Currently approving and printing licenses that were submitted for review by police departments between and August 26 and September 8
A firearms license is required to possess or carry firearms in Massachusetts.
- 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
Contacts
Firearms Records Bureau
Firearms License Application Status
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 can now apply Online via the MIRCS Firearms Licensing Portal
To apply directly to your local police department, 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)
- Affidavit of lost/stolen firearms (all renewals)
- A form of identification
- Additional documentation as required by your local licensing authority
You may need to submit:
- Proof of residence
- Additional information as required by your local licensing authority
Non-Residents of Massachusetts
To renew or apply for a license:
You must apply for a non-resident license to carry firearms through the Firearms Records Bureau.
You can now apply Online via the MIRCS Firearms Licensing Portal
To apply directly to the FRB, you will need to submit:
- A complete Non-Resident License to Carry Firearms Application
- The required application fee
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate (new applications only)
- Affidavit of lost/stolen firearms (all renewals)
You may need:
- An in-person appointment
There is no grace period for non-resident firearms licenses.
Non-resident firearms licenses expire after one (1) year from date of issue.
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 |
How to apply Apply for or renew a firearms license
For Resident and Non-Resident Firearms License new and renewal applications:
You can now apply Online via the MIRCS Firearms Licensing Portal. If you apply online, contact your licensing authority to arrange payment.
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 application.
For Non-Resident Firearms License 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 new and renewal 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 new and renewal 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 contacted by your local licensing when your license or renewal has been processed and is available for pickup.
If you submitted an application through the MIRCS Firearms Licensing Portal, you can check the status of your application in your account.
For Non-Residents of Massachusetts:
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.
To check the status of your non-resident firearms license, contact the Firearms Records Bureau directly at (617) 660-4782. If you submitted an application through the MIRCS Firearms Licensing Portal, you can check the status of your application in your account.
Contact for Apply for or renew a firearms license
Address
200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150
Fax
Fax
(617) 884-4601