Massachusetts Concealed Carry Application Process

Overview

Massachusetts requires a License to Carry (LTC) for concealed carry of firearms. The application process is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 140, Sections 121F and 131, as substantially amended by the Acts of 2024, Chapter 135 ("An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws"). Applications are submitted to and processed by the local police department (licensing authority) in the applicant's city or town of residence.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 21 years of age (M.G.L. c. 140, § 131(d))
• Residency: Must be a lawful resident residing within the jurisdiction of the licensing authority, or residing in an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction within a city or town (§ 131(d))
• Citizenship/Immigration Status: Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
• Not a Prohibited Person: Must not be disqualified under § 121F (felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, active restraining orders, involuntary commitments, substance abuse adjudications, etc.)
• Suitability: Must not be determined unsuitable by the licensing authority under § 121F
• Safety Training: Must have completed a State-Certified Firearms Safety Course and submit a basic firearms safety certificate meeting the requirements of § 131P

Required Documents

While specific requirements may vary slightly by municipality, the following are generally required:

All Applicants

• Completed Application Form - Standard form provided by the Commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS), signed under penalties of perjury (§ 121F(g))
• Proof of Identity - Unexpired MA driver's license, MA ID card, current photo college ID from a U.S. institution, or other valid photo identification
• Proof of Residency - Current utility bill, lease/rental agreement, or other documentation showing local address
• Proof of Lawful U.S. Status - U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or U.S. birth certificate
• Firearms Safety Certificate - From a certified Massachusetts instructor
• Application Fee - $100.00 (non-refundable); payable by check, money order, or cash depending on municipality

First-Time Applicants (varies by municipality)

• Letters of Recommendation - Some municipalities (e.g., Worcester, Cambridge) require two typed and signed letters from non-family members attesting to the applicant's character and suitability to possess firearms
• Statement of Purpose - Some municipalities (e.g., Cambridge) require a letter detailing the applicant's purpose for owning and/or carrying firearms
• Court Documentation - If the applicant has any criminal court appearances or has been subject to a 209A Restraining Order, copies of police reports, affidavits, and court documents must be provided

Critical Note on Criminal History Disclosure: Applicants must disclose every appearance as a defendant in court for any criminal offense, regardless of disposition - including dismissed cases, continuances without a finding, not guilty verdicts, sealed cases, and juvenile appearances. Motor vehicle citations (speeding, red lights) are not criminal offenses, but operating without a license, after suspension, or uninsured are criminal offenses that must be disclosed. Failure to answer truthfully constitutes perjury under M.G.L. c. 140, §§ 129 and 131, and will result in denial and potential criminal prosecution.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Obtain and Complete Application

Obtain the firearms licensing application from your local police department. Many departments now accept applications by mail or email (e.g., Cambridge). Complete the application thoroughly and accurately.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Applications are processed by appointment only in most municipalities. Contact your local police department's licensing unit or use their online scheduling system. Due to high volume, appointments may be booked several months out in larger cities.

Step 3: In-Person Appointment

At your scheduled appointment:

• Personal Interview - Required for all initial LTC applications (§ 131(d))
• Fingerprinting - Fingerprints are taken and used to check Commonwealth of Massachusetts and FBI criminal databases (not required for renewals if prints are on file with State Police)
• Photograph - Applicant will be photographed
• Document Submission - All required documents are reviewed and collected
• Fee Payment - Application fee is collected

Step 4: Receipt Issued

Upon receiving the completed application, the licensing authority must provide the applicant a receipt including (§ 121F(b)):

• Applicant's name, address, and current permit information (if any)
• Date the application was received
• Name, address, and telephone number of the licensing authority
• Type of application
• Whether for new license or renewal

Step 5: Background Investigation

The licensing authority conducts a comprehensive background investigation:

1. State Police Review (§ 121F(c)-(d)): Within 7 days, the licensing authority forwards one copy of the application and fingerprints to the Colonel of State Police, who has 30 days to:

   • Check NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System)
   • Check statewide and nationwide criminal justice, warrant, and protection order systems
   • Check Department of Probation files
   • Inquire with the Commissioner of Mental Health
   • Certify whether issuing the license would violate state or federal law

2. Additional Inquiries (§ 121F(e)): The licensing authority also makes inquiries to:

   • DCJIS - for disqualifying conditions, prior license information, records of Section 12 (involuntary psychiatric holds), and firearms transaction records
   • Commissioner of Probation - for domestic violence records
   • Commissioner of Mental Health - regarding suitability to possess firearms

Step 6: Decision

The licensing authority must, within 40 days from receipt of a completed application, either:

• Approve the application and issue the license, OR
• Deny the application and notify the applicant of the reason in writing

(§ 121F(a))

Note: No license shall be issued unless the Colonel of State Police has certified that issuing it does not violate state or federal law.

Step 7: License Issuance

Once approved, the actual license card is produced by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) and sent to the local police department, which will contact the applicant for pickup.

Processing Timeline

• Statutory deadline: 40 days from receipt of completed application (§ 121F(a))
• Practical timeline: Up to 8 weeks in many municipalities, and potentially longer in high-volume jurisdictions where appointment scheduling alone may take several months

Fees

License Duration and Renewal

• Validity: Up to 6 years from date of issue; expires on the anniversary of the licensee's date of birth occurring not less than 5 years nor more than 6 years from issuance (§ 131(e))
• Renewal: Submit renewal application to local licensing authority before expiration; fingerprints not required if already on file with State Police
• Expired License Grace Period: A license that has expired (not revoked/suspended) subjects the holder to a fine of $100-$5,000 rather than criminal prosecution under § 10 of c. 269, provided the license was not revoked, suspended, or denied renewal (§ 121F(t))
• Address Changes: Must be reported within 30 days via the electronic firearms registration system (§ 131(g)); failure to report is grounds for revocation or suspension

LTC Restrictions - Post-Bruen Decision

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), restrictions previously placed on LTC licenses - such as limiting carry to hunting, target shooting, or employment - are no longer enforceable in Massachusetts. Existing license holders do not need to update their current license. Future renewals will be issued without restrictions.

Appeals Process

Any applicant aggrieved by a denial, revocation, or suspension may (§ 121F(v)):

• File a petition for judicial review in the district court having jurisdiction in the city or town where the application was filed
• Must file within 90 days after receiving notice of denial or after the expiration of the 40-day processing deadline
• The court may order the license be issued upon finding no reasonable ground for denial and the petitioner is not prohibited by law from possessing the license

Non-Resident Applications

All non-resident permits are issued through the Firearms Records Bureau at the state level, not through local police departments.

• Contact: 617-660-4780

Key Statutory References

Recent Legislative Changes

Acts of 2024, Chapter 135 ("An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws") made sweeping changes to Massachusetts firearms law, including:

• Standardized application process under new § 121F, consolidating procedures previously scattered across multiple sections
• 40-day processing mandate with required receipt to applicants
• Enhanced background checks including inquiries into Section 12 psychiatric holds, with protections against automatic disqualification
• Electronic firearms registration system (§ 121B) for all transfers, address changes, and transaction reporting
• Ghost gun / untraceable firearm prohibition (§ 121C) - serial number requirements and ban on unserialized firearms
• 3D-printed firearm restrictions (§ 121D) - manufacturing requires valid LTC
• Expanded assault-style firearm definitions and roster system (§ 128A)
• Extreme Risk Protection Orders (§§ 131R-131Y) - expanded red flag law provisions
• Data collection and public dashboard (§ 121E) - DCJIS required to publish quarterly data on licensing demographics and firearm violence
• Firearm transfer portal - all personal sales must be conducted through the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal; paper FA-10 forms no longer accepted

Note: Some provisions of Chapter 135 have phased implementation dates. Applicants should verify current requirements with their local licensing authority or the DCJIS.