Renewal Process - Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC)

Overview

Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC) holders must renew their license periodically through their local licensing authority (municipal police department) for residents, or the Firearms Records Bureau for non-residents. The renewal process was updated by the Act Modernizing Firearm Laws (2024 Mass. Acts, Chapter 135).

License Validity Period

• An LTC is valid for not more than 6 years from the date of issue
• The license expires on the anniversary of the licensee's date of birth occurring not less than 5 years nor more than 6 years from the date of issue
• Licenses issued to applicants born on February 29 expire on March 1

M.G.L. c. 140, § 131(e), as amended by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024

Renewal Notification

The Commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) is required to send a notice of expiration not less than 90 days before the license expires, either electronically or by first-class mail. The notice must include:

• A renewal form or website link to the form
• An affidavit verifying the applicant has not lost or had any firearms stolen since the last renewal or issuance
• Information about penalties for failing to renew while remaining in possession of firearms

M.G.L. c. 140, § 121F(r), as amended by 2024 Acts c. 135, § 32

How to Apply for Renewal

Online

Applicants can apply online via the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal at mircsportal.chs.state.ma.us. If applying online, contact your licensing authority to arrange payment.

By Mail (Residents)

Completed application packages, including the fee, may be mailed to your local licensing authority (municipal police department).

By Mail (Non-Residents)

Completed application packages must be mailed to:

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Firearms Records Bureau
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150

In Person

Applications may be submitted in person at the local police department during business hours. Contact your local licensing authority for specific submission options, as procedures vary by department.

Required Documents for Renewal

Based on municipal requirements (which may vary by jurisdiction):

1. Completed renewal application and affidavit (signed under pains and penalties of perjury affirming no disqualifying conditions)
2. Copy of valid Massachusetts driver's license or state ID (front and back)
3. Copy of current LTC
4. Proof of residency - utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage statement in the applicant's name
5. Proof of citizenship - birth certificate (U.S. citizen by birth), passport, naturalization papers, or permanent residency card
6. $100 application fee - check or money order payable to the municipality (cash is generally not accepted)

Note: A personal interview is required for initial applications but is not specifically required for renewals under the statute.

Fingerprint Requirements

Fingerprints are not required for renewal if the applicant's fingerprints are already on file with the Department of State Police.

M.G.L. c. 140, § 121F(c), as amended by 2024 Acts c. 135, § 32

Renewal Fee

The $100 fee is allocated as follows:

• $25 retained by the licensing authority
• $50 deposited into the General Fund (with not less than $50,000 allocated to the Firearm Licensing Review Board)
• $25 deposited into the Firearms Fingerprint Identity Verification Trust Fund

Fees are non-refundable and are not prorated in case of revocation or denial.

M.G.L. c. 140, § 121F(o)-(p), as amended by 2024 Acts c. 135, § 32

Processing Timeline

• The licensing authority must approve or deny the renewal application within 40 days of receipt of a completed application
• No license shall be issued unless the Colonel of the State Police has certified that issuing the license does not violate state or federal law
• The Colonel has 30 days from receipt of the application to advise the licensing authority of any disqualifying record
• Processing includes state and federal background checks, a fingerprint-based background check (if fingerprints are not already on file), and a check with the Department of Mental Health

M.G.L. c. 140, § 121F(a), (c)-(d), as amended by 2024 Acts c. 135, § 32

Grace Periods for Expired Licenses

An expired LTC remains valid for all lawful purposes under the following circumstances:

1. Timely renewal application filed - If the licensee applied for renewal before the expiration date, the license remains valid until the renewal is approved or denied
2. Active military duty - If the licensee is on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces on the expiration date, the license remains valid until release from active duty plus at least 180 days thereafter; if renewal is applied for within that period, validity extends until the renewal decision
3. 90-day grace period - The license remains valid if the expiration period has not exceeded 90 days beyond the stated expiration date, unless the license has been revoked or suspended

M.G.L. c. 140, § 121F(s), as amended by 2024 Acts c. 135, § 32

Penalties for Expired License

A person in possession of a firearm with an expired license (beyond the 90-day grace period), who is not otherwise disqualified from renewal, is subject to a fine of $100 to $5,000. The criminal possession penalties under M.G.L. c. 269, § 10 do not apply in this limited circumstance.

This penalty exemption does not apply if the license:

• Has been revoked or suspended (unless solely for failure to report a change of address)
• Is the subject of pending revocation or suspension
• Has had a renewal application denied

Law enforcement officers who discover a person with an expired license shall confiscate the firearm and the expired license. The firearm shall be returned if proof of license reinstatement is provided within 1 year of confiscation.

M.G.L. c. 140, § 121F(t), as amended by 2024 Acts c. 135, § 32

Checking Application Status

• Online: Check via the MIRCS Unified Gun Portal
• By phone (residents): Contact the police department where you applied, or call the DCJIS firearms license application hotline at (617) 660-4722 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• By phone (non-residents): Contact the Firearms Records Bureau at (617) 660-4782

Address Change Requirement

Licensees must report any change of address via the electronic firearm registration system administered by DCJIS within 30 days of the change. Failure to notify in a timely manner is cause for revocation or suspension of the license.

M.G.L. c. 140, § 131(g), as amended by Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024

Denial of Renewal & Appeals

A licensing authority shall deny renewal to any person determined to be a prohibited person (felony conviction, domestic violence conviction, active protection orders, etc.) or determined to be unsuitable based on reliable, articulable, and credible information. Denial must be provided in writing with specific reasons.

Applicants aggrieved by a denial may file a petition for judicial review in the district court within 90 days of receiving notice of the denial.

M.G.L. c. 140, § 121F(j)-(k), (m), (v), as amended by 2024 Acts c. 135, § 32

Recent Legislative Changes

The Act Modernizing Firearm Laws (2024 Mass. Acts, Chapter 135), signed into law in 2024, made significant changes to the licensing process including:

• Codified the 40-day processing deadline for applications and renewals
• Established standardized receipt requirements when applications are submitted
• Created the 90-day grace period for expired licenses
• Established the graduated fine structure ($100-$5,000) for possession with an expired license as an alternative to criminal charges
• Added the Firearm Licensing Review Board as an appeal option
• Required electronic notification capability for expiration notices
• Codified the unsuitability standard with written justification requirements
• Mandated inclusion of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline telephone number on all licenses