Eligibility & Application Process

Learn what Massachusetts law says about gun license eligibility and the application process.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for the FID or the LTC, you must not be a "prohibited person". There are various criteria that would make you a "prohibited person". Some of these include the following:

• You are NOT a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• You were ever convicted or adjudicated as a juvenile of:
  • A felony
  • A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years†
  • Violent crimes as defined in section 121
  • Violating firearm or ammunition laws punishable by imprisonment†
  • Violating laws on controlled substances, as defined in section 1 of chapter 94C†
  • A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33)
• Involuntary mental health committals‡
• You are currently subject to certain restraining or protection orders
• You have outstanding arrest warrants
• You have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military
• You are deemed "unsuitable" by your licensing authority:
  • "Unsuitable" meaning there is "reliable, articulable and credible information that the applicant has exhibited or engaged in behavior that suggests that, if issued a permit, card or license, the applicant may create a risk to public safety or a risk of danger to themselves or others".

Application Process

If you are a Massachusetts resident applying for an FID/LTC, your application will be processed through the police department of the city/town that you reside in. You can also apply online through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal. Some towns are only accepting paper applications based on some reports.

If you are a non-resident applying for an LTC, your application will be processed through the Firearms Records Bureau. You can apply online through the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a completed application through the licensing authority along with required supporting materials which may vary by city or town. This generally includes proof of Massachusetts residency, and a valid basic firearms safety certificate. Check with your town's licensing authority for all required documents.

Submitting the application

After an application is submitted, the licensing authority conducts a background review to determine whether the applicant is a prohibited person or otherwise unsuitable. This review includes criminal history checks through state and federal databases, verification of licensing history, and review of restraining, protection, or surrender orders. The licensing authority may also receive information related to mental health commitments as permitted by law. The licensing authority may conduct a personal interview with the applicant (not common based on applicant testimonies).

Massachusetts law prescribes a 40 day timeframe for application processing, but actual processing times vary significantly by city or town and may substantially exceed the 40 day window. Once the background review is completed, the licensing authority will either issue the permit, or provide written notice of denial stating the reason for the decision.

Appealing denials

If your license application is denied, you can either appeal the denial at the relevant district court within 90 days of the denial, or you can sumbit a petition to the Firearm Licensing Review Board, depending on the reason for denial.

Petitions to the Firearm Licensing Review Board can only be submitted for denials that were due to a misdemeanor punishable by 2.5 years and if the misdemeanor is not one of the following offenses:

• An assault and battery on a household member
• A crime involving firearms or ammunition
• A crime involving drugs

Please view more details on the mass.gov website

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