Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Firearm Ownership

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 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.

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 to lawfully purchase or possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun. Persons must be 18 years of age or older to apply for an FID; however, persons 14 – 17 years of age must submit a certificate of a parent or guardian granting permission to apply for an FID Card.

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

Steps Required to Get Your MA LTC/FID:

• Persons must apply for an LTC or FID through the police department in the town where 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?

Several things can prevent a person from getting an 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 is 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 firearms competition and are 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 an LTC/FID or a resident alien permit must apply in-person, which must include a completed application form, a Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate, a $100 fee for LTC and FID, and a visa or a copy of an 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.

Trust Tactical Dynamics for your Massachusetts LTC/FID Needs

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 today at 855-276-5730 if you have questions regarding LTC/FID, and be sure to sign up for our MA licensing course!