The Massachusetts Firearms Identification Card (FID) is the entry-level firearms license, governed by MGL Chapter 140, Section 129B[1]. Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024[2] significantly narrowed the scope of what the FID permits.
What the FID Permits (Post-Chapter 135)
- Purchase, possess, and transport non-large-capacity, non-semiautomatic rifles and shotguns (e.g., bolt-action rifles, pump-action shotguns, lever-action rifles, break-action shotguns)
- Purchase ammunition for rifles and shotguns
- Purchase chemical spray (pepper spray / mace)
What the FID Does NOT Permit
- Purchase or possession of handguns (requires LTC)
- Purchase or possession of large capacity rifles or shotguns (requires LTC)
- Purchase or possession of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns of any kind (requires LTC under Ch. 135)
- Concealed carry of any firearm
Critical Change Under Chapter 135
Before Chapter 135, the FID covered all non-large-capacity rifles and shotguns, including semiautomatic models. Chapter 135 redefined the FID's scope so that all semiautomatic rifles and shotguns now require an LTC, regardless of magazine capacity. This means firearms like a standard semiautomatic .22 LR rifle, a semiautomatic shotgun, or a non-large-capacity semiautomatic hunting rifle that previously required only an FID now require a full LTC. FID holders who currently possess semiautomatic rifles or shotguns should apply for an LTC to remain in compliance.
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 years old (15 with parental or guardian consent). The same disqualifiers that apply to LTC applications apply to FID applications, including ERPO checks added by Chapter 135, with the exception of the age requirement.
Firearms Safety Course Requirement
All new FID applicants must complete an approved Basic Firearms Safety Course and obtain a Basic Firearms Safety Certificate before applying, as required by MGL Chapter 140, Section 131P. Chapter 135 expanded the required curriculum, effective April 2, 2026, to include disengagement tactics, suicide prevention, safe storage, and a live-fire component. EOPSS published an approved instructor list on April 1, 2026.
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 pending final EOPSS regulations. Applicants should confirm their chosen course includes live-fire instruction.
Exemption: Persons who held an FID or LTC on or before August 1, 2024 are exempt from the new training requirements, including for renewals. Hunter education courses continue to substitute for the Basic Firearms Safety Certificate for FID applicants only (not LTC).
Shall-Issue Standard
The FID card operates on a largely shall-issue standard, but Chapter 135 added an unsuitability check. Under Section 129B(a), the licensing authority issues an FID, pursuant to section 121F, only if the applicant is neither a prohibited person nor determined to be unsuitable as set forth in section 121F. An FID may be denied on an unsuitability determination under the section 121F standard.
Fees and Duration
Under Chapter 135, the FID card fee was increased to $100 for new applicants and renewals (matching the LTC fee structure). The fee is waived for renewal applicants over 70 years old. The FID is valid for six years from the date of issue. Renewal applications should be submitted before the expiration date to maintain uninterrupted licensing status.
Application Portal
Applications have transitioned from the MIRCS portal to the Unified Gun Portal through MyMassGov. Legacy MIRCS URLs redirect to the new system.
Sources
[1] Massachusetts Legislature. MGL Chapter 140, Section 129B
Chapter 140, Section 129B