Massachusetts Firearms License FAQ

19 Oct Massachusetts Firearms License FAQ

Are you interested in becoming a legal gun owner in Massachusetts? You must first seek the MA LTC or FID from your local licensing authority in order to be licensed to carry a firearm or conduct other firearms activities. Residents and non-residents have different requirements and are subject to particular restrictions. Here’s a quick look at some of the MA firearms license FAQs.

What is the Massachusetts LTC/ FID ?

Massachusetts License to Carry(LTC) is designated Class A and the issuance and possession of the LTC is governed by certain conditions and restrictions.

• A Class A license allows the license holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry firearms, rifles, and shotguns, including large capacity firearms, weapons and feeding devices, and ammunition for lawful purposes.

Persons must be 21 years of age or older to apply for a Massachusetts LTC.

Massachusetts Firearms Identification Card (FID) is required for persons in order to lawfully purchase or possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun. Persons must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a FID; however, persons 14 – 17 years of age must submit a certificate of a parent or guardian granting permission to apply for a FID Card.

 What steps are required to get your MA LTC/FID?

Steps Required to Get Your MA LTC/FID:

• Persons must apply for a LTC or FID through the police department in the town they reside.
• Must submit the following:
  • A completed resident firearms license application
  • The required application fee of $100 for LTC, $25 by retired law enforcement officers; FID- $100.00 for persons 18 years of age or older, and $25 for applicants under the age of 18
  • A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate, or a copy of your Massachusetts Hunter Safety Certificate (for FID cards only)
  • One form of identification
  • May need to submit proof of residency
• Submit applications and supporting documents by mail or in-person to your local licensing authority.

 Why do people get denied their MA LTC/FID?

There are several things that can will prevent a person from getting a LTC/FID in Massachusetts:

• Person convicted in the commonwealth or ANY other state or jurisdiction of a felony; a misdemeanor punishable by more than two years imprisonment ; a violent crime; a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental, receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition; a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance; or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence .
• Person committed to a hospital or institution for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse
• An alien who fails to maintain lawful permanent residency
• Person currently facing an order for suspension or surrender
• Person has an outstanding arrest warrant in ANY state
• Person dishonorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States
• Person a a fugitive from justice
• Person who has renounced United States citizenship

 What’s the difference between Resident & Non-Resident LTC/FID?

LTC firearms or feeding devices or ammunition may be issued to a non-resident for the purpose of firearms competition and subject to restrictions by the Commonwealth. Persons in certain professions, such as banking, public utility, a private detective or members of the United States military can obtain a two-year license. Non-residents applying for a LTC/FID or a resident alien permit must submit the application in-person, which must include a completed application form, a Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate, $100 fee for LTC and FID, and a visa or copy of immigration card. LTC/FID processing by the Firearms Records Bureau may take up to 90 days.

A resident LTC/FID allows the license holder to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry firearms, rifles, and shotguns, including large capacity firearms, weapons and feeding devices, and ammunition for lawful purposes. Processing for a resident LTC/FID may take up to 60 days. Application can be submitted in-person or by mail.

Tactical Dynamics: Massachusetts Leading Provider of Required Safety Courses for Residents to Obtain their LTC/FID

It’s crucial to get your MA LTC and FID before possessing and handling a firearm. Keep in mind that residents and non-residents have different requirements and restrictions that are associated with MA LTC/FID. Contact Tactical Dynamics if you have questions regarding LTC/FID and be sure to sign up for our MA licensing course!