Firearms Licensing

Please read all information attached to the LTC application, as that will answer most common questions. All other questions regarding your LTC application issues can be directed to Julie Magaldi at (978) 658-5071 ext. 5060.

Massachusetts General Law c. 140, §§128A and 128B, requires all individuals who sell, transfer, inherit, or lose a firearm to report the sale, transfer, inheritance, or loss of the firearms to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services Firearms Records Bureau (FRB). This on-line system will allow you to report the sale, transfer, inheritance, or loss/theft data electronically to the FRB. 

*If mailing a completed LTC application, please provide the licensing officer with a valid email to receive a return receipt*

For this appointment, you will be fingerprinted (if NEW) and photographed, and you will need to pay the appropriate fee. You will also be asked to provide proof of residency (a MA driver’s license is best). The fees are as follows:

• $100 for a new or renewal LTC/FID
• $25 for an under 18 years old FID (Parent or legal guardian permission required)
• $25 for retired police officers (ID required)
• Over 70 years old RENEWAL ONLY is free

The completed application will then be submitted to the State Firearms Records Bureau for final approval, and card printing. The new license and PIN code will then be mailed to you. The process from the appointment to the license being activated will take 60-90 days.

LTC’s and FID’s will be entered into the state system when they are turned in.

Due to the ever changing status of the Federal and Massachusetts Gun Laws by either legislative action or court rulings, the list below is a partial one, and you should inquire further at the time of application. In these times of violence, the process for obtaining one of the above licenses is time consuming and very thorough with many requirements to meet. These requirements include the following:

Initial Request for Class A License to Carry

• You must be a citizen of the United States.
• You must be 21 years of age or older.
• You must submit proof of attendance and completion of a State of Massachusetts approved firearms safety course.
• You must complete an application in full.
• You must clear all background checks satisfactorily.
• You must show proof of residency in Wilmington.
• PDF Application for a FID or Carry Permit

License to Carry Renewal

• You must complete a renewal application form.
• You must clear all background checks satisfactorily.
• PDF Application for License To Carry Renewals.

Firearms Identification Cards

• You must be 18 years old or older.
• You must show proof of residency.
• Meet the same requirements as indicated above for LTC.
• If under 18 years old and over 15, you must have written permission from parent or legal guardian and have them present at all appointments.
• All FID cards are renewed every 6 years and expire on cardholder’s birthday.
• PDF Application for Firearms Identification Cards.

Disqualifying Factors

The circumstances under which a person is statutorily disqualified from obtaining the above licenses have been expanded. A person is now disqualified if he/she:

• Has been convicted (or adjudicated delinquent or as a youthful offender) of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by more than 2 years imprisonment, a violent crime, or a weapons or drug offense.
• Has been confined to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless he/she has an affidavit from a physician stating he/she is not disabled by such illness in a manner that prevents him/her from possessing a firearm.
• Is or has been under treatment for or confinement for drug addiction of habitual drunkenness, unless deemed cured by a physician.
• Is subject to a suspension or surrender order or a protection order issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 209A.
• Upon the occurrence of a disqualifying event, the LTC or FID that had been issued must be revoked or suspended.

Carrying Restrictions (on a person)

• A person must have a Class A/LTC in order to carry or possess a loaded firearm in a concealed manner in a public place or way.
• It is unlawful for a licensed person to carry a loaded rifle or shotgun on a public way unless engaged in hunting and in possession of a hunting license.
• It is unlawful for a licensed person to carry an unloaded rifle or shotgun on a public way unless engaged in hunting and in possession of a hunting license, or unless the rifle or shotgun is enclosed in a case.
• It is unlawful to carry a loaded weapon while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Carrying Restrictions (in a vehicle)

• It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm under a Class A/LTC in a vehicle unless the firearm is under the licensee’s direct control.
• It is unlawful to carry a firearm under a Class B/LTC in a vehicle unless it is unloaded and contained in the locked trunk or locked in a secure container.
• It is unlawful to possess a large capacity rifle or shotgun under a Class A or Class B/LTC in a vehicle unless it is unloaded and contained in the locked trunk or locked in a secure container