The Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) is required for any person who wishes to purchase, possess, or carry handguns, large capacity firearms, large capacity feeding devices, and ammunition. Here is the complete application process, updated to reflect changes under Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024[1].
Step 1: Complete an Approved Firearms Safety Course
Before applying, you must complete a Massachusetts-approved Basic Firearms Safety Course. The course covers safe handling, Massachusetts firearms laws, and safe storage requirements. Chapter 135 authorized a live-fire training component as part of the certification process. The statutory effective date for this requirement is April 2, 2026. EOPSS held public hearings on May 29 and June 4, 2025, with approximately 170 participants.
Updated April 2026: The revised Basic Firearms Safety Course curriculum took effect on April 2, 2026. The Massachusetts State Police published the list of approved courses on April 1, 2026. The updated curriculum requires instruction on disengagement tactics, suicide prevention, safe storage, and a live-fire component. The live-fire component is required under statute as of April 2, 2026. Enforcement of the statewide qualification standard for live-fire instruction is ongoing while EOPSS publishes final standards; applicants should confirm with their chosen course provider that the course includes live-fire instruction as required. New applicants filing on or after April 2, 2026 must complete one of the approved revised courses.
Persons who held an FID or LTC on or before August 1, 2024 are exempt from the new training requirements, including for renewals. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate that is valid for your application. The course typically costs between $75 and $150 and lasts 4 to 6 hours.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Completed application form (now submitted through the Firearms Licensing Portal via MyMassGov single sign-on)
- Firearms Safety Course certificate
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar)
- Application fee: $100 state fee
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications must be submitted to the licensing authority in your city or town of residence. Massachusetts has transitioned from the MIRCS (Massachusetts Instant Record Check System) portal to the Unified Gun Portal accessed through MyMassGov SSO. Legacy MIRCS URLs redirect to the new system. Some departments may still require an in-person appointment for fingerprinting and document verification.
Step 4: Background Check and Interview
After submission, the licensing authority will conduct a thorough background check including criminal history, mental health records, restraining order checks, and ERPO records. Many departments will schedule a personal interview and may evaluate suitability. The statutory requirement is for the licensing authority to act within 40 days of application. In practice, processing may take longer. EOPSS Guidance Letter #4[2] addresses administrative timelines under Chapter 135.
Suitability Standard Clarified (January 2026)
In Guinane v. Chief of Police of Manchester-by-the-Sea (January 2026), the Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled that a police chief cannot deny an LTC based solely on a spouse's or family member's behavior. Barbara Guinane was denied because her husband was deemed risky; the court reversed and ordered the license issued, stating that "denial of an LTC application cannot be based on speculation." This is the clearest post-Bruen ruling constraining the suitability standard.
Step 5: License Issuance
If approved, you will be notified to pick up your LTC. The license is valid for six years and displays your photo. The Class A / Class B distinction was eliminated by Chapter 284 of 2014. All LTCs issued are a single class. You must carry it whenever you carry a firearm.