Currently approving and printing licenses that were submitted for review by police departments between March 8 and March 21.
A firearms license is required to possess or carry firearms in Massachusetts.
- This page, Renew a firearms license, is offered by
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Renew a firearms license
Contacts
Firearms Records Bureau
The Details of Renew a firearms license
What you need for Renew a firearms license
To renew a Resident Firearms License:
- You must renew your resident firearms license to carry or firearms identification card through your local police department in the town where you reside.
- You will need to submit:
- A complete resident firearms license application
- The required application fee
- You may need to submit:
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course certificate
- A form of identification
- Proof of residence
- To qualify for the grace period, you MUST submit your renewal application prior to the expiration date of your current license.
- Contact your local firearms licensing officer for specific information on the application process.
To renew a Non-Resident License to Carry Firearms or a Resident Alien Permit:
- You must renew your non-resident license to carry firearms or resident alien permit annually through the Firearms Records Bureau.
- You will need to submit:
- A complete non-resident firearms license application or resident alien permit application
- The required application fee of $100
- You may need:
- A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Court certificate
- An in-person appearance
- A visa or copy of your immigration card
- There is no grace period for non-resident firearms licenses or resident alien permits.
- Non-resident firearms licenses expire 1 year from the date it was issued.
- Resident alien permits expire on December 31st in the year of application.
Fees for 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 renew Renew a firearms license
For Resident Firearms License Renewals:
Your complete renewal 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 Renewals:
Your complete renewal 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 Renewals:
Your complete renewal package, including the fee, must be submitted to your local licensing authority. Contact your local firearms licensing officer for additional information prior to submitting your renewal.
The Firearms Records Bureau does not accept in-person applications.
Next steps for Renew a firearms license
-
Resident Firearm License Renewal Processing
All resident renewal applications will be processed by your local licensing authority.
Firearms license renewal processing includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health.
You will be notified by your local licensing authority when your firearms license renewal has been processed, either by telephone or by mail. You may need to pick up your firearms license in person.
Renewal processing may take up to 60 days.
To learn how to check the status of your firearms license renewal click here.
Open PDF file, 447.14 KB, Resident Firearms License Application (English, PDF 447.14 KB)Non-Resident Firearm Licenses and Resident Alien Permit Renewal Processing
All non-resident and alien permit renewal applications will be processed by the Firearms Records Bureau.
Firearms license renewal processing 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 renewal has been processed.
Renewal 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.
Open PDF file, 377.55 KB, Non-Resident Application (English, PDF 377.55 KB)Open PDF file, 267.71 KB, Resident Alien Application (English, PDF 267.71 KB)Downloads for Renew a firearms license
Open PDF file, 377.55 KB, Non-Resident Application (English, PDF 377.55 KB)Open PDF file, 219.46 KB, Resident Alien Application (English, PDF 219.46 KB)Contact for Renew a firearms license
Address
200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150Fax
Fax (617) 884-4601Related