Overview of the Licensing Aspects of the Massachusetts Firearms Law

All current licenses to carry firearms will be valid and will be renewable on the expiration date shown on such licenses. Thereafter, they will be renewable every four years.

Massachusetts Gun Control Act of 1998

What You Need to Know

Properly licensed shooting clubs may have both large and non-large capacity firearms, rifles, and shotguns for use by their members and guests.

Persons with certain criminal records, especially those involving drugs and firearms trafficking, as well as those with a history of mental illness may not qualify for certain kinds of licenses in the future.

A fee of $100.00 will apply to all licenses to carry and FID applicants and renewals. One-half of the fee will go into the state's Firearms Record Keeping Trust Fund to help with law enforcement training and record keeping.

The new law has significantly changed the requirements regarding the purchase, possession,carrying, storage, and licensing of firearms. This law also increases the criminal penalties for unlawful possession and use of firearms.

• Effective June 1,1998 all new firearm license applicants must complete a certified firearms safety or hunter education course.
• Effective October 21,1998 all firearms must be stored in a locked container or be equipped with an approved locking device.
• Effective October 21,1998, the law imposes a ban on covert guns, unreliable guns (junk guns), and certain assault weapons.
• Effective October 21,1998, the law establishes a new category of large capacity weapons and feeding devices. A weapon is a large capacity if it is:
• A semiautomatic handgun or rifle that is capable of accepting a feeding device that holds more than 10 rounds, or more than 5 shotgun shells (in the case of a shotgun).

Click here to download the application for an FID Card. (Requires Adobe Acrobat)

Your FID card will be valid for 4 years and permits the possession and carrying of non-large capacity rifles and shotguns.

A restricted FID is available solely for the possession of mace or pepper spray.

You must be 18 years of age or older, or 15 to 18 years old with parental consent to apply for an FID card.

The fee for an FID card is $100.00.

Strict new eligibility requirements now apply. Please contact your local police officials for details.

Click here to download the application for a License to Carry a Firearm. (Requires Adobe Acrobat)

New categories of licenses to carry are: Class A and Class B.

Class A

The Class A LTC permits the purchase, possession and carrying of large-capacity handguns, rifles, shotguns And feeding devices. This is the only license that allows the concealed carrying of firearms.

Class B

The Class B LTC permits the purchase, possession and carrying of non-large capacity handguns and large-capacity rifles and shotguns.

Class A and Class B LTC Information

• Your current LTC will be valid until its stated expiration date.
• New applicants must be 21 years of age or older to obtain a Class A or Class B LTC.
• The new Class A and Class B LTC's are valid for 4 years.
• The fee for a Class A or Class B LTC is $100.00
• Strict new eligibility requirements now apply.
• Please contact your local police officials for details.

If there are any questions contact:

180 Boston Post Rd. By-pass
Weston, MA 02493
Phone (781) 893-4800
Fax: (781) 893-7687

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where do I apply for an LTC or FID card?
A. You can apply for an FID card or Class A or Class B LTC at the police department in the city or town where you live or where your principal place of business is located.

Q. I have an FID card and a LTC. Do I need both?
A. No. On October 21,1998 your current LTC will automatically become a Class A LTC until it's stated expiration date.

Q. What rules apply to hunting?
A. Anyone with an FID card or a Class A or B LTC may use a non-large capacity rifle or shotgun for hunting. High capacity rifles or shotguns require either a Class A or B LTC. While engaged in hunting and in possession of a hunting license, a person with an FID or a Class A or B LTC may carry a loaded or unloaded rifle or shotgun on a public way.

Q. I obtained a license to carry prior to October 21,1998. When does it expire?
A. Your current LTC is valid until the stated expiration date. Any new LTCs issued are valid only for 4 years.

The information contained in this pamphlet is intended to highlight the relevant sections of the law. It is not intended to set forth all of the obligations and rights of individuals with regard to firearms laws.

Get the Full Text of the Law;
CHAPTER 180 OF THE ACTS OF 1998

For more information regarding the MA Gun Control Act, contact your local police department or download the document in (PDF) format from The State of Massachusetts Office of Executive Policy at: http://www.state.ma.us/eops/download/ch_180.pdf