Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Section 129B[1] establishes the Firearm Identification Card (FID) system. The FID is the lower-tier license in the Massachusetts two-license framework, sitting beneath the License to Carry (LTC) governed by Section 131.
What the FID Covers
Following the amendments made by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024[2], the FID now covers a narrower category of firearms than it did previously:
- Non-large-capacity rifles that are not semiautomatic (bolt-action, lever-action, single-shot)
- Non-large-capacity shotguns that are not semiautomatic (pump-action, break-action, single-shot)
- Ammunition and feeding devices for the above
Semiautomatic rifles and shotguns, regardless of capacity, now require an LTC. This is a significant change from the pre-Chapter 135 framework, under which an FID holder could possess certain semiautomatic long guns.
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant for an FID must:
- Be 15 years of age or older (applicants under 18 require parental consent)
- Complete a Massachusetts-approved firearms safety course
- Not be a prohibited person under state or federal law
- Not be subject to an active restraining order, harassment prevention order, or ERPO
- Not have been convicted of a felony, violent crime, or certain drug offenses
Application Process
FID applications are submitted to the licensing authority (chief of police or board of selectmen) in the applicant's city or town of residence. The licensing authority must act on the application within 40 days. The state application fee is $100 under Chapter 135, matching the LTC fee structure. Like the LTC, the FID is valid for six years.
Suitability Standard
Historically the FID did not carry a suitability determination, unlike the LTC. Chapter 135 changed this. Section 129B(a) now directs the licensing authority to issue an FID, pursuant to section 121F, only if the applicant is neither a prohibited person nor determined to be unsuitable to be issued a card as set forth in section 121F. The FID is therefore subject to an unsuitability determination under the section 121F standard.
See also: MGL Chapter 140, Section 130B: Firearms Licensing Review Board
See also: MGL Chapter 140, Section 131P: Basic Firearms Safety Certificate
Sources
[1] Massachusetts Legislature. MGL Chapter 140, Section 129B
Chapter 140, Section 129B
Related
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 129C: Possession and Transfer Requirements
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 131: License to Carry Firearms
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 131F: Non-Resident Temporary License to Carry
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 131L: Firearms Storage Requirements
- Section 131M: Grandfathering Assault-Style Firearms (Massachusetts)
- MGL Chapter 140, Section 121D: 3D Printer and CNC Regulations