun) will determine what type of gun license is needed.

Instructions

1. Complete a Basic Hunter Education Course or firearms safety course. Call the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program at 978-772-0693 to find a course near you or call your local police department to find a firearms safety course in your area.

2. Print out the "Application for New/Renewal of a Firearms Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry Firearms or License to Possess a Machine Gun" on the state website. If you do not have access to a printer, an application can be picked up at your local police department. To help determine which license you will need, consult a synopsis for both the LTC and the FID in The Massachusetts Gun Control Act of 1998:

   -CLASS “A" LTC: Permits the purchase, possession and carrying of all ammunition, handguns, rifles, shotguns and feeding devices (both large and non-large capacity). This is the only license that allows the carrying of concealed handguns-either loaded or unloaded.

   -CLASS “B" LTC: Permits the purchase, possession and carrying of all ammunition, non-large capacity handguns, and all rifles and shotguns (large and non-large capacity).

   -An FID allows for the purchase, possession and carrying of non-large capacity rifles, shotguns and ammunition only. You must be at least 18 years old (or 15 - 17 years old with parental consent) to apply for an FID card.

   -Definition of Large Capacity Weapon according to The Massachusetts Gun Control Act of 1998: "A weapon is large capacity if it is a semi-automatic handgun or rifle that is capable of accepting (or readily modifiable to accept) any detachable large capacity feeding device that holds more than ten rounds, or if it is a shotgun capable of accepting more than five shotgun shells, or if it is an assault weapon."

3. Visit your local police department to submit your application and complete the rest of the application process for an LTC or FID. An applicant will have to submit fingerprints (police department will do a set for you) so a comprehensive background check can be conducted. If you are a new applicant, you will be required to show proof of completion of a Basic Hunter Education Course or firearms safety course.

4. Pay application fee for a an FID or LTC. As of July 2010, the application fee is $100. Each FID and LTC license is valid for six years.

Tips & Warnings

• A list of disqualifying offenses for an LTC or FID application is provided.(see Resources section for link)

• If you are a nonresident of Massachusetts and would like a temporary LTC, call the Firearms Record Bureau at 617-660-4780.

References

• Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife: Massachusetts Gun Licensing Requirements
• Application for New/Renewal of a Firearms Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry Firearms or License to Possess a Machine Gun
• The Official Website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS): Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Application for New/Renewal of a Firearms Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry Firearms
• Harwich, MA Police: Misdemeanor Conviction Disqualifier for FID cards and LTC's