Firearms Licensing

Massachusetts firearms licensing requirements, procedures, and regulations.

License to Carry (LTC)

Information about obtaining, renewing, and maintaining a Massachusetts License to Carry.

Firearm Licensing Review Board: Section 130B
Section 130B provides a limited restoration path for applicants whose sole disqualifier is an eligible Massachusetts conviction or adjudication. It is not a general appeal board for license denials, suspensions, restrictions, or revocations.
Effective
How to Apply for a Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC)
A complete walkthrough of the Massachusetts LTC application process. The amended safety curriculum became effective January 25, 2026, and revised courses with live-fire training were implemented on April 2, 2026.

Firearms Identification Card (FID)

Information about the Firearms Identification Card for rifles, shotguns, and ammunition.

Massachusetts FID Card: Application Guide
The Firearms Identification Card (FID) allows Massachusetts residents to purchase, possess, and transport non-large-capacity, non-semiautomatic rifles and shotguns, and ammunition. Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 significantly narrowed the FID's scope by requiring an LTC for all semiautomatic rifles and shotguns.

Dealer Licensing

Requirements and procedures for obtaining a Massachusetts firearms dealer license.

Massachusetts Dealer License Requirements
Massachusetts Section 122 establishes the state dealer-license requirement. Federal law separately requires a federal license for a person engaging in the business of dealing in firearms. This article covers licensing, premises, records, and current transaction duties.

Non-Resident Permits

Temporary licenses and permits for non-residents of Massachusetts.

Non-Resident Temporary License to Carry
Non-residents may apply for a temporary License to Carry through the Massachusetts Firearms Records Bureau. The temporary license is valid for one year and requires a detailed application process including a background check and proof of residency in another state.