Currently approving and printing licenses that were submitted for review by police departments between August 28 and September 17.
- This page, Apply for or renew a firearms license, is offered by
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Apply for or renew a firearms license
A firearms license is required to possess or carry firearms in Massachusetts.
Contact for Apply for or renew a firearms license
Firearms Records Bureau
The Details of Apply for or renew a firearms license
What you need for Apply for or renew a firearms license
For Massachusetts Residents
To renew or apply for a license:
You must apply for a resident firearms license to carry or firearms identification card through the police department in the city/town where you reside.
You will need to submit:
- A complete resident firearms license application
- The required application fee
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate (new applications only)
- A form of identification
- Additional documentation as required by your local licensing authority
You may need to submit:
- Proof of residence
Contact your local firearms licensing officer for specific information on the application process.
Non-Residents of Massachusetts or Resident Aliens
To renew or apply for a license:
You must apply for a non-resident license to carry firearms or a resident alien permit through the Firearms Records Bureau.
You will need:
- A complete non-resident firearms license or resident alien permit application.
- The required application fee
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate
You may need:
- An in-person appointment
- A visa or copy of immigration card
There is no grace period for non-resident firearms licenses or resident alien permits.
Non-resident firearms licenses expire after one (1) year from the date it was issued.
Resident alien permits expire on December 31st of the year of application.
Note: effective June 23, 2022, in light of the Supreme Court of the United States' opinion in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services considers all active, temporary Non-Resident licenses to carry firearms (Non-Resident LTC) previously issued pursuant to G.L. c. 140 s. 131F to be unrestricted licenses, notwithstanding any restriction currently printed on such license. Any license holder who wishes to obtain an updated copy of their Non-Resident LTC may request a copy from the Firearms Records Bureau by email at FRB@mass.gov or over the phone at 617.660.4782. Going forward, all new and renewal Non-Resident LTCs will be issued without restrictions.
Fees for Apply for or renew a firearms license
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| License to Carry Firearms | $100 | each |
| License to Carry Firearms - retired law enforcement officers | $25 | each |
| Firearms Identification Card | $100 | each |
| Firearms Identification Card - applicants under 18 years old | $25 | each |
| Non-Resident Firearms License | $100 | each |
| Resident Alien Permit | $100 | each |
How to apply Apply for or renew a firearms license
For Resident Firearms License new and renewal applications:
Your completed application package, including the fee, may be mailed to your local licensing authority. Contact your local firearms licensing officer for additional information prior to submitting your renewal.
For Non-Resident Firearms License and Resident Alien Permit new or renewal applications:
Your complete application package, including the fee, must be mailed to the Firearms Records Bureau at:
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Firearms Records Bureau
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
For Resident Firearms License applications:
Your complete application package, including fee, must be submitted to your local licensing authority. Contact your local firearms licensing officer for additional information prior to submitting your application.
For Non-Resident Firearms License and Resident Alien Permit applications:
If an in-person appointment is required, you will be contacted with an appointment date after your application is received.
Next steps for Apply for or renew a firearms license
Processing
Processing of new and renewal applications includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health.
For Massachusetts residents:
You will be notified by you local licensing authority when your license or renewal has been processed and is available for pickup.
Please note processing may take up to 60 days.
For Non-Residents of Massachusetts or Resident Aliens:
Processing of new and renewal applications includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health.
Your firearms license will be mailed to you after the application processed.
Processing may take up to 90 days.
To check the status of your non-resident firearms license or resident alien permit application, contact the Firearms Records Bureau directly at (617) 660-4782.
Contact for Apply for or renew a firearms license
Address
200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150
Fax
Fax
(617) 884-4601
Phone
Firearms PIN and License Status Hotline
Call Firearms License Application Status Hotline, Firearms PIN and License Status Hotline at (617) 660-4722
Open M-F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.